Apple Crisp

This Apple Crisp recipe features tender baked apples layered with a buttery oat crumble topping for a warm, comforting dessert. Made with Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, it’s an easy fall dessert perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or weeknight baking. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a classic homemade apple dessert full of cozy flavor.

This classic apple crisp combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble topping. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s the perfect cozy dessert for fall — delicious on its own or served warm with ice cream and caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Crumble Topping

• ⅔ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup salted butter, cut into small pieces

Apple Filling

• 3–4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Serving (Optional)

• Vanilla ice cream
• Homemade caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add butter and mix with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
3. Make the apple filling: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and flour until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, milk, and vanilla. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until blended.
4. Assemble: Place the sliced apples in an 8×8-inch baking dish and pour the butter mixture over them. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. Cool and serve: Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.

Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
• Chill the crumble before baking—it helps create a crisp, golden topping.
• Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Double the recipe for a crowd and bake in a 9×13-inch dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit swaps: Replace some apples with pears, peaches, or berries.
• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes. Bake it first, cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or almonds for crunch.
• Pair with hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for a cozy treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Perfectly balanced between tart apples and sweet, buttery crumble.
• A comforting dessert for any season.
• Great for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or weeknight desserts.

Apple Crisp

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Ingredients

• Crumble Topping

• ⅔ cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ cup salted butter, cut into small pieces

• Apple Filling

• 3–4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced

• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup light brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• For Serving (Optional)

• Vanilla ice cream

• Homemade caramel sauce

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add butter and mix with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
• Make the apple filling: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and flour until smooth. Stir in lemon juice, milk, and vanilla. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing until blended.
• Assemble: Place the sliced apples in an 8×8-inch baking dish and pour the butter mixture over them. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
• Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• Cool and serve: Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.