Autumn is a season that brings with it a plethora of delicious ingredients, and one of the most iconic fruits of this time is the Granny Smith apple. These tart and crisp apples are perfect for creating a mouth - watering fall dessert, and today we're going to explore a wonderful homemade apple crumble recipe that will surely become a staple in your autumn cooking repertoire.

Let's start with the star of the show - the apples. Granny Smith apples are in season during the fall, making them readily available and at their freshest. Their tart flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, buttery oat topper that will crown our apple crumble. However, if you're not a fan of the tartness, or if Granny Smith apples aren't available, you can easily substitute them with your favorite baking apple. Some great alternatives include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples, each bringing their own unique flavor profile to the dish.

To begin making this apple crumble, you'll first need to prepare the apples. Start by washing the apples thoroughly under running water. Then, core and peel them. You can use an apple corer and peeler for a quicker and more efficient process. Once peeled and cored, cut the apples into small, bite - sized pieces. Place these pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle them with a bit of lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a hint of freshness but also helps prevent the apples from browning.

Next, it's time to add the sweeteners and spices. In the same bowl with the apples, add a generous amount of granulated sugar. The sugar will caramelize as the apples bake, creating a sweet and syrupy sauce. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor. Along with the sugars, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of salt. These spices are the essence of fall and will infuse the apples with a warm, comforting aroma.

Now, let's move on to the oat topper. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, all - purpose flour, and a bit of brown sugar. The oats will give the topper a crispy texture, while the flour helps bind the ingredients together. To make the topper extra rich and flavorful, add a generous amount of cold butter, cut into small cubes. Use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is crucial as it creates the perfect texture for the topper.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a bit of butter or non - stick cooking spray. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the oat topper over the apples, covering them completely. Make sure the topper is distributed evenly so that every bite has a bit of the crispy goodness.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 - 50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topper is golden brown and crispy. You can check the doneness of the apples by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of the apple pieces. If the toothpick goes in easily, the apples are ready.

Once the apple crumble is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the crumble to set slightly. You can serve the apple crumble warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of the warm, spiced apples and the crispy oat topper with the cold, creamy accompaniments is simply divine.

This homemade apple crumble is not only delicious but also relatively easy to make. It's a great recipe to share with family and friends during the fall season. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, having a cozy night in, or just looking for a sweet treat, this apple crumble is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and start baking this wonderful fall dessert today!