Ingredients:

  • For the Filling:

    • 6 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to help thicken the filling)
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

  • For the Topping:

    • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
    • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including prep time)
Servings: 6-8 servings
Yield: One 9-inch baking dish



Apple Crisp is a quintessential fall dessert that combines the flavors of sweet, tart apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. It's an easy, no-fuss dessert that's perfect for any gathering, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday meals. Whether you're using freshly picked apples or store-bought varieties, this classic dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.

In this recipe, we'll walk you through the simple steps to make a warm, bubbling apple crisp that's topped with a golden, oat-filled crumble. It's best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but it’s equally delicious on its own.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For an apple crisp, you’ll need to have two key components: the filling and the topping. Let's break them down.

  1. For the Filling:

    • Apples: The heart of any apple crisp is, of course, the apples! A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp works wonders in this recipe. The tart apples help balance out the sweetness of the dish, while the sweet apples contribute flavor and moisture.
    • Sugar and Cinnamon: A classic pairing, sugar and cinnamon bring sweetness and spice to the apples. A bit of brown sugar adds depth and richness to the filling.
    • Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from turning brown while baking.
    • Flour: This is added to help thicken the filling, creating a syrupy texture as the apples cook.
    • Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, fragrant element to the dish, complementing the cinnamon.

  2. For the Topping:

    • Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the signature crunchy texture in an apple crisp topping. They soak up some of the juices from the apples, adding texture without becoming soggy.
    • Flour and Sugar: All-purpose flour helps bind the topping together, while the brown sugar ensures a caramelized, crispy finish when baked.
    • Butter: Cold, cubed butter is the secret to a flaky, crumbly topping. The butter melts into the dry ingredients as the crisp bakes, creating an irresistible golden crunch.
    • Nuts (Optional): Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives the topping an extra dimension of flavor and crunch, though this step is optional.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apple crisp will bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick). A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your filling the perfect balance of flavors. Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl.

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the apples. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar-spice mixture. This will help to draw out the natural juices from the apples as they bake, forming a delicious syrupy sauce in the process.

3. Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together so that the dry ingredients are well mixed.

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients. The goal is to create a crumbly texture with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is what will create the crisp topping when baked.

If you’d like to add nuts for an extra crunch, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage.

4. Assemble the Crisp:
Grease a 9-inch baking dish or an 8x8 square baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the prepared apple filling into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apples, making sure it covers the entire surface.

5. Bake the Apple Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. You may want to place a baking sheet under the dish to catch any drips that may overflow.

To check if the apples are done, poke a fork into the center of the crisp. If the apples are soft and can be pierced easily, it’s time to take it out of the oven. The topping should be perfectly crisp and golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve:
Once your apple crisp is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent you from burning your mouth on the bubbling hot juices.

Serve your apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. You could also serve it with a little yogurt for a lighter option.

Variations and Tips:

  • Gluten-Free Version: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.
  • Spices: Feel free to get creative with the spices in your filling. Add a dash of allspice, cloves, or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Add Fruit: Apple crisp doesn’t have to be just apples! Try adding other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries to the filling for a mixed fruit crisp.
  • Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Also, swap the regular ice cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Topping Texture: If you like your topping extra crunchy, try adding some crushed granola or a handful of coconut flakes to the oat mixture for added texture.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crisp and bake as directed. This can save you time on busy days!

Why Apple Crisp is a Fall Favorite

Apple crisp is the ultimate fall dessert, and for good reason. It's simple to make, yet incredibly comforting. The combination of tender apples, sweet cinnamon, and a buttery, oat-filled topping captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Plus, it’s a dessert that can be easily adapted to suit any dietary preference or occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening, apple crisp is sure to hit the spot. Its delicious balance of textures—from the soft, caramelized apples to the crisp, golden topping—makes it a treat that everyone can enjoy.

Apple Crisp for Every Occasion

Apple crisp isn’t just for fall, though. While it’s undoubtedly the perfect dessert for cozy autumn nights, it can be enjoyed year-round. You can make this dessert for holiday gatherings, weekend dinners, or even as a special treat for the family. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but elegant enough for a holiday table.

Furthermore, apple crisp is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different apples, fruits, and nuts, or even adjust the level of sweetness to your preference. It’s a forgiving recipe that’s hard to mess up, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Apple crisp is a dessert that brings comfort and joy in every bite. With its warm, cinnamon-spiced filling and crumbly, buttery topping, it’s a dish that everyone can get behind. Whether you’re indulging in it as a treat or serving it to guests, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Enjoy it warm, with your favorite toppings, and savor the magic of autumn in every bite.