Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
There’s nothing like a warm apple crisp to make the house smell amazing and bring everyone to the kitchen.
This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is one of my go-to desserts when I want something cozy, quick, and full of fall flavors. With a soft layer of spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly oat topping, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.
I started making this recipe on cool autumn nights, but now it’s a favorite any time of year. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but delicious enough to bring to a family gathering.
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – This apple crisp is made with pantry staples like oats, cinnamon, and butter, making it quick to prepare.
- Full of Flavor – The combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar makes every bite comforting and delicious.
- Quick to Make – With just a few steps, this dessert comes together easily and is ready in under an hour.
- Perfect for Sharing – It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Dish: 9×9-inch or similar size
- Mixing Bowls: For the apple filling and the crisp topping
- Peeler, Corer, and Knife: For preparing the apples
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: For blending the butter into the topping
- Oven Mitts: For handling the hot baking dish
Use Firm Apples
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work best to avoid a mushy texture.
Ingredients
This apple crisp comes together with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll need apples, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a little flour to thicken the filling.
Each ingredient adds to the cozy, warm flavors that make this dessert so comforting.
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options; can use other firm, tart apples)
- Canned or Frozen Apples: To save time, use canned apple pie filling or thawed frozen apples. Reduce or skip the added sugar and cinnamon, as these are usually pre-sweetened and seasoned
- Granulated sugar (or substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor)
- Brown sugar (or use more granulated sugar, though brown sugar adds a deeper flavor)
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice (optional, to balance the sweetness)
For the Crisp Topping:
- Old-fashioned oats (substitute with quick oats if needed, but they may be softer in texture)
- All-purpose flour (can use almond flour for a slightly nuttier taste and a gluten-free option)
- Nuts for Crunch: Mix ¼ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Brown sugar (packed)
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-Free Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour in the topping. Almond flour adds a hint of nuttiness and works well in a crumble.
Oat-Based Topping Only: Skip the flour and increase the oats by ¼ cup for a rustic, gluten-free crumble topping.
Instructions
Making this apple crisp is easy! Just prepare the apple filling, mix up the oat topping, and layer them in a baking dish.
Pop it in the oven until the topping is golden and the apples are soft and bubbly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish. - Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if using. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. - Make the Crisp Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. - Bake:
Bake the apple crisp for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Top Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter creates a better crumble texture. If it starts to soften while preparing the topping, chill it briefly before using.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Apple crisp is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
What to Serve with Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
For something different, try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a small sprinkle of sea salt. It’s perfect for fall but really a treat any time of year!
Other Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you like this Easy Apple Crisp, here are a few more cozy desserts on the blog to try:
- Raspberry Crumble Cookies – Buttery cookies with a layer of sweet-tart raspberry jam and a crumbly topping, inspired by the Costco favorite.
- Arroz con Leche – Creamy rice pudding spiced with cinnamon, perfect for a warm and comforting dessert.
If you try this Easy Apple Crisp, I’d love to know what you think!
Leave a comment or recipe rating, and if you take a photo, be sure to tag me on Instagram—I always enjoy seeing how your recipes turn out. Enjoy!
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish 9×9-inch or similar size
- 1 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Peeler, Corer, and Knife
- 1 Pastry Cutter or Fork
- 1 Oven Mitts
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
For the Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if using. Spread apples evenly in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Top Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Use Firm Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work best to avoid a mushy texture.
- Cold Butter for Topping: Cold butter creates a crispier topping. If it starts to soften, chill the mixture briefly before using.
- Serve Warm: Apple crisp is best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Shortcut
- Canned or Frozen Apples: Use canned apple pie filling or thawed frozen apples to save time. Reduce or skip added sugar and cinnamon since these are usually pre-sweetened and seasoned.
