Name: Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup old-fashioned oats; ⅔ cup light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly); 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples; 3 tablespoons apple juice (preferred) or orange juice; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Vanilla ice cream; Caramel sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 168 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, cinnamon-kissed apples under a perfectly crumbly, buttery oat topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this Apple Crisp Recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to delight and satisfy those sweet cravings with every luscious bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a dry mixture of light beige flour and oats, with a white spatula resting inside it, angled slightly towards the right. Behind this bowl is a clear measuring cup with a yellow liquid inside. The right bowl holds a sticky brown oat mixture that looks wet and thick, with the same white spatula partially submerged and angled slightly towards the left, coated with the oatmeal mixture. Both bowls have clear glass walls, showing the texture and color contrast between the dry and wet ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for nailing that perfect balance between juicy fruit and crunchy topping. Each element plays its part, from the oats adding rustic texture to the apples soaking up fragrant cinnamon and vanilla for deep, warm flavor.

⅔ cup all purpose flour: Helps create structure in the topping for that satisfying crispness.
⅔ cup old fashioned oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture to balance the tender apples.
⅔ cup light brown sugar: Brings natural sweetness with a hint of molasses richness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses both topping and filling with that iconic warm spice.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly): Gives the topping a golden, buttery crisp texture.
6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples: The star of the dish; choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best bite.
3 tablespoons apple juice (preferred) or orange juice: Keeps the filling juicy and adds subtle fruit brightness.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just enough without overpowering.
2 tablespoons all purpose flour: Thickens the filling so the juices don’t turn soggy.
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Builds extra warm spice notes in the filling.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic depth to the fruit.
Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce (for serving): Optional but highly recommended for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by heating your oven to 350°F, which is just right for slow baking that yields a tender fruit layer and golden topping. Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or a 9×9 square baking dish to ensure your apple crisp won’t stick and will slide out effortlessly for serving.

Step 2: Make the Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, light brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the melted, slightly cooled butter to this mixture and stir well until everything is evenly moistened. Pop this bowl into the refrigerator while you prepare the filling; chilling the topping helps it form those delightfully clumpy pieces you’ll love.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, gently toss together the peeled, thinly sliced apples with apple juice (or orange juice), granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Make sure every slice gets coated in this fragrant, lightly sweetened mixture — this is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the apple filling, along with any juices, to your greased baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Crumble the chilled topping evenly over the apples, pressing some parts gently to create clumps that will bake into crunchy morsels. Cover loosely with foil sprayed with nonstick spray to keep moisture balanced and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Reveal the Crisp and Finish Baking

After the initial baking, remove the foil to let the topping brown and crisp up beautifully. Continue baking for another 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender, the juices are bubbling at the edges, and the topping has a gorgeous golden color. Allow it to cool slightly on the counter so the juices thicken, making every spoonful perfectly luscious.

How to Serve Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Apple Crisp Recipe, serve it warmed with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the crisp, creating a divine contrast of hot and cold. A drizzle of rich caramel sauce adds a glossy, decadent flair that makes each bite even more indulgent and memorable.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, fresh options like a crisp green salad or a tangy citrus sorbet to cleanse the palate. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, consider mildly spiced roast meats or a simple cheese plate to complement the crisp’s sweet and fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in rustic ramekins or small mason jars, perfect for gatherings or gifting. You can also layer the apple filling and topping in a trifle dish alongside whipped cream for a beautiful, crowd-pleasing presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Crisp Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it well to preserve the topping’s texture and enjoy reheated slices that taste just as comforting as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this apple crisp either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked goodness, reheat your apple crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the topping crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Mix tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith with Fuji or Honeycrisp, for a more complex flavor and balanced sweetness in your Apple Crisp Recipe.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture in the filling, but leaving skins on can add extra color, nutrition, and a bit of chew. Just be sure to wash the apples well.

Can I substitute butter with a non-dairy alternative?

Yes, melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works nicely, though the flavor might differ slightly. The texture remains satisfyingly crisp.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Covering the crisp loosely with foil at the start of baking helps protect the topping. Removing the foil halfway allows it to brown without burning.

What’s the best way to serve Apple Crisp Recipe for a crowd?

Bake it in a larger dish and serve warm scoops with plenty of vanilla ice cream on the side. Individual ramekins also make lovely, personalized presentations.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crisp Recipe is a cherished dessert that’s easy to prepare but full of heartwarming flavor and texture. Sharing a warm dish of this crisp with friends or family truly feels like a celebration of simple, delicious moments. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and comforting as I do!