If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. It brings together tender, cinnamon-spiced apples under a buttery, crunchy oat topping that’s simply irresistible. With every bite, you get a perfect mix of sweet and tart, crunchy and soft—making it a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for weekend gatherings. This recipe is straightforward, full of familiar ingredients, and guarantees comfort in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures. From the crisp apples lending natural sweetness and tartness to the oats providing that iconic crunchy topping, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully.
- 3 pounds apples (Granny Smith and Pink Lady recommended): These varieties offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well during baking.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the apple filling, enhancing the fruit’s natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and helps prevent browning.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s perfectly gooey without being runny.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, comforting spice throughout the apples.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or melted coconut oil for vegan option): Adds richness and binds the crisp topping together for a satisfying crunch.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Gives the topping its classic hearty texture and wholesome flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour/almond flour): Helps create the crumbly topping structure that browns beautifully.
- â…“ cup packed brown sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes to the topping.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Enhances the topping with warm, spicy undertones.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a clean release after baking. This simple step lays the foundation for easy cleanup and perfect presentation.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and chop your apples into evenly sized 1-inch chunks to ensure everything cooks uniformly. Mixing the apples with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon creates a luscious, spiced filling that thickens as it bakes. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps the apples looking fresh.
Step 3: Spread the Apple Mixture
Evenly distribute the apple mixture across the bottom of your baking dish. This creates a solid base for the crisp topping and ensures every bite delivers that delightful apple goodness combined with a crunchy contrast.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
Melt your unsalted butter or coconut oil to bring richness and flavor to the topping. Then, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir in the melted butter until it forms a crumbly, coarse mixture—the signature texture that will crisp to golden perfection.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple layer to cover the fruit completely. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling with sweet, cinnamon-scented juices. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After removing the apple crisp from the oven, let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This cooling period helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more enjoyable to eat.
How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe shines best when topped with classic garnishes. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into warm apples and crunchy topping creating a dreamy contrast. Whipped cream brings airy softness, while a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an indulgent sweetness that elevates this beloved dessert even further.
Side Dishes
Pair this crisp with simple sides like a refreshing green salad or lightly spiced chai tea for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, serve alongside roasted nuts or cheese plates to highlight its cozy, fall-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the baking dish and individual bowls. Serve your apple crisp in small mason jars for charming single portions or layer it with whipped cream and apple slices in a trifle bowl for stunning presentation at holiday dinners. Even topping pancakes or oatmeal with a spoonful transforms breakfast into a special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool temperature maintains freshness and texture, and reheating sections in the oven or microwave brings back that just-baked feeling perfectly.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the tasty texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warm and bubbly. For quicker reheating, use the microwave in short bursts, but keep in mind the topping will stay crisper if reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can mix in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your flavor preference and what’s available.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or almond flour. This adjustment keeps the crisp tender and safe for gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I make this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe vegan?
Swap the unsalted butter for melted coconut oil, and ensure your brown sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char). This small change keeps the topping rich and crumbly with a delicious plant-based twist.
What is the best way to prevent the topping from burning?
If your crisp topping starts browning too fast during baking, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil midway through cooking. This protects the topping while allowing the apples to finish cooking thoroughly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the apple filling and topping in the baking dish, then refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as directed when ready, adding a few extra minutes if starting cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dessert that feels both nostalgic and effortless. This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe delivers on that promise every single time, with layers of sweet, spicy apples and a perfectly crisp topping that’s simply unforgettable. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with loved ones, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your favorites too.
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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples coated in a cinnamon-spiced mixture and topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a homemade sweet treat, it can be customized with gluten-free or vegan options and is best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 pounds apples (Granny Smith and Pink Lady recommended), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Crisp Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or melted coconut oil for vegan option)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour or almond flour)
- â…“ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples into 1-inch chunks for even baking and texture.
- Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss well to ensure all apple pieces are coated thoroughly.
- Layer the Filling: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for baking.
- Make the Crisp Topping: Melt the unsalted butter (or coconut oil if making vegan). In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: Stir the melted butter into the dry oat mixture until it forms a crumbly texture, similar to coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly crisp topping over the apples in the baking dish, covering them completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with melted coconut oil.
- Use gluten-free flour or almond flour to make this crisp gluten-free.
- Letting the apple crisp cool slightly helps the filling thicken and makes serving easier.
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar slightly, but the natural tartness of Granny Smith apples balances well with the given sugar amount.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
