Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Crisp is an irresistible dessert that brings together the sweet, tart flavor of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. The crisp topping made from oats, butter, and brown sugar adds a delightful crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender apples. The addition of vanilla ice cream on top takes this dessert to the next level, offering a creamy richness that balances out the spiced fruit filling. It’s simple to make, yet feels special enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free.
Nutty Apple Crisp: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the oat topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, and choose a plant-based vanilla ice cream.
Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking for an added sweet, rich flavor.
Spiced Apple Crisp: Enhance the flavor by adding cloves or allspice to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the apple crisp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith are often preferred because they hold their shape well when baked. A combination of tart and sweet apples works great too!

Can I make this Apple Crisp ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, refrigerate them, and assemble the crisp when ready to bake. Alternatively, you can fully assemble it and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking.

Can I freeze Apple Crisp?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked apple crisp for up to 3 months. Just assemble the dessert, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and bake directly (may need a little extra time in the oven).

Can I use other fruits in this crisp?

Absolutely! You can swap out some or all of the apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe without ice cream?

Yes, though the vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, you can skip it if you prefer, or opt for whipped cream or a dairy-free alternative.

Is it possible to make a sugar-free version of this Apple Crisp?

Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of the granulated and brown sugar for a sugar-free version of this dessert.

Can I make the topping without oats?

Yes, you can use a flour and butter-based topping if you prefer a more traditional crisp texture, without the oats.

What can I do if the topping is too dry?

If the topping seems too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until the mixture comes together in coarse crumbs.

How can I make the filling thicker?

If you prefer a thicker filling, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the apple mixture before baking.

How do I know when the Apple Crisp is done?

The crisp is ready when the topping is golden brown, and the apples underneath are tender and bubbly. You can test the apples with a fork or knife to ensure they’re cooked through.

Conclusion

Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream is a comforting, simple-to-make dessert that delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed on a chilly autumn evening or at a summer barbecue, it is sure to become a family favorite. The tender baked apples combined with the sweet, crispy topping and the smooth vanilla ice cream create a treat that everyone will love.