There’s nothing quite like the warm, cinnamon-scented goodness of an old-fashioned apple crisp recipe. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleaser for fall gatherings, this dish checks every box. With its tender, spiced apples and golden oat topping, apple crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert — and it’s making a big comeback for its simplicity and nostalgic flavor.
Originating from colonial America, apple crisp became popular during wartime rationing when pie crusts were scarce. Today, it’s trending again thanks to its easy preparation, pantry-friendly ingredients, and versatility for dietary tweaks.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe
- Simple and quick: No pie crust needed! This recipe is beginner-friendly and comes together fast.
- Basic ingredients: Uses pantry staples like oats, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets.
- Perfect texture: Juicy apples with a crispy, golden topping in every bite.
- Crowd favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike — perfect for potlucks and holiday meals.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Apple Crisp Recipe
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (use almond or oat flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes (use vegan butter for dairy-free)
Optional: Top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Crisp Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated. Pour into the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle, if desired.
Expert Tip: For extra crunch, add ¼ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use almond flour or certified gluten-free oats.
- Make it vegan: Swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Add fruit: Mix in berries or pears with the apples for added flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.
- Healthier version: Reduce sugar and use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage:
Store cooled apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this cozy apple crisp recipe, you’re in for a treat with these creative and satisfying desserts. For something rich and indulgent, try this Chocolate Torte Recipe – A Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion. Want a surprising twist on tradition? Don’t miss the Crab Brûlée Recipe – An Innovative Take on Classic Dessert. And for those watching their macros, these Healthy Dessert Recipes with Macros are both nutritious and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes, freeze before or after baking. If unbaked, thaw before baking. If already baked, reheat from frozen in the oven.
Is apple crisp the same as apple crumble?
They’re similar, but crumbles often don’t include oats. Apple crisp has that signature oat topping.
There you have it — the easiest, most delicious apple crisp recipe to add warmth to your table. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, Sunday dinner, or just because, this dessert is always a hit. Give it a try, snap a pic, and tag us — we’d love to see your cozy creation!
Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-free
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed (or vegan butter)
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss until evenly coated. Pour into prepared dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
- Cool slightly before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, if desired.