Easy Apple Crisp
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Ready to whip up a ridiculously easy and unbelievably delicious Apple Crisp? Perfect for those cozy nights or when you’ve got a bunch of apples lying around begging to be used. This recipe combines juicy, tart apples with a crispy, buttery topping that’s to die for. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned pro, this no-fuss dessert is going to be your new go-to. So, grab your apples and let’s get baking – your taste buds will thank you.
Try serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Recipe
- Crowd-Pleaser: Got friends or family over? Apple crisp is universally loved. It’s sweet, it’s fruity, it’s got that irresistible crunch. Watch it disappear in minutes!
- Seasonal Flexibility: Apples are available year-round, but there’s something extra special about making this in the fall. It’s like you’re bringing the best of the season to your table.
- Healthier Dessert Option: Apples are nutritious, and a homemade crisp can be adjusted for health preferences, like reducing sugar or using whole grain flour.
I can really appreciate a good fall flavored dessert. Apple is on it’s fifth year of our favorite fall flavor, and for good reason. It’s like the underdog of fall and seems to fall behind pumpkin, but is so versatile and full of flavor. Good in everything from a spiced muffin to belly warming cider, but this apple crisp with oats is by far our favorite.
The tender, slightly mushy apples at the base, varying from sweet to tart depending on their variety, are reminiscent of the heartwarming filling of an apple pie. These are beautifully intertwined with the warmth of cinnamon and sometimes a hint of nutmeg or allspice, creating that perfect, spicy undertone that’s synonymous with cozy autumn nights. Then comes the star of the show – the crumbly, buttery topping, baked to a golden perfection, offering a delightful textural contrast with its crispiness against the soft apples.
Apple Crisp Ingredients
- Sugar: I like to use a little of both white and brown sugar. White sugar, or granulated sugar, helps to sweeten the apples as they bake while brown sugar helps to bring in a delicious deep flavor to the topping.
- Flour: Just a touch of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the apple mix as it cooks.
- Spices: Specifically, cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re exactly what you need to give this the classic fall flavor we all love.
- Apples: You want apples that hold their shape well when baked and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. Here are some top picks: granny smith, honeycrisp, braeburn, and jonagold.
- Oats: Quick oats have a smaller, finer texture compared to traditional rolled oats. This makes them ideal for creating a topping that’s more cohesive and less chunky, which some people prefer in their apple crisp.
- Butter: This is what is going to send the flavor over the top while helping the crust to get to that perfect golden brown.
Simple Apple Crisp Recipe
Ready to dive in? This is really a beginner friendly dessert recipe. Most of the work is mixing, which almost anyone can do! Looking for something that is more sturdy? Try my apple crumb bars!
- PREP: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly mist a 9 inch baking pan with baking spray.
- MIX: Stir together the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium sized bowl. Add the sliced apples and toss in the mixture until they are coated with the flour. Pour into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- TOPPING: In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the quick oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the butter over the top and mix until it is a crumble like texture. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the apples in the baking dish.
- BAKE: Bake for 45 minutes or until the top of the oat mixture is golden brown and the apples are soft. Enjoy warm as-is or topped with a scoop of ice cream!
Helpful Tools
- Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer (affiliate): This is a game-changer for preparing apples quickly and uniformly. It peels, cores, and slices apples in one go, saving time and effort.
- Sharp Knife (affiliate): Essential for slicing apples if you don’t have a specialized apple peeler/corer/slicer. A good, sharp knife makes the task easier and safer.
- Cutting Board (affiliate): A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping apples and preparing other ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls (affiliate): You’ll need at least one or two bowls for mixing the apple filling and the crumble topping separately.
Recipe Notes:
Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. A mix of sweet and tart apples can also add depth to the flavor.
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven straight from the fridge. Alternatively, you can bake it and then reheat it before serving.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Yes, you can freeze apple crisp either baked or unbaked. Wrap it well and it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Definitely! Many people enjoy adding nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch. You can also mix in berries or pears with the apples for a different flavor profile.
The apple crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.
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Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Base
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1½ cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 5 cups granny smith apples (sliced*)
Topping
- 1 cup quick oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
Instructions
Apple Base
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly mist a 9 inch baking pan with baking spray.
- Stir together the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium sized bowl.
- Add the sliced apples and toss in the mixture until they are coated with the flour.
- Pour into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Topping
- In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the quick oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add the butter over the top and mix until it is a crumble like texture.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top of the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top of the oat mixture is golden brown and the apples are soft. Enjoy warm as-is or topped with a scoop of ice cream!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
