Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble – Sweet, Crumbly & Soul-Warming

Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble with golden topping in baking dish

By:

RAMSAY

|

July 3, 2025

Last Updated

|

July 3, 2025

Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble is the ultimate comfort dessert—simple, warm, and irresistibly delicious. With tart apples, cozy cinnamon, and a golden, buttery topping, it’s a dish that feels like home. Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or just need a sweet escape after a long day, this crumble always delivers. Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble is the kind of dessert that makes you feel like wrapping yourself in a blanket and ignoring all your responsibilities. It’s sweet, tart, buttery, and just fancy enough to wow a crowd—without the stress of mastering a complicated recipe.

Table of Contents

What is Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble?

Gordon Ramsay’s Apple Crumble is a refined take on the traditional British dessert—soft, spiced apples nestled under a buttery, crumbly topping. What makes his version so beloved is the texture contrast: tender, caramelized apples at the base and a golden crisp crust that adds a perfect bite. Ramsay keeps the ingredients honest—no unnecessary fuss—but he pays close attention to balance. Tart Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples give it zing, while the topping adds sweetness and crunch. The result? A dessert that feels homey yet elevated enough to serve at a dinner party.

Looking for a full-course Gordon experience? After dessert, balance it out with something savory like Gordon Ramsay’s pan-fried salmon—simple, crisp, and absolutely packed with flavor.

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

Let’s be honest: we all need a dessert that’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to wow the crowd. Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble checks every box. First, it’s quick—just 15 minutes of prep and a bake time that lets you clean the kitchen (or sneak in a quiet moment). Second, it’s a forgiving recipe. No pastry skills? No problem. That crumble topping practically begs to be imperfect. And finally, it’s endlessly versatile. Serve it warm, cold, with ice cream or custard, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that feels brand-new every time. Bonus? It makes your house smell like autumn in the best way.

This dessert also pairs surprisingly well after a rich veggie-forward meal. Try Gordon Ramsay’s braised cabbage—a buttery, tender side that’s hearty but not heavy.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble Ingredients
Simple ingredients for Gordon Ramsay’s apple crumble

No complicated shopping list here—just pantry staples and fresh apples. Below is everything you’ll need:

For the Apple Filling:

  • 4 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Peeled and sliced. Tart apples hold up well and contrast beautifully with the sweet topping.
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar – Helps draw out the natural juices of the apples.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar – Adds depth and a bit of caramel flavor.
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Because apple + cinnamon = comfort.
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice – Prevents the apples from browning and adds brightness.
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds a mellow richness.

For the Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for that classic crumbly texture.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Cold butter is key! It melts as it bakes and creates those crunchy bits we all love.
  • ¼ cup brown sugar – Rich and slightly molasses-y.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar – For light sweetness and crispness.
  • ½ tsp salt – A pinch goes a long way in balancing the sweetness.
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon – Ties the flavor together from top to bottom.
  • ½ cup rolled oats (optional) – Adds hearty texture and makes it feel a little rustic (and maybe a tiny bit healthier?).
  • Vanilla ice cream or custard – Because warm dessert + cold topping = magic.
  • Powdered sugar – A light dusting just before serving adds that wow factor.

Note: You can easily swap apples for pears or even add a handful of fresh berries to switch things up.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Vanilla ice cream – Cold meets warm, and the crowd goes wild.
  • Custard or whipped cream – British-style or indulgently American.
  • Powdered sugar – A light dusting makes it feel extra special.

Quick Tip: Want a little twist? Toss in a handful of raisins or chopped walnuts with the apples for added texture and flavor. If you’re feeling bold, a splash of bourbon or brandy in the filling takes things up a notch—without making it too boozy.

Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

Making Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble is refreshingly easy—no fancy equipment, no pie crust tantrums. Just a few steps and your kitchen will smell like a dream. Here’s how to bring this British classic to life.

Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that warms up, grab your apples—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. Peel and slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Toss the slices in a large mixing bowl with:

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Give it all a good mix until the apples are coated and glistening. Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Add ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. This part is fun—use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until you get a coarse, crumbly texture. It should resemble rough sand with some buttery chunks. If you’re using rolled oats, stir in ½ cup now for that extra crunch.

Don’t overwork it. The key is cold butter and a light touch—it’s what gives the topping its signature texture.

Assemble and Bake

Now, sprinkle that crumble mixture evenly over your apple layer. Don’t press it down—just let it fall naturally in clumps so it bakes up craggy and crisp.

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. If your topping browns too fast, loosely tent with foil.

Serve and Savor

Once baked, let the crumble cool for 5–10 minutes. This helps everything settle and prevents tongue burns (we’ve all been there).

Spoon it into bowls and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, warm custard, or even a drizzle of cream. That hot-and-cold combo? It’s a game changer.

What to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble is already a star, but pairing it with the right sides can turn dessert into a full-on experience. First up: vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess melts into the warm crumble, creating a luscious contrast that’s hard to beat. Prefer something traditional? Warm custard is a British classic that hugs every bite with silky sweetness.

If you’re going a little extra, try a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. And for cozy nights, a cup of spiced chai or black tea on the side makes this feel like the ultimate comfort ritual.

If you’re craving more sweet inspiration, don’t miss Gordon Ramsay’s tiramisu. It’s layered, creamy, and guaranteed to impress.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

To make your Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble taste like it just left a 5-star kitchen (without yelling in a British accent), here are some tips:

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
  • Chill your butter before making the crumble topping. Warm butter melts too quickly and ruins the texture.
  • Don’t press down the topping. Leave it loose and clumpy so it bakes up crisp and golden.
  • Add oats for a rustic touch or keep it classic and smooth without them.
  • And don’t skip the vanilla—just that little splash ties the entire dessert together.

Whether it’s for holidays or weeknights, Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble is practically foolproof if you keep these small details in mind.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

Let’s be honest—Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble rarely lasts long enough to need storing. But if you do have leftovers (or planned ahead, look at you!), here’s how to keep that magic going:

Storing:

Let the crumble cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just wrap it well and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes to revive the crisp topping. In a rush? The microwave works too—just know the topping may go a bit soft.

Tip: Add a splash of cream or a pat of butter before reheating for extra indulgence.

Want to switch things up from apples? Try Gordon Ramsay’s blondies—they’re golden, gooey, and every bit as addictive.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one dessert that can bring a little warmth, a little wow, and a whole lot of flavor to your table, it’s Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble. It’s classic without being boring, rich without being heavy, and impressive without requiring pastry chef-level skills. Whether you’re making it for a weekend dinner or just because the apples in your fridge are giving you guilt trips, this recipe delivers every time.

With its sweetly spiced apples, buttery crunch, and that irresistible “just one more spoonful” energy, Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble deserves a spot in your dessert rotation. Trust us—this one’s worth heating up the oven for.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

FAQs

What is Gordon Ramsay’s most famous recipe?

While he’s known for many dishes, Gordon Ramsay’s most iconic recipe is arguably his Beef Wellington. It’s a true showstopper and a masterclass in technique.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s favorite dessert?

He’s expressed love for traditional British desserts like sticky toffee pudding and, of course, a good apple crumble.

Is there a difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

Yes! The key difference is texture. Apple crisp usually includes oats and nuts in the topping for extra crunch, while a traditional apple crumble has a finer, more streusel-like top—though Gordon Ramsay’s version can include oats if desired.

How do you caramelize apples in Gordon Ramsay’s apple crumble?

While this recipe keeps it simple, you can slightly caramelize the apples by sautéing them briefly in butter and brown sugar before baking. It adds a deeper flavor, especially if your apples are on the tart side.

Print

Gordon Ramsay Apple Crumble

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This warm, cozy dessert brings together cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden, buttery crumble topping. Inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s approach, it’s a timeless British treat that’s simple to make and impossible to resist.

  • Author: RAMSAY
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: British
  • Cuisine: Baking

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling:

  • 4 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup rolled oats (optional for added crunch)

Optional Garnishes:

  • Vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar for a light dusting

Instructions

  • Prep the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir until evenly coated, then pour into a greased baking dish.
  • Make the Crumble: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the oats if you’re using them.
  • Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling at the edges.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Let the crumble rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Notes

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more flavor.
  • Make ahead: store unbaked crumble in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star