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Apple Crisp Recipe

easy Apple Crisp recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.