When cozy nights and crisp air call for a classic comfort treat, nothing satisfies quite like Apple Crisp. This golden, bubbly dessert is a beautiful marriage of tart-sweet apples and a buttery, oat-packed topping that bakes up gloriously crunchy. Whether you’re feeding a family after Sunday supper or just craving a nostalgic bite, this Apple Crisp is delightfully easy and always crowd-pleasing. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone in the kitchen, and the first spoonful—warm from the oven, maybe melting under a scoop of ice cream—proves why it remains an all-time favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Apple Crisp so irresistible is its simplicity: every ingredient is there for a reason, making the flavor and texture shine. Fresh apples provide the perfect base, while the crumbly oat topping brings out that signature comforting crunch.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add just the right mix of tartness and sweetness—don’t skip peeling them, for the softest filling.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): This little bit of sugar draws out the juices and sweetens the apples without overpowering them.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon for apples + 1/2 teaspoon for topping): Warming spice is essential for both the apples and the crumble—you’ll love the aroma!
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash brightens the filling, balances the flavors, and keeps those apples from browning.
- Old-Fashioned Oats (1 cup): These create the hearty, addictive crunch in the topping; don’t use quick oats for best results.
- All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): Helps achieve the crumble’s structure so it stays crisp and golden.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings deeper caramel notes to that irresistible topping.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch goes a long way to enhance every sweet, tart bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Cold pieces melt as they bake, forming luscious clumps in the topping—don’t use melted butter for this!
How to Make Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Begin by peeling and slicing your apples—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect for their firm texture and lively flavor. Toss the apple slices in a large bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The sugar and lemon coax out the juices, and the cinnamon infuses every bite with warmth. Once coated, layer the apples in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading them evenly. This base will turn luscious and jammy in the oven.
Step 2: Mix the Crumble Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, flour, packed brown sugar, salt, and that extra dose of cinnamon for depth. Add your cubed, cold unsalted butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, gently work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse, buttery crumbs. This is what will crisp up beautifully and form those irresistible nuggets of flavor on top!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples—don’t be afraid to pile it on! Place your dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping turns golden and you hear the apples bubbling underneath. Let your Apple Crisp cool for a few minutes before serving; it will thicken slightly and the flavors meld even more.
How to Serve Apple Crisp
Garnishes
A glorious Apple Crisp needs little more than a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream to set it off, but you can also add a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. For a touch of freshness, try a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts scattered over the top.
Side Dishes
While Apple Crisp is beautiful on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a mug of hot apple cider or a cozy cup of coffee. If you’d like to lean into autumn flavors, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream infused with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Creative Ways to Present
Amp up the wow factor by baking your Apple Crisp in individual ramekins for charming, single-serve desserts. Layer leftovers with vanilla yogurt and a handful of fresh berries in a parfait glass for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. For gatherings, create a build-your-own Apple Crisp bar with different toppings—think ice cream, toasted nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of honey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Apple Crisp delicious for days, simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to four days—if it lasts that long! The topping may soften a bit, but it’s still scrumptious.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Apple Crisp, either baked or unbaked. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then label and freeze for up to three months. If baking from frozen, allow a little extra time in the oven. For portions, freeze leftovers in individual containers for easy desserts down the road.
Reheating
To revive that signature crunch, reheat Apple Crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through—cover loosely with foil if you’re worried about over-browning. For a quick fix, the microwave works too, but the topping won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in my Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are the star, pears, cranberries, or even a handful of fresh berries work beautifully. Mix them in with the apples, or substitute part of the apples for another fruit for a twist on the classic flavor.
What kind of apples are best for Apple Crisp?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are popular for their tart flavor and ability to hold their shape. You can mix and match varieties for added depth—just avoid apples that become mushy when baked, like Red Delicious.
Why does the topping sometimes get soggy?
If your crumble topping loses its crispness, it may be because the butter was too soft when mixed in, or the apples were too juicy. Chilling the assembled Apple Crisp for 15 minutes before baking can help the topping stay crunchy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You sure can! Substitute the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and double-check that your oats are labeled gluten-free. The texture and flavor will still be wonderfully satisfying.
How do I prevent my Apple Crisp from being too sweet?
Taste your apples before assembling, and adjust the sugar if they’re very sweet. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping by a couple of tablespoons, or add more lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Apple Crisp is a timeless favorite—few recipes are this simple, flexible, and soul-satisfying. Whether you serve it at your next get-together or keep it as a private indulgence, I hope you’ll fall in love with every warm, buttery spoonful. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a new tradition at your table!
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Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this classic Apple Crisp. Sweet cinnamon apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble make for a simple yet irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Make oat crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
- Variations: Mix in pears, cranberries, or nuts for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
