If you’re looking for the ultimate cold-weather comfort dessert, let me introduce you to Apple Crisp. This classic dish is a celebration of autumn flavors, bringing together sweet-tart apples baked beneath a cozy, buttery oat topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or let its warm, cinnamon-scented aroma fill your kitchen solo, Apple Crisp is the treat that always vanishes first at gatherings—and for good reason.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What sets Apple Crisp apart is that you only need a handful of humble ingredients, each bringing its own special touch to the party. The tartness of apples, the warmth of spices, and the crunch from the topping all come together in a harmony that screams homestyle goodness.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for the perfect balance of tart and sweet — they also hold up beautifully during baking.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): A hint of sweetness to enhance the apples without overpowering their natural flavor.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, zesty touch that keeps the fruit from browning and balances out the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warmth and spice, giving the Apple Crisp that cozy, unmistakable aroma.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way, adding nutty depth to every bite.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 cup): For a rustic, hearty topping that crisps up golden and beautiful.
- All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): Holds the topping together, so you get those crave-worthy buttery clusters.
- Packed Brown Sugar (3/4 cup): Deep, caramel-like notes that make the crisp irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, cold & in cubes): Cold butter makes the topping rich and crispy—don’t let it get too warm!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and bring out all the best flavors.
How to Make Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy. This little bit of prep makes all the difference in achieving those beautiful golden edges!
Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a large bowl, add your peeled, sliced apples. Sprinkle over the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a big spoon or your hands to gently toss everything together, making sure every slice is coated with that fragrant mixture—this is where the Apple Crisp really starts to take shape.
Step 3: Layer the Apples
Pour the seasoned apples into your prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly so the topping covers everything; this guarantees both juicy baked apples and maximum crumble.
Step 4: Mix the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Next, drop in the cubes of cold butter. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or just your fingers, blend the mixture until it looks like chunky wet sand with some larger buttery bits. This is key for that signature crisp bite on your Apple Crisp.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Scatter the crumbly oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering every nook and cranny. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. When the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges, it’s time. Resist diving in immediately and let it cool for about 10 minutes—it’ll thicken just right.
How to Serve Apple Crisp
Garnishes
Nothing says classic comfort quite like a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the warmth of Apple Crisp. If you want to dress it up, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of toasted nuts will elevate every serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Crisp with freshly brewed coffee or a cozy mug of hot spiced cider for the ultimate autumn dessert experience. If you’re hosting brunch, serve the crisp alongside thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a luxurious twist.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try spooning warm Apple Crisp into mason jars or individual ramekins for a fun, portable treat. You can also layer it into parfaits, alternating crisp and whipped cream, for a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Crisp can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and a quick reheat brings everything right back to its cozy glory.
Freezing
This dessert also freezes quite well. Let the Apple Crisp cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze the whole dish or portion it into single servings for easy treats later on.
Reheating
To enjoy that signature crisp topping, reheat the Apple Crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. For speed, you can use the microwave—it won’t be quite as crunchy but will still be utterly delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their firm texture and balanced flavor, feel free to combine other varieties for added depth. Apples like Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Fuji will give your Apple Crisp a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The texture and comfort of Apple Crisp will be just as satisfying.
What’s the best way to cut the butter into the topping?
Cold, cubed butter is easiest to work with. Either use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your hands—just work quickly so it stays cool and gives your topping that perfect, flaky crumb.
Is it okay to prepare Apple Crisp in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire Apple Crisp a few hours ahead of baking—just cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if it goes straight from fridge to oven.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts in the topping add lovely crunch, while dried cranberries or raisins mixed with the apples offer extra bursts of flavor. Get creative and make your Apple Crisp your own.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the kitchen with smiles and spoons in hand. There’s just something magical about the way simple ingredients transform into a golden, bubbly dessert. Grab your favorite apples, and give this classic a try—you’re in for a treat that never fails to impress!
Print
Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Apple Crisp recipe is a comforting and classic dessert perfect for fall. Sweet and tender apples are topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture, baked to perfection, and best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the 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 granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Apple Crisp: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
