Warm cinnamon apples, crisp buttery oats, and a kiss of brown sugar—this Apple Crisp Recipe is pure classic comfort. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight treat or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a celebration, you’ll fall in love with its sweet aroma and cozy, old-fashioned charm. The best part? It’s incredibly simple, requiring just a handful of pantry staples to yield that melt-in-your-mouth magic. If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a big, delicious hug, look no further.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Crisp Recipe comes together with basic ingredients, each bringing a little something special. The fruit fills every bite with juicy tartness, while the topping lends its irresistible golden crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips to perfect the flavor and texture:
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—their balance of sweet and tart, plus how they hold their shape, makes for ideal filling.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to coax out the apples’ natural sweetness without turning things overly sugary.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warming, fragrant spice that pairs dreamily with apples.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Perks up the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the fruitiness and adds subtle depth to every bite.
- Old-fashioned oats (3/4 cup): These create the classic crumbly, rustic topping with hearty chew.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Binds the topping and gives that crispy-edge effect.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Gives sweetness and a rich, caramel note that shines in the topping.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Echoes the flavor in the filling for extra coziness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch brings out all the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
- Unsalted butter, cold & cubed (1/2 cup): Essential for a crumbly, tender topping—make sure it’s cold for the best texture.
How to Make Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Apple Crisp Recipe bakes evenly from the get-go. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or a mist of baking spray. This step is quick but important—no one wants bits stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a spacious mixing bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Give everything a good stir to make sure each slice gets coated. This mix will glisten and start to smell amazing already! Pour the apples into your greased baking dish and gently spread them out into an even layer—all set for their crisp topping.
Step 3: Mix the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Now, add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or just your fingertips to work the butter in, until the mixture turns into pea-sized crumbles. This step is all about texture—a few minutes of mixing makes that gorgeous, golden top the Apple Crisp Recipe is famous for.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over your prepared apple filling. Try to cover every inch, but don’t worry if some apples peek through. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. When the topping is golden brown and the apples below are bubbling and tender, your Apple Crisp Recipe is ready! Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving—difficult to wait, but worth it.
How to Serve Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A warm scoop of this dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, or a generous dollop of whipped cream. Dust with extra cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a handful of toasted nuts for crunch. A handful of fresh berries can also brighten up the plate!
Side Dishes
If you’d like to round out your meal, try a mug of hot apple cider, coffee, or chai—something cozy to sip alongside your Apple Crisp Recipe. For holiday dinners, it’s a natural fit alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a savory cheese platter before dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic feel, serve in mason jars for individual portions. Or, cut into neat squares once cool and plate up with a swirl of whipped cream. You can even try layering squares of Apple Crisp Recipe in parfait glasses with custard or yogurt for a fun twist at brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Apple Crisp Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It keeps best for up to 3 days. The topping will soften a touch after chilling, but the flavors meld beautifully, making it a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool the crisp completely, then wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat servings in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping crisps up again (about 10-15 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, individual portions can be microwaved for about 30 seconds, but the oven method keeps the texture best.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for an Apple Crisp Recipe?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices because they hold their shape and balance tartness and sweetness, but feel free to mix in your favorites for a more complex flavor.
Can I make the Apple Crisp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will still be perfectly crisp and delicious.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a smoother, more classic texture, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber and rustic charm—just be sure to wash the apples well first.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes! Adding a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping brings wonderful crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this Apple Crisp Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the filling and topping separately a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and combine just before baking for maximum freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp Recipe is foolproof, comforting, and sure to earn rave reviews every time you bake it. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this dish is truly timeless and always brings joy. Give it a try, and make a little cozy magic in your own kitchen!
Print
Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crisp recipe is a classic dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crispy oat topping. Perfect for fall or any time you have a craving for a comforting sweet treat!
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla until evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For added texture, stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
- This recipe works well with a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
