Easy Apple Crisp
This easy apple crisp recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crispy, buttery oat topping. It has all the great flavors of an apple pie but half the work!
What is apple crisp?
Apple crisp is a baked dessert made with apples and a crunchy streusel topping made with flour, butter, sugar, and oats. It’s commonly served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Apple crisp vs apple crumble:
The original difference between an apple crisp and an apple crumble lies in the streusel topping. A crumble topping is typically made with just flour, sugar, and butter. And when baked it’s like buttery-sweet bread crumbs. A crisp topping would contain oats and the oats crisp up as it bakes, hence the name, and it has more of a granola texture to it. However, as time has gone by, the lines have blurred and the names crumble and crisp are now used interchangeably. (source: The Kitchn)
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and simple to make – No need for pie crust or complicated steps—this recipe is super straightforward! With just 15 minutes of prep and basic ingredients you likely have on hand, it’s an easy and fuss-free dessert that comes together in no time.
- Perfect balance of textures – The contrast between the tender, spiced apples and the crunchy, buttery oat topping is unbeatable. Each bite gives you that warm, gooey filling paired with a crisp and crumbly top—a perfect balance that feels comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable for every taste – Whether you want to add a handful of nuts to the topping, swap out apples for pears, or adjust the sweetness, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. It works with different fruits, and you can even make it gluten-free by using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
If you are a fan of crunchy fruit crisp, try my Easy Pear Crisp, Perfect Peach Crisp and Easy Rhubarb Crisp or if sometimes you feel like a softer cake-style or biscuit topping, try my Easy Strawberry Cobbler, Fluffy Biscuit Blueberry Cobbler, and Homemade Blackberry Cobbler.
Ingredients you’ll need and why:
- Apples: Provide the sweet and tart fruit base, becoming tender and flavorful as they bake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps create a juicy filling when combined with the fruit’s natural moisture.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor, complementing the sweetness of the apples.
- Rolled oats: Give the topping a hearty, crispy texture that contrasts with the soft apple filling.
- All-purpose flour: Binds the topping, ensuring it stays together and has a pleasant crumbly texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps the topping become golden and crisp.
- Butter (salted or unsalted): Binds the topping ingredients and creates a rich, buttery flavor while giving the crisp its signature crunch.
How to cut apples for apple crisp:
- Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or apple peeler, then stand the apple stem-side up and cut off one side avoiding the core.
- Next, lay the apple on the flat side and cut off another side, again avoiding the core.
- Turn and cut two more times.
- Now, you can easily slice the apple into uniform pieces that are perfect for apple crisp or apple pie.
How to make apple crisp:
(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)
- Toss together the apple slices, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a 9″ square or round baking dish.
- Mix together the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Add in the melted butter and stir until everything is moistened.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake at 375F for about 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
How to serve:
- Classic with Ice Cream: Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast between the hot apple crisp and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the crisp for a richer, sweeter treat.
- Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and creamy complement to the crunchy topping.
- Breakfast-Style: For a morning twist, serve it with a side of Greek yogurt or a splash of warm milk.
FAQ:
The best apples for apple crisp are those that strike a balance between sweetness and tartness and hold their shape well when baked. A combination of apple varieties often works best to achieve a well-rounded flavor and texture. Some of my favorite combinations are Matsu and Ambrosia, Granny Smith and Royal Gala, Northern Spy and Golden Delicious. Here’s a list of my favorite Top Ten Baking Apples with full descriptions.
Apple crisp can be stored at room temperature for a short period, but it’s generally recommended to refrigerate any leftovers to ensure food safety, especially if it has been sitting out for an extended period or the weather is warm.
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the apple crisp up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, then bake it fresh just before serving. You can also fully bake it, let it cool, store it in the fridge up to a day in advance, and just reheat it when ready to serve.
Yes, let the crisp cool completely, then cover it with a double layer of foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 350F oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
If you’ve tried this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe or any other recipe on my blog please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 cups (580g) sliced and peeled apples , about 4-5 medium apples
- 2-4 Tbsp granulated sugar, depending on how sweet your apples are
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 3/4 cup (70g) rolled oats
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (75g) brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted or salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- In a 9" square or round baking dish, toss together all the filling ingredients.5 cups (580g) sliced and peeled apples, 2-4 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour and brown sugar. Add in the melted butter and stir until all is moistened. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the filling.3/4 cup (70g) rolled oats, 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (75g) brown sugar, 1/2 cup (114g) unsalted or salted butter
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the apples are tender and bubbling.
Notes
Love this recipe! Make it a few times every year and it turns out perfect every time no issues or changes!! I have a question! How do you suggest making it ahead of time? I wanted to make it in the morning for serving in the evening or do you suggest only a few hours ahead?
Hey Katie, thank you for your kind words! You can certainly prep in the morning and bake before serving or fully bake in the morning and reheat before serving. Either way works:)
It was a little dry ( but that could be my fault) maybe too many apples? But slittle more butter added and it’s just as Good As Grandma’s. The flavors were Perfect and I’ll definitely make it again. Thanks for Sharing.
Sincerely,
Angela Hatten (Illinois,)
You’re very welcome and thrilled to hear it’s as good as grandma’s!
Thank you for explaining the difference between a crisp and a crumble. I grew up with apple crumble (calling it a crisp) and still much prefer my oatmeal in cookies rather than on my apples. 😉
That said, every one of your recipes I have tried turned out great and were hits with the family.
Everyone likes their oatmeal differently, lol. You’re welcome and thank you for your kind words!
Can you use can apples
I don’t see why not. If your canned apples are already sweetened then omit the sugar for the apples. Bake until golden on top. Enjoy!
Is it OK to use almond flour instead of all purpose flour? and if yes, amount would be the same? Thanks
Yes, it’s ok and I would use the same amount. Enjoy!
Super easy and great recipe thanks so much for posting it.
You’re very welcome, Tina! So glad you liked it:)
Tasted awesome my family loved it thank you
You’re very welcome and so glad to hear everyone loved it!
I’ve made it 3 times. It’s one of our new favourites
Thank you! So glad you like it Samuelle!
Very easy to make & delicious! Way easier than making an apple pie. I had just enough granny smiths apples & as an added twist, I scattered some chopped almonds over the topping. So very good. Thanks for posting the recipe.
You’re very welcome and thank you for your kind words, Denise!
I made it. I loooove it!
Thanks.
You’re very welcome!
Delicious dessert! Thank you.
You’re very welcome and thank you for your kind words!