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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 69 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a cozy, no-fuss dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those foolproof treats that’s quick to throw together, uses simple pantry staples, and comes out golden and delicious every time. Plus, it’s got that perfect balance of tender apples and a buttery, crunchy oat topping that I promise will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!). Ready to make a dessert that actually tastes like fall in a bowl? Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity: Uses common, easy-to-find ingredients that pack big flavor without fuss.
  • Balanced Flavors: The tartness of the apples paired with warm spices and sweet oats is utterly comforting.
  • Perfect Texture: Tender, juicy apples under a crisp, buttery oat topping—every bite hits the right note.
  • Versatile & Adaptable: You can easily tweak the spices or topping to fit what you love or have on hand.
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

All the ingredients in this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. A quick tip before you start: opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for that perfect balance—like Fuji or Gala with Granny Smith. Here’s why each ingredient earns its spot:

  • Apples: The star of the show! Firm apples hold their shape well and provide natural sweetness balanced with a bit of tang.
  • Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the fruit and topping to complement the natural apple tartness.
  • Cinnamon: Classic warming spice that makes everything smell and taste cozy.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple juices and binds the oat topping.
  • Ground ginger & cloves: Small amounts of these spices add depth and a subtle spicy warmth.
  • Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla lifts the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
  • Rolled oats: Keeps the topping crunchy while adding heartiness.
  • Brown sugar: Its molasses content lends richness and moisture to the oat topping.
  • Butter: Binds the topping and delivers that melt-in-your-mouth buttery crispiness.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like making this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe my own depending on what’s in the pantry or what mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might discover a new family favorite!

  • Add nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
  • Use different spices: Playing around with cardamom or nutmeg can add a fresh twist that’s still cozy and delicious.
  • Swap the fruit: Pears, peaches, or even berries mixed with apples can make for a seasonal variation worth trying.
  • Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and you’re good to go.

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

Step 1: Get Your Apples Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While it’s warming up, core your apples and slice them into ¼ to ½ inch thick pieces—I usually leave the peel on for texture and nutrients, but peeling is totally up to you. Toss the slices into a large bowl so they’re ready for the spice mixture.

Step 2: Spice Things Up

In a smaller bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and cloves. This little combo seasons the apples perfectly and thickens that natural juices as they cook, so you don’t get a soggy crisp. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over your sliced apples, add the vanilla extract, and gently toss everything until the apples are well coated and smelling amazing.

Step 3: Make the Oat Topping

Mix flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Then cut your room temperature butter into chunks and use your hands (my favorite part!) to rub it into the mixture. You want it crumbly but slightly damp—not a paste. This texture bakes up to an irresistible crisp that I could snack on plain.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the seasoned apples in a baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender underneath. The smell as it bakes will have your kitchen smelling like fall heaven!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add that creamy, dreamy contrast. Trust me, it’s pure magic.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

  • Apple Variety Matters: I always choose a mix of sweet and tart apples—it makes the flavor more complex and less one-dimensional.
  • Don’t Overmix the Topping: When working butter into the oats and flour, aim for crumbly bits to get that perfect crisp texture after baking.
  • Let it Cool Slightly: Give the crisp 10 minutes out of the oven to settle; it helps the juices thicken and prevents it from being too runny.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon and spices make a huge difference, so swap out old bottles for the best flavor impact.

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

I love topping mine with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream because the cold creaminess provides a beautiful contrast to the warm crisp. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take this dessert to the next level.

Side Dishes

This apple crisp pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—great for cozy evenings. For brunch, I sometimes serve it alongside pancakes or waffles for a sweet, spiced addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like baking individual servings in ramekins so everyone gets their own personal crisp. You can also layer it in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and cinnamon for a stunning fall-themed dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crisp keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap so it stays moist but still a little crisp on top.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover apple crisp a few times by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring the crisp back to life, I pop it in a 350ºF oven for about 15 minutes—this crisps up the topping nicely without drying out the apples. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some of that lovely crunch.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen apples for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?

    While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use frozen apples if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before seasoning and baking to prevent a soggy crisp.

  2. What’s the best way to peel apples quickly?

    I like using a Y-shaped vegetable peeler—it’s faster and easier than a knife, and you end up with neat, thin peels. But remember, the peel adds fiber and holds the apple slices together during baking, so you can skip peeling if you prefer.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. The texture might differ slightly but the flavor will still shine.

  4. How can I make the oat topping extra crunchy?

    Use cold butter and mix it gently into the dry ingredients, leaving some irregular chunks rather than a uniformly crumbled mix. Baking uncovered and avoiding stirring during bake time helps keep the topping crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is one I keep coming back to whenever I want something that feels like a warm, homemade hug. The blend of tender fruit and crunchy topping is insanely satisfying and beginner-friendly too. Whether you make it for a weeknight treat, a holiday gathering, or a cozy weekend dessert, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. So go on—grab those apples, turn on your oven, and enjoy a little slice of comfort. You won’t regret it!

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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples coated in aromatic spices and topped with a buttery oat crumble. Perfect for a cozy night in, it can be served hot with ice cream or whipped cream to enhance its delightful flavors.

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 ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the apple crisp evenly.
  2. Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples into ¼-½ inch wide slices. Peel them if desired, then place the sliced apples into 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 and drizzle vanilla extract over them. Stir well to coat apples evenly with the spice mixture.
  4. Make Oat Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut the room-temperature butter into chunks and use your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and slightly damp.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumbly oat topping evenly over the seasoned apples in a baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly and tender.
  6. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
  • Choosing tart apples like Granny Smith will provide a nice balance to the sweet topping.
  • Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving to let juices thicken.
  • Butter should be at room temperature to easily incorporate into the oat topping.
  • Peeling the apples is optional; leaving the peel adds texture and nutrients.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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