When it comes to heartwarming desserts, the simplest recipes often steal the show. While I appreciate the artistry of complex pastries, there’s a unique charm in the straightforward goodness of a classic apple crumble. This Pioneer Woman apple crumble recipe perfectly exemplifies this, offering a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm dish filled with tender, spiced apples, topped with a golden, crunchy crumble. This apple crumble recipe delivers just that – a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes feelings of home and comfort, perfect for cozy evenings or a sweet ending to any meal. Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a timeless favorite. Be warned, it’s so delicious, you might just find yourself polishing off the entire dish!
Baking Pioneer Woman’s Apple Crumble: Step-by-Step
This recipe shines in its simplicity. It transforms humble Granny Smith apples into a flavorful dessert with just a handful of pantry staples. The active preparation time is minimal, making it ideal for busy bakers. The oven does most of the work, filling your kitchen with the inviting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.
Gather Your Ingredients
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe: Granny Smith apples, flour, oats, sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and water are neatly arranged on a kitchen towel.
For the Apple Filling:
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, melted
Essential Baking Tools
Pyrex Basics Clear Oblong Glass Baking Dishes for making apple crumble recipe. Glass Baking Dish $24.65 at Amazon
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set for preparing apple crumble ingredients. Mixing Bowl Set Shop Now
Mainstays Chrome Whisk Set for mixing dry ingredients of apple crumble. Whisk Set Shop Now
Baking Utensils:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (small and medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler and knife for apples
- Fork or whisk
- Oven
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Base
Sliced apples evenly placed in a glass baking dish for Pioneer Woman apple crumble recipe.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the sliced Granny Smith apples in a single, even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed. Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the dish. Finally, pour ½ cup of water over the apples. This moisture will help the apples soften and create a luscious sauce as the crumble bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Crumble Topping
Preparing the crumble topping in a white mixing bowl for Pioneer Woman apple crumble.
In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine the all-purpose flour, quick oats, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are uniformly mixed. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the melted butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix the melted butter into the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until the mixture is moist and crumbly, with small clumps forming throughout. The texture should resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Assemble and Top the Crumble
Sprinkling crumble topping evenly over sliced apples in a glass baking dish for Pioneer Woman apple crisp.
Evenly distribute the prepared crumble topping over the layer of spiced apples in the baking dish. Ensure that the topping covers the apples completely for a perfect crisp in every bite. Gently press the topping down to secure it slightly.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pioneer Woman apple crumble served warm in a white bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Place the assembled apple crumble in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The crumble is ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and is crisp to the touch. You may also notice the apple filling bubbling around the edges of the dish, indicating it’s cooked through.
Once baked, carefully remove the apple crumble from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit. Serve warm for the best experience.
Why This Pioneer Woman Apple Crumble Recipe is a Winner
Close-up of a serving spoon scooping warm Pioneer Woman apple crumble from a baking dish, with some crumble already served.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm apple crumble, especially during the cooler months. This Pioneer Woman apple crumble recipe elevates this classic dessert to a new level of deliciousness. Initially, eight apples might seem like a lot, but they bake down to the perfect amount, creating a generous and satisfying dessert. I personally love a strong cinnamon flavor, so I often increase the cinnamon to a full teaspoon for an extra warm spice note. However, even without any adjustments, this recipe is remarkably perfect and easy to follow.
Many apple crumble recipes focus heavily on the topping, sometimes at the expense of the apple filling itself. While a crisp and buttery streusel topping is definitely a highlight, this recipe ensures that the apples are equally flavorful and delicious. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast – tender, spiced apples paired with a satisfyingly crunchy topping. The tartness of Granny Smith apples provides a wonderful base that is beautifully complemented by the sweet and crumbly topping. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates an even more dynamic experience, with the warm crumble melting the cold ice cream into a creamy sauce. It’s truly a complete dessert experience that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Crumble
- Classic Comfort: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm crumble is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Whipped Cream Delight: Top with homemade whipped cream for a lighter, yet equally decadent option.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness and a richer flavor profile.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the crumble before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: A dash of nutmeg or cloves in the apple filling can enhance the warm, autumnal flavors.
Explore More Apple Dessert Recipes
Craving more apple goodness? Discover these other delightful apple desserts:
- Oma’s Apfelkuchen (Grandma’s Apple Cake)
- Apple-Honey Dutch Baby
- Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
- Apple Fritter Rings
- Apple Brandy Pecan Cake
- Easy Pickled Apples
- Apple-Walnut Bread Pudding
- Apple Betty with Almond Cream
- Caramel Apple Strudel
- Slow-Cooker Apple Pudding Cake
- Apple Pie
- Slow-Cooker Baked Apples
- Apple Cobbler
- Warm Cinnamon-Apple Topping
- Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple Latkes
- Easy Apple Cake
- Apple Crisp
- Dutch Apple Cake
- Apple Butter
- Easy Apple Cobbler
- Upside-Down Apple Pie
- German Apple Cake
- Chunky Applesauce
- Gran’s Apple Cake
- Swedish Apple Pie
- Apple Dumplings
- Apple Pandowdy
- Apple Streusel
- Apple Crumble
- Apple Dumpling Roll-Ups
- Apple-Nut Bread Pudding
- Apple Cornbread Crisp
- Breakfast Apple Cake
- Cranberry Stuffed Apples
- Easy Apple Strudel
- Apple Cider Doughnuts
- Apple Salad
- Glazed Apple Pie Bars
- Nonni’s Fritole
- Mulled Cider
- Charoset
- Apple Bread
- Macaroon Apple Cobbler
- Cinnamon Apples
- Apple Brown Betty Recipe
- Apple Butter Cake Roll
This Pioneer Woman apple crumble recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and comforting flavors make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade apple crumble!
