When the crisp autumn air starts to settle in, nothing warms the soul quite like a cozy, comforting dessert made with fresh, juicy apples. Apple slump is a classic American treat that is both rustic and irresistibly delicious.
It’s a simple baked dessert featuring tender, spiced apples topped with a biscuit-like dough or dumpling topping that slumps over the fruit as it bakes, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Think of it as a cousin to the apple crisp or cobbler but with its own unique charm and history.
This recipe is perfect for those who want a homey dessert that’s easy to prepare yet impressive in taste. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just indulging your sweet tooth, apple slump offers a warm, nostalgic experience with every bite.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to make use of seasonal apples and fill your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple slump is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, soft and crumbly, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The topping is biscuit-like but tender, absorbing the juices from the spiced apples underneath while still maintaining a slight golden crust on top.
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize. You can swap out apple varieties according to your taste or what’s available, and adjust the spices to make it as warm or as mild as you like.
It doesn’t require any special equipment or fancy ingredients, making it accessible for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Best of all, apple slump is wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, making it the ultimate comfort dessert for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
Equipment
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar size)
- Mixing bowls (at least two)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Pastry cutter or fork (for cutting in butter)
- Whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. The flour will help thicken the juices as it bakes.
- Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so the apples are in a single layer.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together when pressed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the apples. The dough should cover most of the apples but doesn’t need to be perfect—this rustic look is part of the charm.
- If desired, sprinkle the topping with brown sugar to add extra caramelization and crunch.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cooked through, and the apples are bubbly and tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the apple slump cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly.
Tips & Variations
Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness.
For a gluten-free option, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in both the filling and topping.
Spice it up! Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple mixture for a seasonal twist.
You can also stir in some raisins or chopped nuts for extra texture.
If you prefer a more cake-like topping, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough and consider folding in a few tablespoons of oats.
To make this dessert vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Apple slump is delightful served warm, straight from the oven. For an extra indulgent treat, top each serving with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts also complements the dessert beautifully. For a lighter option, serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even mulled cider during the fall months. It’s the perfect way to round off a comforting meal.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or explore cozy baking treats like the Best Vegan Cheese Scone Recipe for Fluffy, Tasty Bakes.
Conclusion
Apple slump is a timeless dessert that embodies comfort and simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you can create a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and nostalgia.
The combination of tender, spiced apples and a soft, biscuit-like topping makes it a perfect choice for family gatherings, festive occasions, or a cozy night in.
Its ease of preparation and versatility also make it a wonderful recipe to have in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, apple slump offers a gratifying way to celebrate the apple season.
So next time you crave a sweet, homey treat, give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of warmth and tradition.
For more easy and delicious recipes to explore, don’t miss our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or dive into hearty meals with Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try.
📖 Recipe Card: Apple Slump
Description: A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples topped with a biscuit-like dough. Perfect for cozy evenings and served best with vanilla ice cream or cream.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Pour apple mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 52 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Apple Slump”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples topped with a biscuit-like dough. Perfect for cozy evenings and served best with vanilla ice cream or cream.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced”, “1/2 cup granulated sugar”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 cup all-purpose flour”, “2 teaspoons baking powder”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed”, “1/2 cup milk”, “2 tablespoons brown sugar”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, toss apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour apple mixture into a greased baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in milk to form a soft dough.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the apples.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “52 g”}}