Few desserts are as comforting and uncomplicated as a warm Classic Apple Crisp.
Tender apples are tossed with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, then baked underneath a golden, buttery oat topping until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is crisp.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and you've got the kind of dessert that makes people suddenly forget they're "too full for dessert."
Why You'll Love It
- Simple ingredients
- No pie crust required
- Crispy, buttery oat topping
- Warm cinnamon-apple filling
- Easy enough for beginners
- Excellent fall and holiday dessert
- Wonderful served warm with ice cream
- Great make-ahead option
About the Recipe
Apple crisp is one of those desserts where simple is the point.
The apples become soft and fragrant as they bake, while the oat topping develops a golden, crisp texture.
For the best result, use apples that hold their shape during baking while still becoming tender.
A combination of sweet and tart apples works particularly well.
Recipe Information
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Equipment
- 9 × 9-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Apple peeler
- Apple corer or knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 9-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into relatively even pieces.
Place them in a large bowl.
Add:
- Sugar
- Flour
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla
- Salt
Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the Apples
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread the apples into an even layer.
4. Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Rolled oats
- Flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Add the cold cubed butter.
Use your fingertips, a pastry cutter, or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
5. Add the Topping
Scatter the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
Don't press it down too firmly—the loose topping is what helps create those delicious crisp pieces.
6. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 40–45 minutes, until:
- The apples are bubbling
- The topping is golden brown
- The edges are slightly caramelized
7. Rest
Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 10–15 minutes.
This gives the filling time to thicken slightly.
Serving
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Greek yogurt
- A dusting of powdered sugar
My pick:
Warm apple crisp + vanilla ice cream + a tiny drizzle of caramel.
That's basically a legal loophole for eating pie without making pie.
Chef's Tips
Choose the right apples
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and similar firm apples work beautifully.
Don't slice the apples too thin
Very thin slices can become overly soft during baking.
Keep the butter cold
Cold butter helps create a more textured, crumbly topping.
Don't skip the lemon juice
It brightens the apple flavor and balances the sweetness.
Let it rest
The filling thickens as it cools slightly.
Variations
Apple-Pecan Crisp
Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the topping.
Apple-Cranberry Crisp
Add ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries to the apples.
Caramel Apple Crisp
Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked crisp before serving.
Apple-Pear Crisp
Replace approximately half of the apples with firm pears.
Maple Apple Crisp
Replace part of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add a little extra flour to the filling.
Ginger Apple Crisp
Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger to the apple mixture.
Storage
Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven.
Freezing
Apple crisp can be frozen after baking.
Allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
For the crispiest topping, reheating in the oven is preferable to microwaving.
FAQs
What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady work well because they maintain texture while baking.
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the crisp several hours ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
Should apple crisp be refrigerated?
Yes. Once cooled, leftovers should be covered and refrigerated.
Can I use quick oats?
You can, but old-fashioned rolled oats generally provide a better texture.
Why is my apple crisp watery?
The apples may have released more moisture than expected. Using a little flour or cornstarch in the filling helps absorb excess juices.
Can I make apple crisp without nuts?
Yes. Simply leave them out. The topping will still be delicious.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary according to ingredients and serving size.
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