Why You’ll Love Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

This Apple Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert — warm spiced apples baked under a buttery, golden oat topping. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether for a family dinner, holiday table, or cozy weekend treat, this apple crisp will be an instant favorite.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the Crisp Topping

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread evenly into the prepared dish.
Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble: Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings & Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

Variations

Nutty Crisp: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.
Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and certified gluten-free oats.
Berry Twist: Mix in 1 cup blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries with the apples.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven (at 325°F) until warm.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Q: What apples are best for apple crisp?
A: Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best, but mixing varieties adds depth of flavor.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the filling and topping separately, then store in the fridge. Combine and bake when ready.

Q: How do I keep the topping crispy?
A: Bake uncovered and avoid over-mixing the butter into the topping — you want little chunks for that perfect crunch.

Conclusion

This Classic Apple Crisp is everything you want in a fall dessert — warm, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Don’t forget the ice cream for the perfect finishing touch!

Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

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This Apple Crisp Recipe is the perfect cozy dessert! Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples are baked under a buttery oat topping until golden and bubbly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort treat.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare apples: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
Assemble & bake: Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over apples. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.
Substitute some of the apples with pears for a fall twist.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.