Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

This Apple Crisp is a timeless comfort dessert featuring tender, spiced apples baked under a crisp, buttery oat topping. It’s warm, cozy, and full of flavor — the perfect recipe for fall or any time you crave a simple homemade treat. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly irresistible experience.

What Is Apple Crisp?

Apple Crisp is a baked dessert made with sliced apples tossed in sugar and cinnamon, then topped with a crumbly mixture of oats, butter, and brown sugar. As it bakes, the apples become soft and caramelized while the topping turns golden and crunchy. It’s similar to apple pie but much easier to make — no dough required.

Other Popular Dessert Recipes

• Apple Dump Cake
• Apple Cobbler
• Apple Crisp Without Oats
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Reasons to Try Apple Crisp

• Quick and easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect balance – Soft apples with a crunchy topping.
• Crowd favorite – Great for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
• Customizable – Works with various fruits like pears or peaches.
• Freezer-friendly – Can be baked or frozen for later.
• No pie crust – All the flavor of apple pie without the extra work.
• Delicious aroma – Fills your home with the smell of cinnamon and butter.

Ingredients Needed to Make Apple Crisp

For the apple filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the crisp topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Peeler and knife
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven

Instructions to Prepare Apple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices (about ¼ inch thick). Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 3: Add Spices and Sweeteners

Add granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch to the apples. Toss until all slices are evenly coated with the mixture. This coating helps create a caramel-like sauce when baked.

Step 4: Arrange the Apples

Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Press down gently to level the surface for even baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well. Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in chopped nuts if using — they add extra crunch and flavor.

Step 6: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Don’t press it down too firmly — you want a light, crumbly texture.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples will fill your kitchen.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

What Goes Well With Apple Crisp

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic pairing that melts into the warm crisp.
• Caramel Sauce – Adds richness and sweetness.
• Whipped Cream – Light and airy contrast to the warm apples.
• Custard – Creamy and old-fashioned pairing.
• Hot Coffee or Tea – Complements the cozy flavors perfectly.

Key Tips for Making Apple Crisp

• Use a mix of apple varieties – Combining tart and sweet apples gives a balanced flavor.
• Slice evenly – Ensures all pieces bake uniformly.
• Keep butter cold – Cold butter creates a crisp, crumbly topping.
• Avoid sogginess – Add a small amount of cornstarch to thicken the filling.
• Don’t overmix the topping – Stop when the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
• Let it rest before serving – This helps the juices settle and enhances flavor.
• Double the topping – If you love extra crunch, make 1½ times the topping recipe.

Creative Variations of Apple Crisp

• Salted Caramel Apple Crisp – Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt before baking.
• Maple Apple Crisp – Replace sugar with maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead of regular flour.
• Berry Apple Crisp – Add 1 cup blueberries or raspberries to the filling.
• Oat-Free Option – Replace oats with crushed graham crackers or almond flour.
• Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp – Add ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
• Mini Apple Crisps – Bake in ramekins for individual servings.

Storage Guidelines for Apple Crisp

• Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for later – Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw safely – Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Avoid covering while warm – Steam can soften the topping.

Reheating Tips for Apple Crisp

• Oven method: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until crisp and warm.
• Microwave method: Heat individual portions for 30–45 seconds (topping may soften slightly).
• Air fryer method: Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 5–6 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 120mg

FAQs

What are the best apples for apple crisp?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness. A mix of varieties adds great flavor depth.

How do you keep the apple crisp topping crunchy?

Use cold butter when mixing the topping and avoid covering the dish while it’s still warm. Reheat in the oven instead of the microwave to keep it crisp.

Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Why is my apple crisp runny?

Too much juice can make the filling watery. Add cornstarch or bake a little longer until the filling bubbles and thickens naturally.

Final Words

This Apple Crisp is the perfect combination of simplicity and comfort — tender apples, a buttery oat topping, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s easy to make, full of warm flavors, and always a crowd favorite. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

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