Apple desserts epitomize family for me. My dad and I prefer fruit over chocolate desserts, so cobblers, pies, and crumbles became our shared favorite ending to a good meal. Now that my grandparents live in Memphis, too, my grandpa is always asking for his apple dessert! I make a version with monk fruit for my grandpa, and you almost wouldn’t know the difference. 

This recipe requires no baking experience, and you better believe it’ll blow your baker friends away. Serve yours warm a la mode with vanilla bean ice cream, and before you know it, you’ll be on thirds. 

This recipe was baked in the Etta B brunch tray from Bella Vita! 

Apple Layer: 

  • 6 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced 
  • Juice of 1 lemon 
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon 
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

Crumble Layer: 

  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
  • 1 cup flour 
  • 1 cup brown sugar 
  • 1 heaping cup old fashioned oats 
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
  • Pinch flaky sea salt 

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large mixing bowl, combine all apple layer ingredients. Transfer to a greased baking dish. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all crumble layer ingredients. Sprinkle in an even layer over the apples. Bake until topping is golden and apples are bubbly, about 45 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Cara Greenstein celebrates intentional and exceptional cuisine in her award-winning food and lifestyle blog, Caramelized, which offers recipes and restaurant reviews, food-focused travel itineraries, and endless tablescape tips. Follow @cara_melized on Instagram for daily inspiration and bookmark her recipes at Caramelizedblog.com.