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
Really easy to make (: very yummy definitely consider this recipe!
Thank you, Ella! I’m so happy you like it:)
Love this recipe! So easy to make and tastes amazing!
Thank you, Renee! I’m so happy to hear you love it:)
Just what I was looking for. I like that it’s a smaller size, not made in a 9×13 pan. Even with desserts I don’t want too many leftovers!
Thank you, Debbie! And same here, because I have no self-control! Lol
Just tested out a VEGAN version! Replaced Flour with Almond Flour & Butter with Miyoko’s Butter. Yummy thx!
You’re very welcome and thanks for the vegan tips!
I had some apples that needed to be used so looked for a recipe for a small crisp. It was Very good! The only change, I used a small cast iron skillet and added cinnamon and pecans to the top. I will definitely make this again!
This was awesome w/ vanilla icecream. I had a bunch of apples in my crisper that my family ignored until they were just a *little* “wrinkly”? (They weren’t bad, they tasted fine, but my people are “fussy”)
I added a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the chopped apples to perk them up! i like a little more spice, so i added a pinch of Allspice & a sprinkle of cardamom.
I printing this recipe out to use again!
One of the best ways to use up old apples! I hope your family is enjoying them now and thank you for your kind words, Amanda:)
If I have an 8×8 pan, how many apples would I need? Thank you for the help!
You can make the recipe as is in an 8×8 pan. It will just be a thicker layer of apples and topping. Enjoy!
I loved this recipe! The topping was great, I usually add nuts but the crunch was great without them.
So glad you liked it and thank you for your kind words, Cathy!
Hi, i’m from Montreal and I would like to make the Apple Crisp. What type of apples do you use ?
Nadia
My favorite types of sweet apples to use is Royal Gala and Golden Delicious. If you prefer tart and tangy apples then Red Prince or Northern Spy are good ones to use. I hope that helps and enjoy the apple crisp!
This gave me inspiration to use my apples!!
No pun, love your recipe because I’m not big on baking and you made me want to try, thank you!
You’re very welcome, Amanda! Glad you gave it a try and hey, you gotta use them apples, lol.
I tried this recipe. The topping is still a powder. You only called 1/3 cup of melted butter.
I’m sorry to hear the topping was dry. Next time, you can add another 1-2 tablespoons of butter to moisten the mixture so it’s not powdery.
I made this for a day trip to the lake – and it was absolutely delicious! I had to share the recipe with everyone!
Thank you! Glad you thought it was delicious. Enjoy and stay safe out there!
This is delicious! I’m a terrible baker so I followed the recipe exactly and it came out wonderful! I used gala apples and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Soooooo good! It’s not overly sweet and the crumble adds a great texture. Next time I have extra apples, I’ll make this again!
Thank you for your kind words, Denise! I’m so glad you enjoyed the apple crisp:)
First time making for Thanksgiving.
Success. Everyone loved it. Easy directions to follow.
Tasty and nutritious one dessert
This looks amazing! I live in South America and I want to make is for “Friendsgiving” but I can’t find brown sugar here. Can I just use normal granulated sugar for the topping as well? Thank you!
Hey Jackie, yes you can just use granulated sugar for the topping. Enjoy and happy Friendsgiving!
This was a lovely apple crisp, not too much sugar so it doesn’t take away the little bit of tartness to the apples. As well as a delicious crumble topping. This is going to be my go-to when cooking apple crisp.
So glad you liked it and thank you for your lovely comment!
Love it!
Thanks, Tammy! I hope all is well. xoxo
Oh boy this was the best recipe yet for apple crisp!! So good I’ve decided to make two batches!! And I must say I read some comments beforehand and sure glad I did! I had only “quick oats” on hand and saw you advised a reader to add one more tbsp of butter! Very YUMMY!! TY.
You’re very welcome, Holly! I’m glad you think it’s the best and thank you for your lovely review:)
I made this and it was very fast and easy and also delicious made one in the morning and one after supper thank you once again little sweet Baker
You’re very welcome, Justine! I’m happy you like it so much and thank you for your lovely comment:)
heyy I really want to make this but I only have quick oats. Will it still work if I used that instead?
Yes, you can use quick oats. Just add another tablespoon of butter if the mixture seems a little dry. Enjoy and have a great day!