There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy aroma of apple crisp baking in the oven. This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a true classic—simple to make, loaded with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a buttery, oat-filled crumble that’s golden and crisp. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneaking a chilled spoonful straight from the fridge, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in every bite.
This version is made with everyday ingredients, no fancy tools or steps required. It’s the perfect go-to for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or just a weeknight dessert when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Using a combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives the filling a nice balance, while the topping brings all the buttery, cinnamon-spiced goodness we love in a crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Simple and Straightforward: No special equipment, just two bowls and a baking dish.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, juicy apples under a crisp and crumbly oat topping.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert that everyone loves—classic, cozy, and nostalgic.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite fruits or flavor add-ins.
• Great for Make-Ahead: Preps well in advance and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients:
Topping:
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple Filling:
• 8 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp recommended)
• 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until coarse crumbs form. The mixture should resemble damp sand with some larger clumps.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice. Add the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the apples are evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Spoon the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling along the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
• Best Apples to Use: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives great balance—Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady all work well.
• Add Some Crunch: Stir in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the topping for extra texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Want it Sweeter? Add a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving, or mix in a bit of maple syrup with the apples.
• Single Servings: Bake in ramekins for individual portions—perfect for dinner parties!
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The topping may soften slightly, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Freezer:
Wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
• Oven: Warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, to re-crisp the topping.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 1–2 minutes. The topping will be softer but still delicious.
Easy Apple Crisp is one of those timeless desserts that never fails to please. It’s rustic, sweet, and just a little bit nostalgic—especially when served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re baking for guests or simply treating yourself, this crisp is always the right choice.
