Fall is in full swing, and nothing screams cozy quite like a warm, bubbling apple crisp recipe fresh from the oven.
If you’ve been craving the flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a buttery oat topping, this is the dessert to make.
I’ve been baking it for years, ever since my grandma shared her version with me on a chilly October afternoon, and it’s still my favorite fall treat.
The smell of apples and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen is pure nostalgia, and every bite delivers that perfect mix of soft, spiced fruit and crunchy, golden crumble.
It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Trust me — once you try this apple crisp recipe, it’ll become your go-to dessert for cozy autumn nights.
Read Also: Healthy Apple Pie Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe
This apple crisp is a crowd-pleaser that balances sweet, tart, and crunchy in every bite. It’s quick to prep, uses pantry staples, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, it’s versatile, customizable, and pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Customizable: Swap apples or add nuts for your own twist.
- Comforting Flavors: Warm spices and buttery oats evoke fall.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serve it for dessert, brunch, or a holiday spread.
Read Also: Easy Banana Bread Recipe
Ingredients For Apple Crisp Recipe
You’ll need just a handful of ingredients to whip up this apple crisp, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what to gather for a perfect dessert.
- 6 medium apples (about 1 kg), peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tbsp (8 g) cinnamon
- 1 tsp (2 g) nutmeg
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
Read Also: Crab Apple Jelly Recipe
Kitchen Equipment Needed
This recipe doesn’t require fancy tools, just a few kitchen basics to get the job done. Make sure you have these on hand before starting.
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or 20×20 cm)
- Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Oven mitts
Read Also: Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious apple crisp that’s golden, bubbly, and full of flavor. Each step is broken down to make the process smooth, even for first-time bakers.
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s fully heated by the time you’re ready to bake.
Place an oven rack in the middle position for even heat distribution.
If your oven runs hot, double-check the temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid overcooking.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel your apples using a peeler to remove the skin completely. Core each apple by cutting around the center with a knife, then slice into thin, even pieces (about 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm thick) on a cutting board.
Place the slices in a large mixing bowl, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp (2 g) cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Toss gently with a spatula until the apples are evenly coated. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds a bright flavor.
3. Make the Crumble Topping
In another mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats, 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, 1 tsp (2 g) cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp (1 g) nutmeg. Add 1/2 cup (115 g) cold, cubed butter.
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces.
Don’t overmix; you want those buttery chunks for a crispy texture.
4. Assemble the Apple Crisp
Spread the apple mixture evenly in an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering them completely but not pressing down too hard.
The loose topping will crisp up beautifully in the oven. If any apples are exposed, they might dry out during baking.
5. Bake the Apple Crisp
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Check halfway through; if the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Use oven mitts to remove the dish when done.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.
Read Also: Amish Apple Cake Recipe
Tips for Success
These tips will help you nail the perfect apple crisp every time, ensuring a balance of textures and flavors.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth.
- Keep butter cold for a flakier topping.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it enhances flavor.
- Check doneness by piercing apples with a fork; they should be tender.
- Let the crisp cool slightly to thicken the filling.
Read Also: Healthy Carrot Cake Recipe
Serving Suggestions
This apple crisp shines as a dessert but can fit into various occasions with the right pairings.
Serve it warm for maximum coziness and pair it with complementary dishes for a full experience.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
- Pair with Mulled Apple Cider for a festive touch.
- Serve alongside Kale and Sweet Potato Soup for a cozy meal.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish.
Read Also: Fall Punch Recipes
Variations to Try
Switch up this apple crisp to suit your taste or dietary needs with these creative twists.
- Add 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts to the topping.
- Swap half the apples for pears.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add 1/4 cup (40 g) dried cranberries to the filling.
- Replace butter with coconut oil for a vegan option.
Read Also: Vegan Fall Recipes
Storage and Reheating
This apple crisp keeps well, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. Follow these tips to store and reheat it properly.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
- Cover with foil when reheating to prevent drying out.
Read Also: Fall Bread Recipes
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Sugar: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Read Also: Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Apples and oats are the stars of this dish, bringing not just flavor but also some great nutritional perks.
Incorporating these ingredients makes this dessert a slightly healthier indulgence.
- Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, support heart health.
- Rolled Oats: Provide beta-glucans to lower cholesterol.
- Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar.
- Lemon Juice: Adds vitamin C for immunity.
- Butter: Offers fat-soluble vitamins in moderation.
Read Also: Healthy Coleslaw Recipe
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweeter ones like Honeycrisp work best. A mix of both adds great flavor balance. Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy when baked.
2. Can I make this apple crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
3. How do I know when the apple crisp is done?
The topping should be golden brown, and the apple filling should bubble around the edges. Pierce an apple slice with a fork; it should be tender but not mushy.
4. Can I prepare this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the crisp up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze the unbaked crisp for up to a month.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
Read Also: Fall Dinner Recipes
Final Thoughts
This apple crisp recipe is like a warm hug from fall, blending sweet, tart apples with a buttery, crunchy topping that’s hard to resist. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for holiday gatherings.
I love how it fills the house with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, reminding me of family traditions and cozy evenings.
Whether you’re serving it with a scoop of ice cream or enjoying it on its own, this dessert is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it out, and let me know how it turns out for you!
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