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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

ByLily
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 56 reviews

If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and downright comforting, let me share my favorite Easy Apple Crisp Recipe that I promise you’ll want to make again and again. This recipe is foolproof, uses simple ingredients, and fills your home with that irresistible, cinnamon-scented aroma. Trust me, once you try it, apple crisp will become your go-to dessert for chilly nights and whenever you need a little sweetness in your life.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity at its Best: Uses basic pantry staples that come together quickly without fuss.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The mix of warm spices and vanilla brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.
  • Crunch Meets Soft: A crumbly oat topping that contrasts beautifully with tender baked apples.
  • Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Great on its own or topped with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
A white bowl filled with a warm apple crumble. The bottom layer shows thick slices of cooked apples with a soft orange-brown color mixed with a sticky sauce. On top is a crumbly oat topping made of light brown oats and soft, golden brown crumbs. A dollop of white cream rests on one side of the bowl. A silver spoon is scooping some crumble from the right side. The whole bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe lies in the thoughtful combo of ingredients that brings out the best texture and flavor. The apples provide juicy sweetness while the oat topping adds that sought-after crunch. Let me walk you through why each ingredient plays a starring role.

  • Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji work great because they hold their shape and balance sweetness.
  • Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to round out the apples without making the dessert overpowering.
  • Cinnamon: Classic warming spice that gives apple desserts their signature cozy flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple juices and keeps the topping together.
  • Ground ginger and cloves: Subtle spices that deepen the flavor profile, making each bite more interesting.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, fragrant sweetness that enhances the apples’ natural flavor.
  • Rolled oats: The key to that irresistible, crumbly topping texture.
  • Brown sugar: Gives the topping a rich, caramel-like note that’s pure happiness in every bite.
  • Butter: Makes the topping moist and crunchy once baked—don’t skip this!
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the overall flavors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I always like to play around with my apple crisp to keep it fresh depending on the season and mood. You can easily tweak this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs—getting creative is half the fun!

  • Variation: Once, I swapped half the apples for pears to add a softer texture and a mild floral sweetness, and it was lovely.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a safe swap.
  • Nutty Twist: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add an extra crunch and richness.
  • Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust cinnamon, ginger, or cloves according to your spice preference—some like it more warming, others prefer subtle hints.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples With Care

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. I usually use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor—Granny Smith and Fuji are a favorite combo of mine. Core and slice the apples into ¼-½ inch slices; peeling is optional but I often leave the peel on for extra texture and nutritional boost. Toss the sliced apples into a large bowl, ready for their spice coat.

Step 2: Spice It Up

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Sprinkle this fragrant mixture over the apples, then drizzle the vanilla extract on top. Use a big spoon or your hands to gently toss everything until the apples are evenly coated. This step is key—make sure every slice gets its share of spice goodness.

Step 3: Make That Perfect Oat Topping

Grab a medium bowl and mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut your butter into chunks, then get your hands in there to work the butter into the dry ingredients. You want to feel a crumbly, slightly damp mixture—that’s the magic that bakes into a crispy, golden topping.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the seasoned apples in a buttered or non-stick baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the oat topping over them. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 45 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling at the edges. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like heaven and the top has that satisfying crunch.

Serve it while warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra special touch.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Fresh Apples: I’ve learned the hard way that using apples that are too soft can turn the crisp mushy, so aim for firm, fresh ones.
  • Don’t Overmix the Topping: Mixing just until the butter is incorporated keeps the topping crumbly instead of doughy.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: I like to let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes so the juices thicken and you don’t burn your tongue.
  • Use a Glass Baking Dish: It helps distribute heat evenly so the apples cook perfectly and the topping crisps up nicely.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

A white dish with two handles holds a warm apple crumble dessert. The bottom layer shows soft, thin apple slices partially covered by a thick, golden-brown oat crumble topping that looks crunchy and textured with visible oats. On top, there are two round scoops of vanilla ice cream, smooth and creamy, slightly melting into the crumble. A spoon with a white handle and decorative silver detail rests inside the dish, scooping some of the crumble. The background is a white marbled surface with some scattered oats in a small metal measuring cup and an apple slice partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

My favorite way to serve apple crisp is with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream—there’s just something magical about warm apple crisp melting ice cream. If you want to keep it lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and richness.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a bigger meal, it’s perfect after a roast chicken or pork dinner, adding a sweet finale without being too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like to serve individual apple crisps in cute ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick. Another favorite is layering the apples and topping in mason jars ahead of time—great for gifting or simple grab-and-go desserts at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover apple crisp tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen apple crisp in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for that freshly baked feel. Just remember to cover loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a 325ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. A microwave works in a pinch but can soften the topping too much. Oven reheating keeps that perfect crispiness, which is totally worth the extra effort.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

    Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can swap in pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a different twist. Just keep in mind that fruits with higher water content may require slightly less liquid or longer baking to avoid soggy results.

  2. Do I have to peel the apples?

    Not necessarily. Peeling is a personal choice. Leaving the skins on adds texture, color, and nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother bite, peeling is fine. Just be sure to use firm apples if you keep the skins on.

  3. What’s the best type of oats to use for the topping?

    Rolled oats are best because they create a chewy, crunchy texture once baked. Avoid instant oats as they can become mushy and won’t provide the same crisp topping texture.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

  5. How do I prevent the apple crisp topping from getting soggy?

    Make sure your topping is crumbly and not too wet before baking, and don’t overload it on the apples. Baking in a glass or ceramic dish helps evenly distribute heat, which prevents sogginess.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is truly one of my kitchen staples—whether I’m entertaining friends or just treating myself after a long day. It’s simple but feels special, with that perfect mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Seriously, once you taste that warm cinnamon-spiced apple perfection, you’ll be hooked. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 56 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Easy Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples seasoned with warm spices and topped with a crumbly oat topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Ingredients

Baked Apples

  • 2 lbs. apples
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Oat Topping

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the apple crisp.
  2. Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples into ¼-½ inch wide slices, peeling them if desired. Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
  3. Season Apples: In a small bowl, combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Sprinkle this mixture over the sliced apples, drizzle with vanilla extract, and stir until the apples are evenly coated.
  4. Make Oat Topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut the butter into chunks and work it into the oat mixture with your hands until crumbly and damp.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the oat topping evenly over the seasoned apples in the baking dish. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the apple crisp hot, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Peeling apples is optional; keeping the peel adds texture and nutrients.
  • The oat topping can be made with rolled oats or old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and warmed up before serving for a quick dessert.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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