Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple crisp offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart apples with a satisfyingly crispy topping. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and delivers cozy, nostalgic flavors that everyone will love. Great for fall or any time you crave a classic fruit dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Lemon juice
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Rolled oats
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All-purpose flour
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Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
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Salt
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
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Toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
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Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender and bubbly.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
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Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
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Use a mix of apple varieties for depth of flavor.
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Stir in spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth.
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Top with caramel sauce or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free oats and flour substitutes.
Can I prepare ahead of time?
Assemble and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Freeze unbaked or baked crisp for up to 3 months.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Bake uncovered and reheat in the oven, not microwave.
Can I use brown sugar only?
Yes, but a mix of granulated and brown sugar balances sweetness and texture.
Can I make individual servings?
Yes, use ramekins or small baking dishes.
Can I add other fruits?
Pears, berries, or peaches work well mixed with apples.
Is apple crisp healthy?
It’s a treat, but using less sugar and more fruit can lighten it.
What can I serve with apple crisp?
Ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Conclusion
The Best Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a crispy, buttery oat topping. Easy to make and deeply comforting, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends anytime you want a warm, fruity treat.

The Best Apple Crisp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Best Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. Baked until golden and bubbly, this classic fruit dessert is perfect served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for cozy occasions year-round.
Ingredients
-
Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
-
Granulated sugar
-
Brown sugar
-
Ground cinnamon
-
Lemon juice
-
Rolled oats
-
All-purpose flour
-
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Salt
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
-
Toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
-
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
-
Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender and bubbly.
-
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.Use a mix of apple varieties for deeper flavor.Stir in spices such as nutmeg or ginger for warmth.Serve with caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.Bake uncovered to maintain a crunchy topping.