If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rustic, comforting, and impossibly easy to whip up, look no further than this Easy Apple Crisp. With soft, juicy apples bubbling beneath a buttery oat topping that bakes to golden perfection, every bite is a gentle hug for your taste buds. This is my go-to fall favorite, and I can’t wait to share why I think it’s the easiest, most satisfying treat you can make when a craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday staples to create this classic Easy Apple Crisp, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient brings its own magic, from providing structure to enhancing taste and aroma. Gather everything together for a fuss-free baking experience!
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect tart bite and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds freshness and helps keep the apples from browning while accentuating their natural flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling and balances the apples’ tartness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and coziness, making each spoonful deeply aromatic.
- Old-fashioned oats (3/4 cup): Brings a rustic chew and hearty crunch to the topping.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Binds the crisp topping and helps create that delightful golden crust.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a caramel-like richness that’s utterly irresistible with apples.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): Ensures your topping is crumbly, rich, and perfectly buttery.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the dessert.
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Begin by peeling and slicing your apples—think chunky but not too thick, so you get just the right amount of bite. Toss them in a large bowl with a splash of lemon juice, granulated sugar, and a good sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Mixing gently coats every slice with flavor and keeps them juicy as they bake.
Step 2: Spread in Pan
Lightly grease your trusty 9×9-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the seasoned apples across the bottom, making sure they’re in a single layer so they bake up soft and jammy, but not mushy.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In another bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter in until you have an uneven, crumbly mixture—those little pockets of butter are the secret to a treasure-worthy crisp.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Scatter the oat topping generously over the apples, being sure to cover the fruit right to the edges. Slide the dish into your preheated oven at 350°F, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling apple layer and a topping that’s caramelized and golden brown with crisp edges.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Let your Easy Apple Crisp cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to scoop, but don’t wait too long—this treat is a dream when served warm, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp
Garnishes
For a classic touch, serve your Easy Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the warm and cold combo is simply magical. A swirl of homemade whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon also elevates each serving to bakery-level deliciousness.
Side Dishes
While this dessert shines on its own, you can complement it with a steaming mug of spiced chai, a drizzle of rich custard, or even some tangy Greek yogurt on the side for a fresher, lighter balance. It’s an ideal treat after a hearty fall dinner or alongside an afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Easy Apple Crisp into an elegant dessert by baking it in individual ramekins—perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family night in. You can also serve it parfait-style in jars: layer crisp and apples with a bit of yogurt for an easy brunch or picnic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some Easy Apple Crisp left? Simply let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, and it’ll taste just as wonderful every time you sneak a spoonful.
Freezing
To freeze, bake your apple crisp as directed, allow it to cool, then wrap tightly or divide into individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven aroma, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Short on time? A microwave works too, but the oven method preserves that classic crunch.
FAQs
What kinds of apples work best for Easy Apple Crisp?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my top picks, since they hold their shape well and offer a lovely balance to the sweet, buttery topping, but feel free to mix and match with other varieties depending on what you have.
Can I make Easy Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and choose certified gluten-free oats, and you’ll have a dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Yes, it’s easy! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, like vegan butter or coconut oil, and check your sugar for vegan-friendly options.
How do I prevent a soggy topping?
Be sure to use cold butter in the topping and bake it uncovered. The cold butter ensures flakiness, while a generous bake time helps the oats and flour crisp up nicely without steaming.
Can I prepare Easy Apple Crisp ahead of time?
You can prep the apple filling and the crisp topping separately, store both in the fridge, and assemble just before baking. This makes it perfect for easy entertaining or holiday meals.
Final Thoughts
Easy Apple Crisp is the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration, yet comes together in no time and never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to the kitchen, you’ll love how simple and rewarding it is to make. Trust me—give this recipe a try and your kitchen will smell amazing, your taste buds will be happy, and you’ll have a new favorite on repeat all season long!
Print
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Apple Crisp recipe is a delightful dessert perfect for fall. Sweet and tart apples are topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle topping evenly over apples. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the topping.
- You can also mix in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
