From Orchard to Oven: A Cozy Apple Crumble Recipe for Fall

Hey there mamas!

There’s something magical about fall in Quebec. The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the joy of bundling up for a family outing to the apple orchard. If you read my last post about our apple-picking adventure, you’ll remember the overflowing basket of McIntosh and Cortland apples. We came home with hearts full and a kitchen bursting with possibilities.

And what better way to celebrate the fruits of our labor than with a warm, comforting apple crumble?

This recipe is simple enough to make with little helpers, forgiving if you’re multitasking (as moms often are!), and it fills the house with the kind of smell that makes everyone pause and smile. Think cinnamon, brown sugar, and baked apples—pure coziness in a dish.

Apple crumble is the perfect dessert for busy families. It’s rustic, unfussy, and lets the apples shine. Unlike pie, there’s no rolling or chilling dough. Just slice, mix, sprinkle, and bake. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can use whatever apples you picked, add oats or nuts to the topping, or even sneak in a handful of cranberries for a twist.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 6 medium apples (McIntosh, Cortland, or a mix), peeled and sliced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp flour (to thicken)

For the crumble topping:

• 1 cup flour

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed

 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish (8x8 works well).

2. Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Spread evenly in the baking dish.

3. Make the crumble: In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Top the apples with the crumble mixture, spreading it evenly.

5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling.

6. Cool slightly before serving. It’s heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

   
   

Tips & Twists

• Make it gluten-free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend.

• Add crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.

• Spice it up: Try cardamom or ginger for a deeper flavor.

• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

This crumble isn’t just a dessert—it’s a pure family moment. It’s a chance to connect and savor the season together. It is a wonderful reminder that the joy lies in simple things.

Let me know if you try this recipe! I’d love to hear how your little ones helped, or what twist you added to make it your own!

Love, Katerina