Best Apple Crisp Recipe: Simple and Delicious Dessert for Any Occasion
Apple crisp is one of those timeless desserts that brings together simple ingredients and warm, comforting flavors. Fresh apples, a hint of spice, and a golden, buttery topping create a dessert that feels both classic and inviting. It is easy to prepare, uses everyday pantry staples, and works for weeknight treats or special occasions.
This apple crisp recipe is all about straightforward steps and dependable results. It bakes into a soft, tender apple filling with a crisp, lightly sweet topping that adds just the right amount of texture. Whether you serve it warm on its own or pair it with a scoop of ice cream, apple crisp is a familiar and satisfying dessert that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut in small cubes
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Heat your oven to 350 degrees. I always forget to do this first, so I am reminding both of us.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Put the sliced apples in a bowl. Toss with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir it all up until the apples look lightly coated and not dry.
Step 3: Spread the Apples in the Dish
Pour the apples into a baking dish. I use whatever is clean, honestly. As long as it is around 8×8 or similar.
Step 4: Mix the Crispy Topping
In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Use your hands to pinch and crumble the butter into the dry stuff. It should look rough and crumbly, not perfect.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples. If a little falls on the counter, I just scoop it back because butter and oats should not go to waste.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. The apples should look bubbly around the edges and the top should be lightly golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any kind of apples for this?
Yes, pretty much any apples work. I use whatever the kids leave in the fridge, even the ones with a tiny bruise. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold up really well, but sweet ones like Gala or Honeycrisp taste great too. Mixing different kinds makes the flavor a little better.
Do I have to peel the apples?
You do not have to. If I am in a rush, I leave the peels on and nobody even cares. The peels get soft in the oven, and honestly it saves me time when everyone is yelling for snacks.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it earlier in the day and bake it later. Or you can bake it and warm it back up before serving. It stays good for a couple of days in the fridge. My kids eat it cold for breakfast sometimes, and I do not even argue.
What if my topping turns out too dry?
If the topping looks dry before baking, just add one more tablespoon of butter and mix it in a little. After baking, it should be crisp and not powdery. Butter pretty much fixes everything.
Can I use oats other than rolled oats?
Rolled oats work best because they keep their texture. Quick oats work but the topping gets softer. Still tastes good though, just not as crunchy.
Apple Crisp Recipe Card
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until coated.
- Spread apples in an 8×8 baking dish or similar size.
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and crumble it in using your fingers.
- Sprinkle topping over apples.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
This apple crisp is a simple and comforting dessert that comes together with very little effort and delivers warm, familiar flavor in every bite. The tender apples and crisp, buttery topping make it a dependable choice for any season or occasion. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a larger gathering, this easy recipe offers a sweet finish that everyone can enjoy.
