Brown Butter Apple Crumble

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances warmth, crunch, and fruity freshness, look no further than this Brown Butter Apple Crumble. Featuring tender, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled under a golden, nutty crumble topping, this dessert is the ultimate comfort food for any season. The secret ingredient? Brown butter. It adds a deep, nutty richness that elevates the classic apple crumble to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it on its own, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brown Butter Apple Crumble recipe combines the best of textures and flavors. The apples are soft yet hold their shape, brightened with a splash of lemon juice to balance the sweetness. The crumble topping, enriched with browned butter, rolled oats, and crunchy nuts, offers a perfect contrast to the juicy fruit beneath. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for holiday gatherings. Plus, it uses pantry staples and fresh fruit — no complicated ingredients or fuss.

The Essentials

• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced – Choose your favorite baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds a subtle tang to brighten the apples.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds rich caramel notes to the apple filling.
• 1 cup rolled oats – Gives the crumble topping a hearty texture.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – Binds the crumble topping together.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice to both the filling and topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Browned to develop a nutty, toasty depth.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and crunch to the topping.
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Provides a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl – For tossing apples with lemon juice and sugar.
• Medium saucepan – To brown the butter gently.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
• Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar) – To bake the apple crumble evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing the crumble topping.
• Knife and cutting board – To peel and slice apples.
• Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot dishes.

Brown Butter Apple Crumble: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice 4 medium apples into even pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. Mix in 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until apples are well coated.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter foams, turns a golden brown, and releases a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping

Remove the browned butter from heat and pour it into a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. Stir until the mixture is crumbly and evenly coated with the butter.

Step 4: Assemble the Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the apple mixture evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the crumble for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the apples are bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let the Brown Butter Apple Crumble cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It’s divine on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an extra twist, try it alongside some Caramel Apple Doughnuts for a full-on apple dessert spread.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

• Spring: Add fresh strawberries or rhubarb to the apples for a tart-sweet contrast.
• Summer: Incorporate juicy peaches or blueberries with the apples for a vibrant crumble variation.
• Fall: Embrace the season by mixing in warming spices like nutmeg and cloves alongside the cinnamon.
• Winter: Serve warm with a drizzle of spiced caramel sauce and a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to cozy up chilly nights.

Behind the Recipe

This Brown Butter Apple Crumble recipe was inspired by traditional apple desserts but elevated by the addition of browned butter, which adds a sophisticated depth of flavor. The combination of rolled oats and nuts in the crumble topping creates a wonderful texture contrast. Using lemon juice to brighten the apples keeps the filling fresh and tangy, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

It’s a versatile recipe adaptable to whatever nuts or fruits you have on hand. Plus, it’s approachable for bakers of all skill levels, requiring just a handful of simple steps and ingredients.

Storage Pro Tips

• Store leftover crumble covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through.
• The crumble topping may lose some crispness after refrigeration but can be refreshed by briefly broiling or toasting in the oven.
• For longer storage, crumble can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my crumble topping soggy?

Soggy topping usually means there was too much moisture from the apples or insufficient butter in the topping. Make sure to brown the butter properly, and avoid adding extra liquids. Baking the crumble long enough to let the juices bubble and evaporate also helps.

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples are best for texture, frozen apples can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to reduce excess liquid before mixing with sugar and lemon juice.

How do I prevent the apples from turning mushy?

Choose firm, baking apple varieties and slice them evenly. Avoid overcooking once assembled; bake just until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

Can I substitute the nuts or omit them?

Absolutely! Walnuts and pecans add crunch and flavor, but you can swap them for almonds, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds. If you’re nut-free, simply omit them and increase the oats slightly for texture.

Try These Next

• For another twist on browned butter desserts, try the luscious Brown Butter Blueberry Zucchini Bread Loaf.
• If you love apple and caramel together, don’t miss the delectable Caramel Apple Doughnuts.
• For a seasonal cookie treat, check out the irresistible Caramel Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.

Save & Share

Once you’ve made this Brown Butter Apple Crumble, be sure to save the recipe and share it with friends and family. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or cozy nights in. Snap a photo of your golden, bubbling crumble and tag your favorite food-loving friends to spread the joy of this timeless dessert.

This Brown Butter Apple Crumble is a must-have recipe in your baking repertoire, blending classic flavors with a rich, nutty twist. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an approachable dessert that delivers big on taste and comfort. Ready to bake? Your kitchen is calling!

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