Creamy, tender baked apples under a buttery, crunchy topping — this Apple Crisp is comfort food at its finest. With warm cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, and a golden oat crumble, it’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table. Fun fact: apple crisps became wildly popular in North America during apple harvest season because they use pantry staples and require no pie crust fuss. If you love easy fruit desserts, try this simple apple crisp recipe for a cozy night in.
This recipe stands out because it’s uncomplicated, quick to assemble, and universally loved by kids and grown-ups alike. In just a few steps you’ll have an 8×8 pan ready for the oven — no rolling dough, no complicated techniques. Compared to our blog’s richer apple pie, this crisp is faster and lighter, perfect when you want all the apple flavor without the extra work. I can’t wait for you to bake it — your home will smell amazing and dessert will come together in under an hour.
What is Apple Crisp?
Ever wondered why it’s called a crisp? Is it because the topping crackles like a campfire stick when you break it apart? Or because it’s the crispiest thing your spoon ever met? Either way, apple crisp is simply baked apples topped with a streusel made from oats, flour, sugar, and butter — comfort in one dish. They say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who wouldn’t fall in love over a warm bowl of this? Playful family lore says early cooks called it “crisp” after the delightful crunch that contrasts the soft apples. Give it a try and see which name you prefer — you might even prefer it to our take on the old-fashioned apple crisp.
Why You’ll Love This
- Melting, juicy apples meet a toasty, buttery oat topping — the contrast of tender fruit and crunchy streusel is irresistible.
- Making it at home saves money: store-bought desserts and pies can be expensive, but this recipe uses simple pantry staples and seasonal apples for big flavor on a budget.
- The flavor profile is classic and flexible: cinnamon and vanilla are comforting, and the brown sugar topping gives a deep caramel note that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream.
If you enjoy fruit crisps, this recipe delivers the same homey satisfaction as more elaborate desserts without the hassle. It’s an ideal follow-up to our other autumn treats and a wonderful, easy-to-share dessert for family dinners. Make it today; it’s warm, simple, and crowd-pleasing.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Apple Crisp is easy, delicious, and satisfying. You’ll toss sliced apples with a little cinnamon and vanilla, top them with a simple oat-and-brown-sugar crumble, and bake until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden brown. Prep time is minimal and the end result is a crispy finish over soft, saucy apples — perfect with a scoop of ice cream.
Prep and cook time: About 10–15 minutes prep, 35 minutes baking, total roughly 50 minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup light-brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, diced and cold
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Use a little butter or nonstick spray to coat the dish evenly so nothing sticks.
- Toss the sliced apples with the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract until evenly coated, then place them in the prepared baking dish, spreading in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, and light-brown sugar. Add the diced cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, ensuring full coverage for maximum crunch.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and makes serving neater; serve ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
What to Serve With
- Vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream to balance the warm spices and add creaminess.
- A crisp cup of coffee or hot tea for breakfast-style servings.
- Caramel sauce drizzled over the top for a decadent touch.
- A simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette if you want a light contrast after a heavy meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and bright flavor.
- Keep the butter cold and small-diced for a better crumble texture — warm butter will make the topping greasy.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apples.
- If you prefer a nuttier topping, stir in 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Avoid over-slicing apples too thin; 1/4-inch slices hold up better during baking.
- If topping browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while the apples finish cooking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or until warm.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked crisp (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes covered, then un-cover for 5–10 minutes to crisp the topping.
- To revive crispiness, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes rather than microwaving; this helps the topping regain crunch.
FAQs
What type of apples work best for apple crisp?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold hold their shape and balance the sweet topping.
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid before assembling to avoid a soggy topping. Slightly underbake or add a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I make the topping gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
Use cold diced butter and avoid adding extra liquid to the apple mixture. Bake until the topping is golden and the apples are just tender.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double ingredients and bake in a 9×13 inch pan, but you may need to increase baking time by 5–10 minutes and check for doneness.
Conclusion
This Apple Crisp is a quick, soulful dessert that proves simple ingredients can make a memorable treat. It’s easy enough for weeknights, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing with family and friends — especially when you want something warm and comforting without fuss. If you’d like another take on a classic old-fashioned version, see Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp – The Chunky Chef for additional inspiration. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy flavors with someone you love.
Apple Crisp
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Filling
- 6 cups Apples, peeled and sliced Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Topping
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup Light-brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup Unsalted butter, diced and cold Keep the butter cold for better crumble texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Toss the sliced apples with the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract until evenly coated, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, and light-brown sugar. Add the diced cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
