Best Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp – fresh diced apples topped with a buttery sweet cinnamon oat topping baked until golden and bubbly. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Made the old fashioned way – like Grandma used to.

This is an easy Apple Crisp recipe with classic fall flavor – baked cinnamon apples and a buttery brown sugar oat topping baked until golden brown and the edges are bubbly – that’s how you know it’s done.

You don’t need to be a baker to crush this recipe – I’m not. That’s another reason why I love this recipe. Simple, straightforward – and forgiving. No fancy techniques or complicated steps.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – maybe even a drizzle of caramel sauce – and you have a classic fall dessert that just may be a new favorite in your house.

Why I love this recipe:

No special baking skills. This is an easy straight forward recipe. Way easier than pie!

Warm cinnamon-sugar apple filling and a buttery crisp oat topping – perfect for fall!

Great fresh apple recipe – cozy, comforting – quick enough for weeknights or entertaining.

What kind of apples are best for Apple Crisp?

My favorite apples to use at Honeycrisp — or a combo with tangy Granny Smith. Use what looks best when you’re shopping for them.

• Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and juicy with a great flavor.
• Fuji: Naturally sweet and perfect if you prefer a sweeter apple filling.
• Granny Smith: Tart and firm, making a nice contrast to the sweet brown sugar oat topping.
• Braeburn: A wonderful all-purpose baking apple with a balance of sweet and tart.

Ingredients needed to make Apple Crisp:

• 1 tablespoon softened butter to grease the baking dish

Apple Filling

• large fresh apples peeled, cored and diced
• granulated sugar
• cinnamon
• vanilla extract
• lemon juice

Crisp Topping

• old fashioned oats (not quick cook)
• all purpose flour
• brown sugar packed
• cinnamon
• salt
• butter melted

Optional Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream

How to make Apple Crisp:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter an approximately 9 x 9-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon softened butter.

Add the diced apples to a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir so the apples are evenly coated.

Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Set bowl aside – you’ll use it for the topping.

To make the crisp topping, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in the same bowl.

Melt butter and pour into the bowl. Stir until combined. The mixture should look crumbly and form little pieces of oat topping.

Sprinkle crisp topping evenly over the apples. Bake 45-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the apple filling are bubbly.

NOTE: bake time may vary depending on the side of the apple chunks and ovens.

Cool 10-15 minutes and serve plain or with ice cream, whipped cream or caramel sauce.

Tips for the best Apple Crisp:

• Use a combination of apples. I love a mixed – like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. It gives the apples a great flavor balance.
• Use old-fashioned oats. I don’t recommend quick-cooking oats, The texture will be different.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice. It brightens the flavor of the apples and balances sweetness.
• Pack the brown sugar measuring so you get the right amount of sweetness.
• Let it rest before serving so the filling can thicken a little.
• Don’t worry about perfection. This is a very forgiving recipe — it doesn’t matter if your apple pieces aren’t exactly the same size. It’ll still be delicious!

Serving suggestions:

My favorite way to serve this apple crisp is warm with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle individual servings with caramel sauce or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and reheating:

Cool completely then store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Reheat in individual portions in the micro at 30 second intervals until warmed through.

Substitutions and variations:

• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture or topping for extra warmth.
• Mix up apple types – Honeycrisp with Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn, Jonagold are all great.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for a little extra texture.

Frequently asked questions:

Do I have to peel the apples?

I recommend peeling the apples. It makes the apple filling soft and tender and a good consistent texture.

Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes. Prep the crisp topping and apple mixture. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Assemble and bake per instructions.

Why is my apple crisp watery?

Some apples naturally release more juice than others. If yours are super juicy, blend in a teaspoon of cornstarch to the apple mixture before adding the oat topping.

Can I use quick-cooking oats?

For best results, I don’t recommend quick cook oats.

More easy apple recipes:

Easy Apple Cobbler from scratch

4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Applesauce

Puff Pastry Apple Strudel

Apple Bacon Phyllo Bites with Pepper Jelly

Enjoy!