Turn your favourite bake into a chilled treat! This Apple Crumble Ice Cream Dessert blends spiced apples, creamy vanilla, and a golden oat crumble for a frozen twist on a British classic — with vegan swaps and easy prep tips.
You might remember in our September Monthly Scoop how my kitchen turned into a full-on crumble factory — trays of golden apple and pear crumbles, the scent of cinnamon in the air, and a happy family digging in before they’d even cooled.
But after freezing a few portions, curiosity got the better of me. I tried a crumble straight from the freezer (after a little defrosting), and to my surprise, it was incredible.
Now, I’m not usually one for eating food meant to be hot straight from the fridge (I see the irony, considering what I do!), but that cold crumble had everything — tender spiced apple, buttery crumbs that stayed crisp, and that perfect sweet-tart balance. Texturally? Fantastic.
That’s when inspiration hit me – why not turn it into a Frozen Apple Crumble Ice Cream Dessert? A creamy, crunchy, cool twist on a British classic — and just the thing when you want comfort and refreshment in one spoonful.
This Apple Crumble Ice Cream Dessert blends spiced caramelised apples, creamy vanilla ice cream, and a crunchy oat crumble topping, and in this article, we’ll include vegan swaps, no-churn method, and simple step-by-step instructions for an irresistible, year-round treat.
🍏 What You’ll Find in This Article
- How to make your own quick apple compote base
- A golden crumble topping with optional oat crunch
- Layering ideas for picture-perfect sundaes
- Vegan-friendly swaps for dairy and butter
- Tips to turn leftovers into breakfast-worthy parfaits
From Crumble Dish to Dessert Glass
Apple crumbles have always been the heart of autumn — warm, spiced, and full of that harvest comfort we all love.
This year, I was lucky enough to receive an abundance of apples (as mentioned in our September Monthly Scoop), and my kitchen quickly turned into a crumble-making haven.
Everyone has their own little add, and mine is that I love adding a sprinkle of oats to my crumbles — it gives that lovely texture and gentle crunch, and it helps soak up the juices so things never get too mushy. And of course, no crumble in our house is complete without a scoop of ice cream on top — sorry, custard fans, but ice cream always wins the day here!
In all truth, this next step was inevitable – Turning my favourite bake into a chilled, spoonable dessert just made sense — and the result? All the same flavours and comfort of a classic crumble, wrapped up in a creamy, frozen twist.
Here’s how to make it happen…
🍎 Apple Crumble Sundae Recipe
Our Apple Crumble Sundae brings together the cosy comfort of a homemade crumble with the cool creaminess of ice cream — layered, golden, and absolutely irresistible.
(Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Chill Time: 2 hrs | Serves: 4)
Ingredients
Apple Layer:
- 2 medium Bramley or Braeburn apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for vegan version)
- Optional: splash of lemon juice
Crumble Topping:
- 50g plain flour
- 25g rolled oats (for crunch – optional but highly recommended)
- 25g light brown sugar
- 30g butter (or vegan block alternative)
- Pinch of salt
To Assemble:
- 300ml vanilla ice cream (dairy or vegan)
- Caramel or butterscotch sauce, for drizzle
- Crushed biscuit or extra oats, for garnish
Method
1️⃣ Cook the Apples: Melt butter in a small pan, add chopped apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 8–10 minutes until soft and caramelised. Let cool fully.
2️⃣ Make the Crumble: Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Rub butter into flour, oats, and sugar until crumbly. Spread on a tray and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool completely — it’ll crisp up beautifully.
3️⃣ Assemble the Sundae: In tall glasses, layer ice cream, cooled apple compote, and crumble. Repeat, finishing with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of oats.
4️⃣ Serve Immediately: Eat straight away for a contrast of textures, or freeze for 30 minutes for a firmer, layered effect.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 295 kcal | Fat: 14.8 g | Saturated Fat: 8.9 g | Carbohydrates: 37.2 g | Sugars: 25.6 g | Protein: 3.6 g | Sodium: 58 mg)
Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
🌱 Dairy-Free & Vegan Version
Whether you’re keeping things dairy-free or simply fancy a lighter twist, this Apple Crumble Ice Cream Dessert is easy to adapt without losing an ounce of comfort or creaminess.
- Swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan block.
- Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream (oat or coconut-based).
- Top with maple syrup instead of caramel sauce.
💚 You’ll still get that toasty crumble texture and creamy indulgence — all plant-based and just as comforting.
🥄 Crumble Add-In Table (Rustic Caramel Style)
Just like every family has their favourite crumble recipe, these little extras help make yours unique. Whether you love a bit of crunch or a whisper of spice, here are our favourite ways to elevate that buttery topping.
| Mix-In | Ingredient | Flavour Profile | Texture | How to Add |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oats | Rolled or jumbo | Nutty, toasted | Crunchy | Mix into crumble topping |
| Pecans | Chopped | Sweet, buttery | Crunchy | Stir through baked crumble |
| Ginger | Crystallised or ground | Warming spice | Chewy | Fold into apple layer |
| Brown Sugar | Soft light or dark | Caramel sweetness | Crisp once baked | Sprinkle before baking |
| Salt | Flaked | Balances sweetness | Subtle crunch | Finish as garnish |
💡 Did You Know?
Apples don’t usually feature in ice cream because their high water content can lead to icy textures — but by caramelising them first, you remove excess moisture and intensify the flavour. The result? A scoop that tastes like pure autumn (or any season you fancy).
👉🏽 Curious why Apple ice cream is such a rarity? Take a peek at our full guide — Why Don’t We See Apple Ice Cream (and Clever Ways to Make It Work) — for the science, the secrets, and a few flavour-boosting tricks.
❓ FAQ – Your Frozen Apple Crumble Sundae Questions Answered
1. Can I use leftover crumble for this recipe?
Absolutely — that’s one of the best parts! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before layering. The slight crunch that remains after freezing gives a lovely texture contrast against the ice cream.
2. What type of apples work best?
Bramley apples are perfect for a tangy hit, while Braeburns bring a natural sweetness. If you prefer a softer compote, use a mix of both for balance.
3. How do I stop the apples from going watery?
Caramelising them gently first drives off the excess moisture and concentrates the flavour. A touch of lemon juice helps too — it keeps their colour bright.
4. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the layers and freeze for up to 2 days. Just remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving so the crumble softens slightly and the flavours shine.
5. How can I make this recipe vegan?
Use your favourite dairy-free ice cream, swap butter for coconut oil in the crumble, and drizzle with maple syrup instead of caramel. It stays just as cosy and delicious!
🔗 Related Reads You Might Also Like
👉🏽 5 Delicious Autumn-Inspired Ice Cream Recipes That Taste Like A Hug – If you love the comfort of apple crumble, you’ll adore these Autumn-Inspired Ice Cream Recipes — each one captures that same hug-in-a-bowl feeling with flavours like brown butter pecan, pumpkin pie, and caramel apple.
👉🏽 A Delicious and Easy Homemade Butterscotch Ice Cream – The perfect drizzle partner for this sundae.
👉🏽 Bonfire Night Flavours – Fiery Fusions to Warm You Up – Carry the autumn comfort straight into November.
The Final Scoop
From freshly baked pudding to chilled indulgence, this Frozen Apple Crumble Sundae proves that even the most classic comfort desserts can reinvent themselves.
It’s a taste of autumn nostalgia, served with a frosty twist — crunchy, creamy, caramelised, and completely crave-worthy.
So next time you have leftover crumble, pop it in the freezer — you might just discover your new favourite way to enjoy it cold.
💬 What do you think — are you team warm crumble or cold sundae? Tell us in the comments below, or tag your creations with @FrostedFusions to share your scoop of the season. 🍏✨
We hope you’ve enjoyed our Apple Crumble Ice Cream Dessert – A Frozen Take on a Classic and that it’s inspired you to give this comforting twist a go at home. Whether you serve it freshly frozen or let it soften into that perfect chilled crumble texture, it’s proof that old favourites can find new life in a scoop!
If you have any questions or want to share how your version turned out, drop us a comment below — we love hearing from our fellow dessert dreamers. 🍨
Stay connected for more homemade ice cream inspiration! Share your creations with us on social media and join our growing community of scoop enthusiasts. From classic comforts to creative fusions, we’ve always got something delicious in the works.
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I found this really interesting because I have never tasted apple crumble. In South Sudan, we don’t make desserts like this, so reading about it feels new to me. The idea of mixing apples, oats, and ice cream sounds both strange and tempting. These are kinds of articles that make me feel like I’m traveling the world as a dreaming digital nomad.
It reminds me of how we sometimes cook fruits with porridge or milk, though this one seems more like a treat than a meal. I wonder how it tastes when it’s frozen. Maybe one day I can try making a version with mango or guava, fruits we know well back home. But thanks for making me walk with you in this.
John Monyjok Maluth
Hi John,
Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
I love that you mentioned how this article made you feel like you were “travelling the world as a dreaming digital nomad.” That’s one of the best compliments I could receive, because food really does have a way of connecting us to places we haven’t visited yet.
Apple crumble is very much a British comfort dessert — warm, soft apples topped with a buttery oat crumble — usually served with custard or cream. Turning it into ice cream keeps the cinnamon-spiced flavour but adds that cool, creamy twist.
Your idea of using mango or guava is brilliant. Those fruits are naturally sweet and fragrant, which would pair beautifully with a crumble or ripple.
Mango especially freezes well and keeps its flavour intensity — it would make an incredible tropical version of this dessert. You’re giving me ideas now…
If you’re curious about frozen fruit desserts that honour local or familiar flavours, you might enjoy these articles – Mango Ice Cream (intensely fruity) and Passion Fruit Sorbet (bright, tangy, and tropical)
Both recipes rely on the natural sweetness and acidity of the fruit, so the flavour doesn’t get lost when frozen — exactly the challenge we run into with apples.
If you ever feel like trying a hybrid version – a mango crumble ripple ice cream – would be an incredible nod to both worlds: tropical fruit meets comfort dessert.
Thank you again for walking with me through these flavours and ideas.
Wishing you all the very best,
Cherie
This looks absolutely incredible! What a genius idea to transform the warm, comforting flavors of apple crumble into a frozen dessert. The contrast between the spiced apple pieces, the crunchy crumble, and the creamy ice cream base must be divine. I can already imagine this being the star of any summer gathering.
Your photos are making my mouth water! I love a dessert that combines different textures, and this one seems to have it all. Pinning this recipe to try very soon—thank you for sharing such a creative and delicious-looking fusion!
Hi Cian,
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment — you’ve summed up exactly what I was aiming for with this recipe. Apple crumble is usually a cosy, warm dessert, so turning it into something cold, creamy, and a bit unexpected was incredibly fun to experiment with.
The mix of textures really makes it — soft spiced apples, crunchy buttery crumble, and that smooth ice cream base. It feels familiar and comforting, but still a little bit “ooh, that’s different!”
If you do give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you.
And if you enjoy flavour fusions like this, you might also like my Banana Split Sundae or the Creme Brulee Ice Cream — both have that same playful twist on a dessert classic.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts — comments like yours genuinely make my day.
All the best,
Cherie