This apple crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert made from scratch with tart apples and a buttery oat topping. It comes together in about an hour and fills your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit. This classic recipe is perfect for weeknight treats or a simple, elegant finish to a holiday meal.

I discovered my love for a simple, honest apple crisp while traveling through New England one autumn. There is something so profoundly comforting about the combination of warm, spiced apples and a crunchy topping that feels like a hug in a bowl. I often serve this alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream after a dinner of cozy classics like my homemade apple pie or as a sweet ending to a meal featuring pumpkin muffins. It’s a ritual that celebrates the season’s best flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

Effortless Elegance: This baked apple dessert looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Perfect Texture: The crisp topping provides a delightful crunch against the tender, bubbling fruit.
Wholesome Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s a treat you can feel good about serving.
Versatile Occasion: Equally suited for a casual family dessert or a festive gathering.

What You’ll Need for Your Perfect Apple Crisp

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Apple Filling

6 medium baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Their firm texture and balance of tart and sweet flavors are ideal.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples beautifully without making them overly syrupy.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the natural juices from the apples as they bake.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, quintessential spice flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, warm depth to the spice profile.

For the Crisp Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly, crisp topping.
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Delivers the signature chewy yet crisp texture.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Offers a rich molasses flavor and helps the topping caramelize.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Combined with brown sugar for the perfect sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Echoes the spice in the filling for a cohesive taste.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very cold: The key to a flaky, crumbly texture when cut into the dry ingredients.

Apple Crisp

Make this classic apple crisp with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Easy recipe with simple ingredients ready in about an hour. Perfect warm dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl
knife
measuring spoons
oven
baking dish
pastry blender
measuring cups
cutting board
wire rack

Ingredients

Apple Filling

6 medium baking apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Oat Topping

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter very cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all inner surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and 1/4-inch thick sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Toss gently until the apple slices are evenly coated, then pour them into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
In a separate medium bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
Add the very cold, 1/2-inch cubed unsalted butter to the dry topping mixture. Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two forks, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Avoid overworking to maintain a crumbly texture.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping mixture over the apple filling in the baking dish, ensuring the apples are mostly covered.
Bake the apple crisp in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. The crisp is ready when the topping is golden brown and appears slightly crisp, the apple filling is bubbling around the edges, and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling to thicken and set, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Notes

Allow the crisp to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving so the filling can thicken and set.

Keyword apple crisp

Simple Recipe Variations

Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping for extra texture.
Berry Apple Blend: Replace one or two apples with a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for a tangy twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Serve each warm portion with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce for decadence.

My Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Cold Butter is Key: Using very cold butter ensures your apple crisp topping stays crumbly and doesn’t become greasy.
Uniform Apple Slices: Cut your apples to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: Stop blending when the mixture looks like coarse crumbs; overworking it can lead to a tough topping.
Let It Rest: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time lets the juicy filling thicken beautifully, just like with my easy apple dumplings.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store: Keep any leftover homemade apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. An airtight container is best.
Freeze: You can freeze the baked and cooled crisp for up to 3 months. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the crisp topping up to 2 days ahead and store it in a bag in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for apple crisp?

Firm, tart apples that hold their shape during baking are best. I highly recommend Granny Smith for their excellent tartness, or a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy.

Can I make apple crisp gluten-free?

Absolutely. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the filling and topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture of this oat apple crisp will be just as delightful.

Why is my apple crisp topping not crispy?

A soggy topping is often due to the butter being too warm or the crisp not baking long enough. Ensure your butter is very cold and bake until the top is deeply golden and you see juices bubbling at the edges.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

You can, but the texture will be different. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a much heartier, chewier crunch. Quick oats will result in a softer, less distinct topping, so I prefer the texture of old-fashioned.

More Cozy Fall Desserts to Try

Why This Apple Crisp Becomes a Favorite

With its irresistible combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, crisp oat topping, this easy apple crunch recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It’s the kind of simple, from-scratch dessert that creates warm memories around the table. I hope it becomes a cherished part of your recipe collection, bringing comfort and joy with every bite.

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe