Apple Crisp

This Easy Apple Crisp is a comforting, homey dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, especially as the weather turns cooler. With tender apples coated in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced sauce, topped with a buttery, oat crumble and baked to golden perfection, this dessert is the epitome of cozy fall flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this apple crisp will be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crisp combines the best elements of a fruit dessert—tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crispy, buttery topping. The added crunch from chopped pecans in the oat topping makes it even more irresistible. Plus, this dessert is incredibly simple to make and doesn’t require any special tools or techniques. The result is a warm, golden dessert that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Oat Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• ¼ cup chopped pecans

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ cup butter, cold and cut into small pieces

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 lbs. apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin (about 3 to 4 cups)

• ¼ cup butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 pinch salt

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub butter in a 7×11″ baking dish (or a similar size) and set aside.

Make the Topping:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, pecans, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together.

2. Add the cold butter and use your fingers to pinch it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes coarse and crumbly.

3. Place the bowl in the fridge until ready to use.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and flour. Add water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.

2. Stir in the sliced apples, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the brown sugar mixture.

Assemble the Crisp:

1. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.

2. Top the apple filling with the oat crumble topping, spreading it evenly over the apples.

Bake:

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let the apple crisp cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Serve:

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover apple crisp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Apple crisp is also delicious cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! You can use any variety of apple you like, but tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for baking as they hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.

Can I make this recipe without the pecans?

Yes, you can leave out the pecans or substitute them with other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. If you prefer a nut-free version, just omit the nuts entirely, and the topping will still be delicious.

Can I make this apple crisp gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this apple crisp gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure to check that the oats you use are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making the crumble topping?

While the crumble topping is what gives this apple crisp its signature texture, you can use a store-bought pie crust if you prefer a more traditional pie-like dessert. Simply layer the apples in the pie crust and top with a lattice of pie crust, then bake as usual.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients and bake the apple crisp in a larger dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time, as it may take a little longer to cook through in a larger pan.

Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the crisp and bake as directed.

Can I freeze this apple crisp?

Yes, you can freeze apple crisp before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the crisp in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, simply add 10–15 extra minutes to the baking time. If you’re freezing after baking, let the crisp cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Easy Apple Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert, featuring sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it after a cozy dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or serving it as a special treat, this apple crisp is sure to become a favorite. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got the perfect comfort food dessert!