If there’s one dessert that sums up cozy fall evenings and pure comfort in a single bite, it’s Apple Crisp. With its bubbling layer of tender-cinnamon apples and a toasty, buttery topping that shatters under your spoon, this classic recipe delivers warmth, nostalgia, and a fragrance that seems to wrap itself around you. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to serve straight from the oven to friends and family—or savor quietly at the end of a long day. Apple Crisp promises classic flavor with minimal fuss, and in my kitchen, it’s a beloved, go-to treat all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Crisp lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one delivers something essential, from juicy apples to the crisp, golden topping. Here’s why every ingredient matters for a truly unforgettable dessert.
- Apples (6 cups, sliced): Choose tart Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for bold flavor and just the right texture in every bite.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances out the natural tartness of the apples and helps them break down into a luscious filling.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 tbsp for filling, 3/4 cup for topping): Thickens the apple juices in the filling and gives the topping structure.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp for filling, 1/2 tsp for topping): Infuses the apples and crisp topping with warm, spicy notes.
- Nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Brings depth and old-fashioned flavor that sets your Apple Crisp apart.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Brightens and balances the sweetness, keeping the apples tasting fresh.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (3/4 cup): Give the topping its signature hearty crunch and toasty flavor.
- Brown Sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Adds caramel richness and helps the topping brown beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Intensifies all the other flavors and keeps the crisp from tasting flat.
- Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): The secret to a topping that’s both crumbly and rich—don’t skimp!
How to Make Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C); giving your oven time to heat up means your Apple Crisp will bake evenly from the start. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar) to keep the fruit from sticking and to make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, one tablespoon flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated and glistening—you want every spot to get cozy with spice and just a hint of citrusy brightness! Pour the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading into an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a new bowl, stir together the oats, the remaining flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the chilled cubes of butter. Now comes the fun part—use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture until it forms small, clumpy crumbs. Those buttery pockets are the magic in every bite of Apple Crisp!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over your apple mixture, making sure to cover every corner for lots of golden crunch. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is toasty brown and the apple filling bubbles invitingly at the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your Apple Crisp cool for at least 10 minutes—this helps the juices thicken slightly and makes scooping easier (plus, you won’t burn your mouth!). The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, spoons in hand.
How to Serve Apple Crisp
Garnishes
The finishing touch is all about personal flair! A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp is a true classic. For a lighter topping, try billows of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. A dusting of cinnamon or even a drizzle of caramel sauce can take your serving to dessert bliss.
Side Dishes
When serving Apple Crisp, pair it with something simple that won’t steal the spotlight—think a hot mug of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a cozy spiced chai. For a full-on dessert plate, you can add fresh berries or a few slices of sharp cheddar cheese; the sweetness of the crisp and the tang of the cheese are surprisingly wonderful together.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow your guests, try baking individual Apple Crisps in ramekins for a pretty, single-serve dessert. You can also serve the crisp alongside cinnamon ice cream or sandwich the cooled crisp between two oatmeal cookies for a playful and portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Apple Crisp can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. The topping will maintain its crunch for a day or so, but even when it softens, it’s still absolutely delicious with a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze fully baked Apple Crisp. Once it’s cooled completely, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep well for up to three months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Apple Crisp in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes to restore its crunchy topping. Individual portions can also be warmed in the microwave for about a minute—just note the topping will be softer than when it’s freshly baked.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Apple Crisp?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith are classic for Apple Crisp because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of apples give great results and extra depth of flavor.
Can I make Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats for a tasty and safe result.
Should the butter be cold or melted for the topping?
Definitely use cold, cubed butter—this helps create the crisp, crumbly topping that makes Apple Crisp so irresistible. Room temperature or melted butter will result in a denser, softer finish.
Is it okay to prep Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge. Combine and bake when ready, or bake the entire crisp and reheat just before serving for all the fresh aroma and flavor.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts stirred into the topping bring extra crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and buttery crumble.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crisp is a dessert that feels like a warm hug—simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and utterly comforting. If you haven’t made it lately, give it a try and watch as every forkful brings smiles and sighs of delight. It’s an old favorite with good reason—and I hope it becomes one of yours.
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Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Apple Crisp recipe that combines tender, spiced apples with a crispy oat topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert any time of year.
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 5–6 medium, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the crisp topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Make crisp topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
