Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

When the weather turns cool, there’s nothing I love more than baking something warm and cozy—and this easy apple crisp recipe has been my go-to fall dessert for years.

It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for when I want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part? I usually have all the ingredients on hand, which makes it even easier.

Why I Love This Apple Crisp

Apple pie is wonderful, but sometimes I don’t feel like making a crust from scratch.

That’s where apple crisp comes in—it gives me all the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple flavors I crave, but with half the work.

The topping gets beautifully golden and crunchy, while the apples soften into a warm, juicy filling.

I also love how versatile it is—I can use different types of apples, add nuts for crunch, or even swap in pears for a fun twist.

Ingredients

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

A warm, cozy dessert with spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping that’s as easy as it is delicious.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the filling:

• 6 medium apples I like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples. Toss with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
   
3. 
4. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
   
7. Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Using a mix of apple varieties gives the best flavor balance.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully for breakfast with a spoonful of yogurt.
• Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option.

Sometimes I also toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Also Check: Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad

🛒 Helpful Kitchen Tools (Amazon Picks)

• Glass Baking Dish – Great for even baking and easy cleanup.

• Apple Corer and Slicer – Cuts prep time in half when peeling and slicing apples.

• Old-Fashioned Oats – Pantry staple for crisps, cookies, and breakfast.

How I Serve It

I usually can’t resist digging in as soon as it comes out of the oven, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

When I make it for guests, I serve it in small bowls with warm caramel drizzle—it always gets rave reviews.

Tips I’ve Learned Over Time

• Mixing apple varieties gives the best flavor. I like pairing sweet Honeycrisp with tart Granny Smith.

• If I’m short on butter, coconut oil works too, though the flavor changes slightly.

• Leftovers taste amazing for breakfast with a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

Read More: Honey chipotle chicken crispers

Why You Should Try It

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like fall in every bite, this easy apple crisp recipe is it.

It’s the kind of dish that makes my whole kitchen smell incredible, and it never lasts long once it’s on the table.

❓ FAQs About Easy Apple Crisp

1. What are the best apples for apple crisp?

I like using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji all work beautifully.

2. Do I need to peel the apples?

I usually peel mine because it makes the filling softer, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer extra texture and fiber.

3. Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the crisp (without baking) a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp up the topping again.

5. Can I freeze apple crisp?

Absolutely! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, reheat in the oven until warmed through.

6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just swap the flour in the topping for a 1:1 gluten-free blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

7. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. If your apples are naturally sweet, you can cut the sugar in the filling in half without losing flavor.