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
Scale
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.
