The Best Apple Crisp Recipe – Warm, Comforting, and Easy to Make
When the crisp autumn air rolls in, nothing beats the smell of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar baking together in the oven. Apple crisp is a timeless dessert that delivers all the cozy flavors of apple pie but with far less effort. Tender apples, perfectly spiced and sweetened, are baked under a buttery oat topping until golden and crisp. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, it’s pure comfort in a dish.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make the best apple crisp recipe from scratch, with tips to customize it for your taste, storage instructions, and plenty of variations. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a cozy weeknight treat, this apple crisp will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
- Simple ingredients – Mostly pantry staples, with fresh apples as the star.
- No pie crust required – All the flavors of apple pie without the work.
- Perfect texture – Soft, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery oat topping.
- Customizable – Adjust the spices, swap the oats, or add nuts for variation.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces (about ¼-inch thick). Place them in a large bowl, then toss with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to mix until crumbly. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
4. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
5. Serve
Let the apple crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Use a mix of apples – Granny Smith adds tartness, Honeycrisp adds sweetness, and Golden Delicious softens beautifully.
- Keep butter cold – Cold butter is key for a crumbly, crisp topping.
- Don’t overbake – Bake until the topping is golden, but don’t let it burn.
- Add texture – Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for crunch.
- Spice it up – Try adding a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp – Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Version – Reduce sugar by half and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Berry Apple Crisp – Add blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries for extra flavor.
- Maple Apple Crisp – Swap the brown sugar with maple syrup in the filling.
- Caramel Apple Crisp – Stir caramel sauce into the apple mixture before baking.
What to Serve with Apple Crisp
This dessert is delicious on its own but shines even more with toppings. Try:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Homemade whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat – Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
- Freeze – Assemble the apple crisp (unbaked), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
1. What apples are best for apple crisp?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are excellent choices. Using a mix gives the best balance of sweet and tart flavors.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the apple filling and topping separately and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Combine just before baking.
3. How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Use old-fashioned oats (not quick oats) and keep the butter cold. For more crunch, add nuts or coconut flakes.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones and adjust the baking time slightly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 295
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 29g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
This easy apple crisp recipe is the ultimate fall dessert, offering everything you love about apple pie without the fuss of rolling out crust. With its tender spiced apples and buttery oat topping, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you serve it warm with ice cream for a family dinner or dress it up with caramel sauce for a holiday feast, this apple crisp is guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe – Warm, Comforting, and Easy to Make
Ingredients
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into even pieces. Toss with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
- For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
