There is something incredibly comforting and delightful about a warm Apple Crisp that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of cinnamon and baked apples. This Apple Crisp recipe showcases the perfect balance between tender, juicy apples and a crisp, buttery streusel topping that adds a wonderful texture contrast. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family night, a casual gathering, or just treating yourself to a heartfelt homemade dessert, this classic Apple Crisp will surely become one of your favorite sweets to make and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to capturing the classic flavor and texture of an amazing Apple Crisp. Each one plays a key role, from the tartness of the apples to the crunchy oat topping that completes this dessert’s charm.

2 1/2 pounds medium Granny Smith and Gala Apples: A mix of tangy Granny Smiths and sweet Galas creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures when baked.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the apples gently without overpowering their natural taste.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy spice that pairs so perfectly with apples.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty undertone to enhance the spiced apple base.
1/4 teaspoon fine salt: Elevates and deepens all the flavors in the dish.
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings caramel-like sweetness and helps create the crisp topping.
3/4 cup uncooked rolled oats: Adds a hearty, rustic texture essential to the crumble’s crunch.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the topping, binding everything just right.
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces: The key to that rich, golden crispiness in the streusel.
Butter for coating the dish: Prevents sticking and adds a little extra buttery flavor around the edges.

How to Make Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This steady temperature ensures the apples will become tender without drying out. Lightly butter an 8-by-8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.

Step 2: Combine the Apples and Spices

In the prepared baking dish, toss together the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combination is what gives your Apple Crisp its signature warm-spiced apple base. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the topping.

Step 3: Craft the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, and salt until everything is evenly combined. Then, using your fingertips, blend the cold butter pieces into this mixture until small clumps form. This careful blending is what creates that irresistible, crumbly texture on top when baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in your baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You want the streusel to turn golden and crispy, while the apples become tender and juicy underneath. Once baked, let your Apple Crisp cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.

How to Serve Apple Crisp

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic partner for Apple Crisp, melting beautifully into the warm fruit and crumb topping. For extra flair, sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top to add crunch and a lovely aroma.

Side Dishes

Though the Apple Crisp can shine on its own, pairing it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take your dessert experience to the next level. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also complements the cozy spices well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or make a festive presentation, consider serving individual Apple Crisps in small ramekins or mason jars. Layer it with a bit of Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a creamy surprise between the crisp layers. You might also try topping with crunchy granola for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Crisp tends to taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will keep the apples juicy and the topping still pleasantly crisp if you don’t let it sit too long.

Freezing

To freeze Apple Crisp, bake it first as directed and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or pop it into a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2 months frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Apple Crisp in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains some crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy. Serve warm for maximum coziness and deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for Apple Crisp?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala apples offer a great tart-sweet balance, you can also try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Mixing varieties adds complexity and texture to your Apple Crisp.

Is it possible to make Apple Crisp gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free oats to keep the topping just as crunchy and delicious.

Can I make Apple Crisp without butter?

You can, but butter is key for that rich, golden crisp topping. A substitute like coconut oil can work, though it will slightly change the flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Using cold butter and blending it properly into the dry ingredients helps create that crumbly texture that crisps up nicely. Also, baking it uncovered and allowing it to cool before serving firm up the crispness.

What’s the best way to slice apples for Apple Crisp?

Slicing the apples about 1/4 inch thick ensures they cook evenly and become tender without turning to mush. Peeling and coring the apples also help maintain the perfect texture in the finished dish.

Final Thoughts

Apple Crisp is one of those magical desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate — familiar, comforting, and utterly delicious. It’s so easy to make with simple ingredients but delivers big on flavor and texture. Give this Apple Crisp recipe a try the next time you want to wow family and friends or just treat yourself to a classic dessert that never goes out of style.

Apple Crisp Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Apple Crisp recipe features a delightful combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat streusel. It’s easy to prepare and makes a comforting dessert perfect for any season, especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with butter or use non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare Apples: In the prepared baking dish, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to mix and evenly distribute the spices and sugar over the apples.
Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Using your fingertips, blend in the cold butter pieces until the mixture forms small clumps and the butter is fully incorporated, which should take about 2 minutes.
Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the oat crumb topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the topping is crispy and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Cool and Serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to allow the juices to thicken. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Gala for balanced flavor.
You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats for slight variation in texture.
Make sure the butter is cold when mixing it into the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
Allow the crisp to cool before serving to avoid burn from hot fruit juice.
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs beautifully with this dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American