Now here is a classic dessert that warms the heart and satisfies the sweet tooth – Apple Crisp. This timeless treat brings together the goodness of juicy apples, warm spices, and a golden, crunchy topping that will transport you to a cozy autumn day.
Apple crisp is very similar to apple crumble. But the topping for apple crumble is more of a classic streusel made of flour, butter, and sugar, while the topping for this recipe includes oats.
And if you love fall desserts you have to check out my Easy Glazed Pumpkin Donuts or Cookie Pie!
Want me to take you on a eggnogy tasty adventure? I can! here you go! banana eggnog pudding is one of my favorites or maybe my eggnog infused french toast casserole? I can't decide!!
The Origins of Apple Crisp
We can trace the roots of apple crisp back to early American settlers. They ingeniously crafted simple dishes with the readily available ingredients. Abundant fall apples became a staple, and from this, the dish, originally known as "apple slump" emerged.
Why We Love This Dish
Versatility: Above all, this apple crisp recipe is versatile. Use your favorite apple varieties or mix them for a unique flavor profile.
Simplicity: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps; this dessert is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Aromas of Comfort: The warm spices combined with the aroma of baked apples will fill your kitchen with a comforting fragrance that spells pure bliss.
Texture Contrast: The contrast between the tender, spiced apples and the crisp, buttery topping creates a symphony of textures in every bite.
Our Ingredients
Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady are the most popular since they help offset the sweetness of the filling and the topping, but any type of apple can be used.
Spices: I'm using a combination of cinnamon and some freshly grated nutmeg.
Oats: You'll need old fashioned oats for your crispy topping. Instant oats won't retain their texture once baked.
Butter: Make sure your butter is very cold. I'm using unsalted butter.
Substitutions & Variations
Spices: Add a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or ginger if you want to warm things up beyond just cinnamon and nutmeg.
Apples: Feel free to use any firm baking apples—Braeburn, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Golden Delicious all work. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, which can become mushy when baked.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor. You can also use a mix of white and brown sugar if that’s what you have.
Oats: Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but may result in a softer, less crisp topping. Avoid steel-cut oats.
Flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend 1:1 in both the filling and topping if needed.
Butter: Salted butter works fine—just reduce the added salt slightly in the topping. Dairy-free? Use a vegan butter substitute that stays firm when chilled.
Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), dried cranberries, or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture for extra depth.
Apple Crisp Video
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Instructions
Full recipe, instructions and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post
Prep the Oven & Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or a light layer of non-stick spray and set it aside.
Make the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even ½-inch pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and cubes of cold butter until well coated. Set the filling aside while you make the topping.
Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a food processor, add the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter. Pulse on low until the mixture forms small, crumbly bits.
Assemble & Bake
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared dish and spread the crumble topping evenly over it. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp and golden brown.
FAQ
Yes. Allow the crisp to cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with foil.
Yes! Assemble the apple mixture and topping separately and store them in the fridge. Combine just before baking. You can also bake it ahead and reheat before serving.
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, freeze the entire dish (or individual portions) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Fresh apples are best, but you can use frozen sliced apples (thawed and patted dry). Canned apples can work too, but they’re typically softer and sweeter, so reduce added sugar slightly.
⭐️ Recipe
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 2 ½ pounds granny or honey apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 8 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small cube
Topping
- 1¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into ½-inch thick slices.
- In a large bowl, stir to combine sliced apples, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 tablespoon flour, 8 tablespoon cold cubed butter, and lemon juice.
- Set your apples aside.
- To make your topping, in a food processor, combine your old-fashioned rolled oats, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¾ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes.
- Pulse on low until small bits form.
- Top your apple mixture with your crumble.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until your apple are tender and topping is golden.
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