Rustic Apple Cinnamon Bake

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

This comforting dish features tender apples tossed with lemon juice and a cinnamon-spiced mixture, layered into a baking dish. A crumbly topping made from flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter is spread over and baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect served warm, it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it a delightful finish to any meal.

Optional additions like chopped nuts enhance crunch and complexity, while pears can be substituted for apples for a delicate twist. This dish requires simple tools such as a baking dish, mixing bowls, and a pastry cutter for preparing the crumb topping.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:05:00 GMT
Golden brown Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, bubbly from the oven, ready to serve warm. Save
Golden brown Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, bubbly from the oven, ready to serve warm. | shiftoven.com

A comforting dessert featuring tender apples layered with a fragrant cinnamon filling and topped with a buttery, golden crumb Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet finish to any meal

This traditional bake is a family favorite that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table every time

Ingredients

  • Fruit: 5 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) peeled cored and sliced, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Filling: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Crumb Topping: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and diced

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease a 9-inch square or similar baking dish
Step 2:
In a large bowl toss the sliced apples with lemon juice
Step 3:
In a separate bowl mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly
Step 4:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish spreading evenly
Step 5:
For the crumb topping combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl Add the cold, diced butter Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs
Step 6:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples
Step 7:
Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender
Step 8:
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Product image
Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| shiftoven.com

This dessert always brings my family together especially during chilly evenings we look forward to it every season

Required Tools

9-inch square or similar baking dish, large mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons, peeler and knife

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter) Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten use certified gluten-free oats if needed Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies

Nutritional Information

Calories 320, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 3 g per serving

A comforting photo: a baked Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, perfect with vanilla ice cream. Save
A comforting photo: a baked Rustic Apple and Cinnamon Crumb Bake, perfect with vanilla ice cream. | shiftoven.com
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This apple and cinnamon crumb bake is the perfect comforting dessert to enjoy year-round

Recipe Q&A

What apples work best for this bake?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and offer balanced tartness and sweetness.

Can I substitute pears for apples?

Yes, pears can replace some or all apples for a milder, slightly floral flavor and tender texture.

How do I achieve a crisp crumb topping?

Use cold butter cut into flour, oats, and sugars until coarse crumbs form, then bake until golden brown for the ideal crunch.

Is it possible to add nuts to this dish?

Chopped walnuts or pecans added to the crumb topping provide extra texture and nutty flavor.

What serving suggestions complement this baked dish?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the cozy spices and buttery crumb.

How should I prepare the apples before baking?

Peel, core, and slice the apples, then toss them with lemon juice to maintain freshness and add brightness.

Rustic Apple Cinnamon Bake

Tender apples and spiced cinnamon topped with golden crumb for a comforting baked dessert.

Time to Prep
20 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Overall Time
60 min
Recipe by Samuel Hill


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-free

What You Need

Fruit

01 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Filling

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
03 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crumb Topping

01 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup rolled oats
03 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square or similar baking dish.

Step 02

Coat Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice until evenly coated.

Step 03

Mix Filling: Combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour in a separate bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss gently to coat.

Step 04

Assemble Base Layer: Transfer the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Prepare Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold diced butter and use fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 06

Top Apples: Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools Needed

  • 9-inch square or similar baking dish
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler and knife

Allergy Details

Review each item to spot allergens, and consult a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Nutrition (per serving)

For guidance only. Always check with a medical provider for advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 3 g