Apple Crisp is the ultimate comfort food dessert that never fails to impress with its mouthwatering layers of tender, cinnamon-scented apples crowned by a golden, buttery oat topping. Whether you crave something sweet after dinner or want to treat friends on a cozy weekend, this classic recipe captures the essence of fall in every bite. Warm, nostalgic, and so easy to make, this dish is destined to become a staple in your home any time you’re craving that perfect blend of fruity and crunchy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something special about recipes that come together with simple pantry staples and fresh fruit, and this is one of them. These key ingredients each have a role to play in bringing out the very best flavors and textures in your Apple Crisp.
- Apples: Use 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a sweet-tart flavor and tender texture.
- Granulated sugar: Just 2 tablespoons for the apples and another 1/4 cup for the topping add enough sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon brightens the apples and keeps them from browning.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for the apples and 1/2 teaspoon for the topping to create that classic warm spice.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 3/4 cup gives the crisp topping its irresistible crunch.
- All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup helps bind the topping and adds a crumbly texture.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, for a rich caramel note in the topping.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, cold and diced, ensures your oat topping is perfectly tender and golden after baking.
How to Make Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated—they should look glossy and fragrant. Spread this apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to work the butter into the mixture until it turns into coarse crumbs. You want little chunks of butter left—they’ll melt in the oven and create a fabulously crisp topping!
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over your apples. Don’t press it down too hard; a light touch is key for the best texture. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden-brown and the apples underneath are bubbling deliciously.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Apple Crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken up slightly and makes scooping a little easier. It’s best enjoyed warm, so don’t be afraid to dig in right away!
How to Serve Apple Crisp
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven with the warm crisp. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans adds another layer of delightful flavor and crunch. Even a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries can make each serving pop, visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Apple Crisp truly shines as a dessert centerpiece, but you can pair it with a steaming mug of chai tea or spiced cider for a quintessential autumn treat. If serving at brunch, a tangy fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt on the side rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Apple Crisp by baking individual servings in small ramekins or mason jars—so charming for dinner parties! Alternatively, layer the crisp with whipped cream in clear glasses for a rustic parfait. If you’re serving a crowd, try topping the entire baked crisp with a big scoop of ice cream and letting everyone dig in family-style for a truly joyful, communal dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Crisp will keep wonderfully in your refrigerator for up to three days when covered tightly. The topping might soften a bit, but a quick reheat will bring it back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze Apple Crisp before or after baking! Simply cover the assembled (but unbaked) dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. If you’ve already baked it, let it cool, wrap well, and freeze. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or when you want a treat on hand.
Reheating
For the crispiest result, reheat leftover Apple Crisp in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping refreshes. You can also use the microwave for speed (about 45-60 seconds per serving), though the topping will be a little softer.
FAQs
What are the best apples for Apple Crisp?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both great options—Granny Smith lends a tangy bite while Honeycrisp brings extra sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the oat topping add wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with baked apples.
Is it possible to make Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result is every bit as delicious.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
To keep your topping crisp, use cold butter and avoid covering the dish tightly until it’s completely cooled. Reheating in the oven, rather than the microwave, will help keep the topping crunchy too.
Can I make Apple Crisp ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before popping into the oven. It’s fantastic for preparing ahead for holiday meals or casual gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that one comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as effortless as it is irresistible, make this Apple Crisp your next baking adventure. The combination of juicy apples, cinnamon, and a perfectly golden oat topping is bound to win hearts every single time. Don’t wait for a special occasion—invite some friends over or treat yourself and rediscover just how magical a homemade Apple Crisp can be!
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Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Apple Crisp recipe is a comforting dessert perfect for fall. Sweet and tart apples are baked with a buttery oat topping until golden and bubbly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the crisp topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread the apples in the baking dish.
- Make the crisp topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and work it into the mixture until coarse crumbs form.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- This apple crisp can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
