Easy Apple Crisp (video)
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 this recipe is so great:
- It’s as easy as can be. All you have to do is slice, mix, and bake. Since this recipe uses melted butter there is no need to cut it up and work it in with your hands. You just melt the butter in the microwave and mix it in with a spoon. It’s much easier than having to get your hands all greasy.
- Perfect crumb topping to apple ratio. There is just the right amount of crunchy streusel to every bite of apple. The texture is crunchy mixed with soft and silky apple slices. The taste is fruity, nutty, and buttery with a warm hint of brown sugar and spice. It’s all around applelicious!
- Here are some reviews:
“This recipe is a delight!! We didn’t need to run out for anything, because we had what was needed in the house already. We absolutely loved it!! I used Granny Smith and Macoun apples.” – Bethany
“Made this with my 13yr old son. All I did was peel and cut the apples. Great mother-son moment. He was so proud it turned out as this is his and his father’s favourite dessert. Thank you for the amazing recipe.” – One happy mom 😊
How to make apple crisp:
(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)
- You start by mixing together your apple slices, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a 9″ square or round baking dish.
- Then you mix together your 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 cut apples for apple crisp:
- First, peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or apple peeler.
- Next, stand the apple stem-side up and cut off one side avoiding the core.
- 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.
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.
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Did you make this recipe? Please kindly leave a comment with your star rating below.
PrintEasy Apple Crisp
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8
- Category: dessert
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy apple crisp recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crispy, buttery oat topping.Â
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 (5ml) ground cinnamon
Topping
- ¾ cups (70g) rolled oats
- ¾ cups (94 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (75g) brown sugar, lightly packed
- â…“ cup (76g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- In a 9″ square or round baking dish, toss together all the filling ingredients.
- 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.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the apples are tender and bubbling.
Notes
Leftovers can be covered with foil or plastic wrap and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Hi there! If I’m doubling the recipe and putting it in a 9×13 pan, will I need to double the cooking time too? I’m a new baker and excited to try this!
I’m glad you’re excited! If you want to double the recipe, you’re better off making 2 pies than baking the whole thing in a 9×13 pan in my opinion. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy!
Would the baking time and temperature be different if I am using a rectangular pan? That’s all I have! Do the apples have to be peeled?
Yes, reduce the baking time if you are using a larger baking pan and yes, peel the apples. Enjoy and keep well!
Looks delicious…also likenthe reviews. Can I use Red Delicious Apples? A friend gave me a bunch and what to make something with it.
Red Delicious apples are best eaten fresh. They tend to bake up mushy, so I would not recommend baking with them. I hope that helps and please feel free to reply back with any further questions.
This recipe is truly simple AND delicious. It’s my go-to now!
Thanks Judith! Great to hear:)
Made this and family loved it. And I also love the simplicity of it. Can this recipe be doubled? Like for a 9×13 pan?
I’m glad the family loved it and yes, this recipe can be doubled for a 9×13 pan. Thank you for your kind words and have a great day!
Made this for the first time tonight and really am loving it. My partner loves it also. The flour I used was gluten-free and I subbed Swerve sweeteners for the sugars called for to help reduce some of the carbs. Very tasty!
Definitely will be making this again. Thanks! 🙂
You’re welcome! I’m glad you and your partner enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind words and have a great week!
Hi, that’s an awesome dessert which turned out amazing.
My younger daughter and my husband loved it.
In past 4 days I am going to do 2nd time. Thanks
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you and the family are enjoying the apple crumble so much:)
What temperature mine is 50 to 250 just made it ready to bake now
375F converts to 190C. I hope that helps and I hope you enjoy the crumble!
Could i use salted butter instead?
Sure, if that’s all you have. I hope you enjoy the crumble and have a great day!
Made this with my 13yr old son. All I did was peel and cut the apples. Great mother son moment. He was so proud it turned out as this is his and his father’s favourite dessert.
Thank you for the amazing recipe.
One happy mom 😊
Oh wow, how nice! I love baking with my kids too. It’s such a great skill to teach them, and great bonding time. You’re very welcome happy mom, and thank you for your kind words!
Hi,
would the recipe work if I don’t melt the butter? Or can I substitute oil for the butter?
This recipe sounds so good, I can’t wait to try it out!!
Hi Mimi,
I have not tried this recipe any other way, so I would recommend following the recipe as is. I hope you enjoy it and have a great week!
Super delicious! Love it!
I loved it! I had everything in my pantry and it was so simple to make. Taste amazing as well!
I’m so happy you loved it. Thank you for your kind words, and happy Easter!
This recipe is a delight!! We didn’t need to run out for anything, because we had what was needed in house already. We absolutely loved it!! I used Granny Smith and Macoun apples.
Wonderful to hear, Bethany. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your kind words and have a great weekend!
writing is too small how much melted butter in the crumble?
My apologies. It’s 1/3 cup. I’ll try to see if I can make the recipe print bigger. I hope you enjoy the crumble Tom.
Thank you! Finally the easy and delicious recipe I was looking for 🙂 It turned out perfectly!
You’re very welcome Marissa. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great rest of the week!
What are your favorite apples for this?
I prefer sweet apples like Royal Gala, Honey Crisp or Ambrosia. Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Can I take some of that extra time off your hands? And also the apple crumble, hehe…
You’re funny Angie lol. Thanks for the visit!
I love this twist on crumble! I’ve never thought about an apple crumble and now I’m stopping myself from licking the screen 😉
I just went to an apple orchard and have a bunch of apples sitting around I need to find a use for. Thanks Lily, this looks delicious 🙂
You’re very welcome Jess. I hope you enjoy it:)