Apple Crisp Recipe (with Crunchy Oat Topping)
Apple crisp is a cozy and comforting dessert made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble that bakes to crisp perfection. It’s simple to prepare, irresistibly delicious, and the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
This easy apple crisp is even more irresistible when served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of the hot, cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy oat topping with the cold, velvety ice cream creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each bite melts together into a comforting, decadent treat that makes this classic dessert truly unforgettable.
What’s the Difference Between Apple Cobbler, Apple Crumble, and Apple Crisp?
All three desserts are very similar to one another. They all have the same apple filling, but the toppings make them unique and different from one another.
Apple crisp topping typically contains oats and also makes use of melted butter, both of which help produce a crunchier and crispier consistency when baked in an oven.
Apple crumble topping is a classic crumb topping that goes well with apple pie or crumb cake. The flour and sugar are combined with cold butter, resulting in a drier, almost sandy texture, hence the name.
Cobblers, on the other hand, have a biscuit or scone-like toppings.
Why You’ll Love Apple Crisp Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This apple crisp uses everyday pantry staples like fresh apples, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, yet comes together into a dessert bursting with warm, comforting flavors.
- Perfectly Textured: The apples bake until tender and juicy, while the oat and butter topping crisps to golden perfection, creating a delightful contrast of soft and crunchy in every bite.
- Endlessly Versatile: Serve it warm on its own, add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent twist – perfect for any occasion.
- Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a weeknight treat or a holiday dessert, this apple crisp appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
- A Fall Must-Make Dessert: Bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden oat topping, this apple crisp is the ultimate treat to celebrate the flavors of autumn.
What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Crisp?
You’re going to want an apple variety that will hold its shape after baking and not turn to complete mush, but ultimately, this comes down to preference or what you have on hand.
I used a large bag of Jona Gold apples that I used for this recipe. Otherwise, you can use any variety of apples.
Granny Smith apples are traditionally thought to be the best for apple crisp, but Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples would also work well in this recipe or for a pie.
It all depends on the flavor you’re going for, so if you want a tarter flavor, go for tart apples. The only thing to make sure is that they can hold their shape when baked.
Do I Need to Peel the Apples?
Whether or not you want to peel the apples to make this apple crisp is entirely up to you. I’ve peeled apples in this recipe since that’s what my family prefers more, but you can do whatever suits you best.
In case you do intend to leave the skin on, then make sure to wash your apples thoroughly before using them.
Key Ingredients
This delicious Apple Crisp recipe requires the most basic ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Apples: Of course, we have to start with apples first. I’m using Jona Gold apples but you can use any variety of apples you like, as long as they can hold their shape when baking.
- All-purpose flour: To give our dessert structure, we’ll be using some regular all-purpose flour in this recipe. It’s going to be used to create texture in the dish for the perfect crisp topping.
- Butter: We’ll also need some unsalted butter for this recipe that we’ll cut into strips and mash together for the perfect consistency.
- Oats: You’ll also need some old-fashioned oats (rolled oats) for this recipe. As we learned above, the thing that distinguishes Apple Crisps from other apple desserts is that it includes this ingredient. It adds a crunch and will give you the best apple crisp topping.
- Salt: To balance out all the flavors, we’ll be adding a little bit of salt to our dish. Trust me, it makes a give difference!
- Brown sugar: For added depth, we’ll be using brown sugar instead of regular white sugar. The added molasses will give your homemade apple crisp the perfect level of sweetness.
- Cinnamon: To elevate the flavor to the next level, we’ll also be using some ground cinnamon in this recipe. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.
For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Make Apple Crisp
Making this delicious Apple Crisp is super easy. Here’s what you need to do step by step:
Start by preheating the oven to 350℉.
Next, sift the ¾ cup flour into a medium bowl. Cut butter into small strips, add salt and mash together with a butter masher until it has a crumbly consistency. This will help get the best crumb.
Next, add brown sugar and oats. Stir them in with a spoon. Finally, add ground cinnamon and mix everything together with a spoon once more. Set it aside until ready to use.
Time to prep the apples! Rinse, peel, and slice apples. I cut these slices in half once more, with a knife.
Lay out all the apple slices into an oven-safe baking dish or pan however you prefer.
Sprinkle prepped oat mixture over sliced apples. Dig down into the fruit with a spoon handle to better cover the apples.
Bake apple crips uncovered at 350℉ for 45 minutes, or until the fruit slightly bubbles and your apple crisp has turned golden brown.
The more apples you use the longer the baking time. This means that 8 large Granny Smith apples would require 60 minutes of baking.
Remove baked apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for 20 – 30 minutes before serving.
Your delicious apple crisp is ready to be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a full instructions on how to make apple crisp, see the recipe card below.
Apple Crisp Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: Combine oats, flour, sugar, and butter just until crumbly to ensure a light, crispy topping.
- Cut Apples Evenly: Slice apples into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and bake to the perfect tenderness.
- Add Spices: Cinnamon is classic, but a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger adds extra warmth and depth.
- Layer for Juiciness: Toss apples with a little sugar and flour or cornstarch before topping to thicken juices and prevent a soggy crisp.
- Bake Until Golden: The topping should be golden brown and crisp; baking a few extra minutes can enhance crunch.
- Serve Warm: Apple crisp is best served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can assemble the crisp a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Rolled oats should be labeled gluten-free.
Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut add extra texture and flavor to the crisp topping.
Yes! Adjust the sugar in the apple mixture or topping according to your taste. You can also add a bit of maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
How to Store Leftover Apple Crisp
You can store any leftovers you might have in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
How to Make Apple Crisp Ahead of Time
To make ahead, follow the recipe for the apple filling but add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to prevent the apples from turning brown.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one day. Make the crumb topping and keep it separate in the refrigerator. Follow the rest of the recipe when it’s time to bake your Apple Crisp making sure it’s golden brown when you take it out.
How to Freeze Apple Crisp
You can also freeze your Apple Crisp. To do this, prepare and bake apple crisp as directed in the recipe. Let it cool completely, and then cover it with a double layer of aluminum foil. You can now freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you want to have it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Cinnamon Apple Bars
- Sweet Swirl Apple Buns
- The Best Apple Pie Recipe
- No Bake Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits
Check out all Fall recipes.
Apple Crisp Recipe (with Crunchy Oat Topping)
Ingredients
Homemade Apple Crisp Ingredients
- 6 extra-large Jona Gold apples (I like Granny Smith, Jona Gold or Honey Crisp)
- ¾ cup all-purpose organic flour
- 4 oz. cold unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp. sea salt
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350℉.
- Next, sift the flour into a medium bowl. Cut butter into small strips, add salt and mash together with a butter masher until it has a crumbly consistency. This will help get the best crumb.
- Next, add brown sugar and oats. Stir them in with a spoon. Finally, add ground cinnamon and mix everything together with a spoon once more. Set it aside until ready to use.
- Time to prep the apples! Rinse, peel, and slice apples. I cut these slices in half once more, with a knife.
- Lay out all the apple slices into an oven-safe baking dish or pan however you prefer.
- Sprinkle prepped oats mixture over sliced apples. Dig down into the fruit with a spoon handle to better cover the apples.
- Bake uncovered at 350℉ for 45 minutes, or until the fruit slightly bubbles and your Apple Crisp has turned golden brown.
- The more apples you use the longer the baking time. This means that 8 large Granny Smith apples would require 60 minutes of baking.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 20 – 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Thank you for following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
This apple crisp recipe was originally posted on Septembr 21, 2016 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
What size pan are you using?
10 X 12 ceramic or glass pan will work as well.
Velechka, great recipe! Just a little suggestion… to take this crisp even to a higher level ,use pumpkin spice instead to give a complexity of flavor and add some plump raisins or cranberries into the apple mixture….. enjoy!
Thanks for the idea. That sounds good too.
This dessert tastes very similar to the one we had on our luxury ship cruise. It going to my keeper recipes. Thanks.
Wow!… That’s exiting. I’m glad this recipe became your favorite. Thank you for awesome feedback. 🙂
Tried making this recipe today. It turned out delicious! This dish is something that would be served to you in a restaurant! However, I think there is too much sugar… next time I will do 1/4 cup or maybe even try it without sugar. Thank you for another good recipe!
Hi Julie. I’m glad you liked the recipe. I really appreciate your feedback.
This recipe is so good! Will be making it again and again! I served it with French vanilla ice cream and my kids came asking for seconds, lol. Thank you for sharing another delicious recipe with us.
That’s awesome Monica! I’m glad your kiddos liked the recipe. My kids come for seconds too. Thanks for your feedback!