Easy Apple Crisp
Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples under a buttery, crunchy oat topping. An easy fall dessert that takes 15 minutes to prep and is perfect with vanilla ice cream.
Apple crisp gives you the flavor of apple pie without making a crust. Sliced apples are tossed with cinnamon and a little sugar, then covered in a crumbly topping of oats, brown sugar, flour and butter.
In the oven, the apples turn soft and syrupy and the topping bakes up golden and crunchy.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No pie crust needed
- 15 minutes of prep
- Crunchy oat topping
- Make-ahead friendly
Ingredient Notes
Apples: Use firm apples that hold their shape, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady or Braeburn. A mix of sweet and tart is best.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Quick oats work but the topping is less crunchy.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp
Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or a 12 inch skillet.
Toss the apples
Toss the apples with the sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Spread them in the dish.
Make the topping
Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Work in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms clumps.
Top
Scatter the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake
Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the juices bubble around the edges.
Rest and serve
Cool 15 minutes so the juices thicken. Serve warm with ice cream.
Tips for the Best Results
- Slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Squeeze the topping into clumps for more crunch.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Put a sheet pan on the rack below to catch drips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
| Soggy topping | Use cold butter and bake until deep golden. |
| Watery filling | Let it rest 15 minutes before serving so the juices thicken. |
| Mushy apples | Choose firm baking apples, not soft ones like Red Delicious. |
Substitutions
- Apples: Pears, peaches or mixed berries.
- Butter: Cold coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- All-purpose flour: Almond flour in the topping.
What to Serve With It
- Vanilla ice cream
- Homemade hot chocolate
- Whipped cream
- Copycat brown sugar shaken espresso
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Cover and keep for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked crisp for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes to re-crisp the topping, or microwave single servings for 30 seconds.
Tools That Make This Easier
- 9 x 13 inch baking dishThe right size for a family crisp.Check price on Amazon
- Apple peeler corerPeels and slices apples in seconds.Check price on Amazon
- Pastry cutterCuts butter into the topping.Check price on Amazon
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Easy Apple Crisp
Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples under a buttery, crunchy oat topping. An easy fall dessert that takes 15 minutes to prep and is perfect with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple filling
Oat topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or a 12 inch skillet.
- Toss the apples with the sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Spread them in the dish.
- Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Work in the cold butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms clumps.
- Scatter the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden and the juices bubble around the edges.
- Cool 15 minutes so the juices thicken. Serve warm with ice cream.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories
- 360 kcal
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 62 g
- Total Fat
- 13 g
- Saturated Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
- Sugar
- 42 g
- Sodium
- 110 mg
Nutrition is an estimate per serving without optional sauces, calculated from standard USDA values. It will vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
They are very similar. In the US, a crisp usually has oats in the topping and a crumble often does not.
What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Braeburn hold their shape. A mix of sweet and tart tastes best.
Can I make apple crisp ahead?
Yes. Assemble it, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, then add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No. The peel softens in the oven. Peeling gives a smoother texture.
