Warm cinnamon apples topped with a buttery oat crumble
Apple Crisp
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
1 hr 5 min
Servings
8
1 9x9-inch dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
Tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling bubbling beneath a crunchy, buttery oat crumble topping. Easier than pie and just as delicious.
Cuisine: American
Category: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Dietary: Vegetarian
Quick Summary
65 min total time|8 servings|Easy difficulty
Tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling bubbling beneath a crunchy, buttery oat crumble topping. Easier than pie and just as delicious.
AmericanVegetarian
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Apple crisp is the lazy genius of the dessert world. You get all the warmth and comfort of apple pie without the fuss of making pastry. A simple crumble topping of oats, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon bakes into a crunchy, golden blanket over tender, juicy apples.
This version uses a generous topping-to-filling ratio because everyone knows the crispy part is the best part. The apples are seasoned with cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon, then crowned with a thick layer of buttery oat streusel.
Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the crevices, this is the ultimate fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- 2
Toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Spread in the baking dish.
- 3
In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and work in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse, pea-sized clumps. Stir in nuts if using.
- 4
Scatter the topping evenly over the apples, pressing down lightly.
- 5
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- 6
Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
Old-fashioned oatsQuick oats
Topping will be less crunchy but still tasty
PecansAlmonds or walnuts
Any nut works well, or omit entirely
All-purpose flourGluten-free oat flour
Use certified gluten-free oats for the full recipe
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use cold butter and do not overmix the topping — clumps are what create the crispy texture.
Slice apples to a consistent thickness (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking.
The crisp is ready when you can see the filling actively bubbling around the edges.
This recipe doubles easily for a 9x13-inch dish.
Storage
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Most baked goods can be frozen for up to 3 months — wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to restore the crispy topping. Microwaving works but softens the crumble.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 serving (1/8 dish)) · 8 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein3g
Carbohydrates46g
Fat12g
Fiber3g
Sugar30g
Sodium80mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best apple for crisp?
- A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) gives the best results.
- Can I make this with other fruit?
- Yes. Peaches, pears, berries, or rhubarb all work beautifully with the same topping.
- Can I prep this ahead of time?
- Assemble up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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