There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking into a golden, bubbling crisp. This Apple Crisp recipe brings together the perfect balance of tender, juicy fruit and a crunchy, buttery topping that’s impossible to resist. With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The contrast of textures—soft apples meeting the crisp oat crumble—creates a symphony of comfort and indulgence. In just over an hour, you’ll have a dessert that’s as impressive as it is effortless, perfect for cozy nights or sharing with loved ones.
Each forkful delivers a burst of sweet, caramelized apples mingling with the rich, toasty flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon. The topping, with its irresistible crunch, adds a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this Apple Crisp is a timeless treat that never fails to delight. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, making it a must-have in your recipe collection. Simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious—this is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients for Apple Crisp
- For the apples:
- 6 large apples (about 2½ pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped into ¾-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (or bottled lemon juice in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- For the crumble topping:
- ¾ cup whole rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if needed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick), cubed, plus more for greasing the pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter.
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, flour, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated, then spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use two forks, a pastry cutter, or your hands to work in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and lightly crisp.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Apple crisp is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic treat. For a cozy twist, try serving it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of cinnamon-spiced yogurt or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a unique touch.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds. For longer storage, freeze the crisp (unbaked or baked) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months, then thaw and bake as needed.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Swap out the apples for pears or peaches for a seasonal twist, or add a handful of cranberries or raisins for extra flavor. For a nutty crunch, mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free oats, and for a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
To save time, prep the apples and topping the night before and store them separately in the fridge. Use a food processor to quickly mix the crumble topping, or buy pre-sliced apples to skip the peeling and chopping. If you’re in a rush, bake the crisp uncovered from the start—it’ll still turn out delicious!
Essential Equipment for the Best Results
An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, but a pie dish or cast-iron skillet works too. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the topping for the perfect crumbly texture. A sharp peeler and corer will make prepping the apples a breeze, and a silicone spatula ensures easy mixing and spreading.
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the apples
- 6 large apples peeled, cored, and chopped into ¾-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup whole rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter 1 stick, cubed, plus more for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, place the chopped apples, flour, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat the apples, then spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use two forks, a pastry cutter, or your hands to work in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
- Cover the baking dish and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling. Uncover and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and lightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.