Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that evokes warm memories of cozy family gatherings and crisp fall days. This Classic Apple Crisp delivers nostalgic comfort in every bite, featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery oat layer. It’s the ideal baked apple dessert for quick weeknight dinners or festive holiday gatherings. Let’s dive into how to make apple crisp that will impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
This apple crisp is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons to love it:
1. **Quick Preparation**: You can whip this up in just an hour, making it perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
2. **Versatile Serving Options**: Enjoy it warm on its own, or top it with ice cream for a decadent treat.
3. **Healthy Ingredients**: Using fresh apples and minimal sugars makes it a healthier dessert option.
4. **Autumn Delight**: It’s an ideal choice for fall holidays, bringing the flavors of the season to your table.
5. **Diet-Friendly**: This recipe can easily be adapted to fit gluten-free or vegan diets.
6. **Kid-Friendly**: The sweet, cinnamon flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
With its simple ingredients, this homemade apple crisp is a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients for Apple Crisp
Gather these items:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How to Make Apple Crisp Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Peel, core, and slice apples evenly. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and a pinch of salt until coated.
- Step 3: Transfer the apple filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and blend using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture.
- Step 6: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and filling is bubbly. Loosely cover with foil in the last 10 minutes if browning too quickly.
- Step 7: Let the apple crisp rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Step 8: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
Keep these in mind:
- Best served warm for the ultimate comfort experience.
- Pair with ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the flavors.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free apple crisp recipe, substitute regular flour with almond flour.
- Experiment with different apple varieties; the best apples for apple crisp are tart ones like Granny Smith.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Crisp
This warm apple crisp dessert is versatile! Here are a few serving ideas:
1. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.
2. Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
3. Serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream for a classic touch.
4. Pair with a cup of warm cider for an autumn-inspired meal.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Crisp
To keep your apple crisp fresh, store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method ensures the topping retains its crispness, making it just as delightful as when it was fresh out of the oven!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp
What is apple crisp?
Apple crisp is a baked dessert featuring a filling of sweetened and spiced apples topped with a crumbly mixture made from flour, oats, and butter. This comforting dessert is beloved for its crunchy texture and warm flavors, making it a favorite, especially in fall.
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. This allows for a quick and easy dessert when you’re ready to serve!
How do I avoid common mistakes with apple crisp?
To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure that you slice your apples evenly and toss them with flour to absorb excess moisture. Also, bake until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling to achieve that perfect texture.
Variations of Apple Crisp You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
1. **Cinnamon Apple Crisp**: Increase the cinnamon for a spicier flavor.
2. **Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe**: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
3. **Apple Crisp with Granola Topping**: Replace the oat topping with your favorite granola for added crunch.
4. **Healthy Apple Crisp Alternative**: Use less sugar and substitute some of the flour with oats for a healthier twist.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our desserts category or try making Chocolate Eclair Cake for a delightful treat. You can also explore Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies for a festive twist!
For tips on healthy eating, visit Healthline’s guide on healthy eating.
Print
Classic Apple Crisp: 7 Steps to Warm Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Apple Crisp delivers nostalgic comfort in every bite with tender cinnamon-spiced apples under a golden, buttery oat topping.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Peeled, cored, and sliced apples evenly. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and a pinch of salt until coated.
- Transfer the apple filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and blend using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and filling is bubbly. Loosely cover with foil in the last 10 minutes if browning too quickly.
- Let the apple crisp rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel if desired.
Notes
- Best served warm.
- Can be paired with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg