There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, golden apple crisp fresh out of the oven. Sweet, tender apples baked under a buttery oat topping—it’s the ultimate fall dessert, yet simple enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving something cozy, this apple crisp hits the sweet spot of flavor and ease.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No pie crust needed—just mix, layer, and bake.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you already have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or weeknight treats.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Warm apples and a crisp topping never fail to impress.
- Deliciously Comforting: A balance of tender fruit and crunchy topping makes this stand out from ordinary crisps.
Unlike some recipes, this one uses a touch of baking powder and soda in the topping, giving it extra lightness and crunch. It’s everything you want in a dessert—cozy, nostalgic, and unbelievably satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
For the Apple Base
- 20 cups apples – peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance)
- 2 cups white sugar – adds sweetness and helps the apples caramelize
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – slightly thickens the apple juices while baking
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – warms up the flavor beautifully
- 6 tablespoons water – keeps the apples moist during baking
For the Crisp Topping
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats – for that signature crunch
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – helps structure the topping
- 2 cups packed brown sugar – adds rich, molasses-like sweetness
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – lightens the topping
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – ensures a crisp finish
- 1 cup butter, melted – binds the topping and creates that golden, crunchy crust
How to Make Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Gather and measure out all your ingredients—this makes assembly quick and stress-free.
Step 2: Build the Apple Layer
Spread the sliced apples evenly in the prepared dish. In a small bowl, mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples. Drizzle the water over the top—this helps create a light syrup as it bakes.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture looks crumbly. This will be your crunchy topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover the fruit completely. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp around the edges.
Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the apple crisp cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to thicken and makes serving easier.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Warm: Best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For a Fancy Touch: Drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.
- Storage: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to bring back the crisp topping.
Helpful Notes
- Apple Choices: A mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor depth. Try Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Variations: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping, or stir in cranberries for a festive twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Classic Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread sliced apples evenly in dish. Mix white sugar, 2 tbsp flour, and cinnamon, then sprinkle over apples. Drizzle water on top.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle topping over apples, covering completely. Bake 45 minutes, until apples bubble and topping is golden brown.
- Step 5: Cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to thicken.
Notes
Conclusion
This apple crisp recipe is everything a dessert should be—easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. With its tender apples and perfectly crisp topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you—leave a comment and a star rating below!
And don’t forget to share your apple crisp masterpiece on Pinterest or Facebook so others can enjoy it too. 🍏✨
What’s your favorite twist on apple crisp—classic, nutty, or maybe with caramel? Let’s chat in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different apples for apple crisp?
Yes! Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter ones like Honeycrisp add balance. Mixing varieties gives the best results.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the apple filling and topping. Oats should also be certified gluten-free.
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and topping separately, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking. Or bake fully and reheat before serving.
Is apple crisp freezer-friendly?
Yes. Bake and cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again.
Why is my topping not crispy?
This can happen if the butter wasn’t fully incorporated or if it’s underbaked. Make sure to mix the topping until crumbly and bake until golden brown.