Imagine biting into a warm, gooey slice of apple crisp, where sweet apples mingle with a crunchy oat topping, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The buttery scent wafts through the air, enticing everyone nearby to gather around, waiting for that first heavenly bite.

This apple crisp recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you back to cozy family gatherings and chilly autumn nights. Perfect for any occasion, it promises an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy apple crisp comes together quickly and requires minimal prep time
- Its warm, comforting flavors make it perfect for family gatherings
- The golden-brown topping adds visual appeal and crunch to every luscious bite
- Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
You know, the first time I made this apple crisp, my friends thought I’d become a culinary genius overnight! They couldn’t believe something so delicious came from my kitchen.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Apples: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar to enhance the caramel flavor in your topping.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats give the crisp its delightful texture; avoid instant oats.
Cinnamon: A key spice that adds warmth and depth; fresh ground is always best!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of your dish.
All-purpose Flour: This helps bind the topping while adding a bit of structure.
Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the apple flavor wonderfully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice about six cups of apples into thin pieces. Toss them with lemon juice and cinnamon in a large bowl until well coated.
Make the Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly; it should resemble wet sand ready for a beach vacation!
Add It All Together: Spread the apple mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apples—feel free to channel your inner artist here!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your masterpiece in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Wait until the apples are bubbling and the topping turns a glorious golden brown.
Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let it cool for about 10 minutes before diving in—this allows those flavors to settle down. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top because why not?
Enjoy each glorious spoonful as you savor your very own homemade apple crisp!
You Must Know
- Apple crisp is a delightful dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone eagerly anticipate the first bite
- It’s easy to make ahead and perfect for gatherings, ensuring you impress your guests every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by peeling and slicing your apples while preheating the oven to 350°F. This ensures the apples soften perfectly while baking and the topping crisps up nicely.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix different apple varieties for more flavor complexity, or add nuts like walnuts for an extra crunch. You can also sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for that cozy vibe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop it back in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor
- Avoid overmixing your topping; a crumbly texture is key!
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds
The first time I made apple crisp, my family devoured it within minutes, leaving me with nothing but an empty dish and happy memories.
FAQ
What type of apples work best for apple crisp?
Mix tart varieties like Granny Smith with sweet ones like Fuji for great flavor.
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake just before serving.
How do I keep my topping crispy?
Ensure your butter is cold; this helps create that perfect crumbly texture when baked.

Delicious Apple Crisp
Indulge in the warmth of homemade apple crisp, where tart apples meet a buttery oat topping for a delightful dessert that evokes cozy memories. This easy apple crisp is perfect for gatherings, filling your home with an irresistible aroma as it bakes. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 6 cups tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon until coated.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Spread the apple mixture in the baking dish and sprinkle the oat topping over it.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until apples are bubbling and topping is golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg