There is no better fall dessert than this easy apple crisp recipe. Tender and warm cinnamon apples topped with a buttery crisp topping, then baked to perfection.
Swap the apples out for peaches and make this delicious Peach Crisp recipe instead!
APPLE CRISP RECIPE
There is something about warm baked apples during the crisp fall time! This easy apple crisp recipe with oats is everything and more. Tender, spice apples topped with a golden crunchy oat topping, baked to perfection. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the ultimate dessert, no matter the season.
WHAT YOU NEED-
APPLE FILLING
- Apples– The best apples to use for baking are the apples that have a mix of sweet and tangy. I love to use a mix of apples such as Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Macintosh, etc.
- Cornstarch– Adding cornstarch to the apple filling will help you get that warm, gooey apple pie filling.
- Sugar– To sweeten the apple crisp filling, you can use either granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup or even honey.
- Cinnamon– You can’t forget the cinnamon to achieve the perfect warm, spiced apples.
- Vanilla– For added flavors you want to add vanilla extract.
- Lemon Juice– Adding freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice has a slight citrus kick. Also helps draw out the juices and keeps the apples from browning so fast.
APPLE CRISP TOPPING
- Butter– This is what gives the topping its rich, buttery flavor and golden crisp texture. Use unsalted, cold, cubed butter for best results. If using salted butter, simply omit the extra salt in the recipe.
- Flour– All-purpose flour works best to create the perfect crisp topping.
- Oats– For the best results, use old-fashioned rolled oats, but quick oats can also be used.
- Sugar– To sweeten the apple crisp topping, you can use either granulated sugar or brown sugar.
- Cinnamon– Ground cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor, though it’s optional.
- Salt– A little salt enhances and balances all the flavors.
- Nuts– Adding nuts to the crisp topping is totally optional, but so delicious! You can use pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, etc.
HOW TO MAKE EASY APPLE CRISP
Not only is this dessert easy to make but it is an effortless dessert! Have this easy apple crisp ready to bake with just 10 minutes of prep time.
- Pit and peel the apples and slice into thin even sized pieces, about 1/8-inch in thickness.
- In a casserole dish or cast-iron skillet, add all the ingredients for the apple crisp filling and mix until the apples are fully coated.
- In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the apple crisp topping.
- Add cubed cold butter and with your hands or pastry cutter mix until a crumbly mixture forms. (You will still have some chunks of butter, that’s okay!)
- Sprinkle the crisp topping mixture over the apples, evenly covering all the fruit.
- Bake until the apple crisp topping is golden and the juices are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the crisp to cool for 5-10 minutes. (This dessert is best when served warm, not piping hot, so be patient during the cool time it’s totally worth it!)
- Serve this warm apple crisp with ice cream, yogurt, whipped cream or plain.
APPLE CRISP VARIATIONS-
You can totally have fun with the crisp fruit filling, spice it up by swapping or adding different fruit.
- Apple Pear Crisp– This is a great fall flavor! Use a mix of both apples and pears for the filling.
- Apple Cranberry Crisp-Looking for a delicious winter crisp? Add half apples and half cranberries as the filling. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart!
- Berry Crisp– Swap the apples for a mixture of all your favorite berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
- Peach Crisp– Make a peach crisp recipe for the ultimate summertime sweet treat!
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
This is totally up to you! I prefer peeling the apples for this apple crisp recipe.
You can do either, it’s just a matter of preference. Just make sure the apple pieces aren’t too large, or they won’t bake all the way through.
Be sure to slice the apples no larger than 1/8-1/4 inches thick. If you are cubing the apples, keep them no larger than 1/4 inch thick. Be sure to cut all the apples into uniform sizes for even baking.
You want to use old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats for the best results.
Once the apple crisp has cooled, cover and store at room temp for 3-4 days. You can store it in the fridge, but the topping will get soggier.
No! You can totally leave the nuts out of this dessert, it is just an added flavor.
ENJOY APPLE SEASON THE RIGHT WAY-
Enjoy apple season with all the best apple desserts!
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
Apple Filling-
- 2 1/2 lbs apples peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Apple Crisp Topping-
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Peel and pit the apples. Slice into even sized slices, about 1/8 inches thick.
- In a casserole dish or cast-iron skillet, add the sliced apples, sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon and lemon juice and mix until the apples are fully coated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and with your hands or a dough blender mix in the butter to incorporate, mix until the mixture is crumbly. (Don’t overmix — you still want some chunks of butter. It should be crumbly, not smooth.)
- Add the apple crisp topping over the apples, sprinkling evenly over all the fruit.
- Bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and juices are bubbling around the edges. Remove it from the oven and cool it for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or plain.
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