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!

A bowl of apple crisp with the rest of the dish in the background

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)

Apple crisp in a white square casserole dish on top of a red napkin

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)

image collage of how to make easy apple crisp
  1. You start by mixing together your apple slices, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a 9″ square or round baking dish.
  2. Then you mix together your flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar. Add in the melted butter and stir until everything is moistened.
  3. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
  4. Bake at 375F for about 35 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.

How to cut apples for apple crisp:

picture collage of how to cut an apple for apple crisp or pie
  1. First, peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or apple peeler.
  2. Next, stand the apple stem-side up and cut off one side avoiding the core.
  3. Lay the apple on the flat side and cut off another side, again avoiding the core.
  4. Turn and cut two more times.
  5. Now, you can easily slice the apple into uniform pieces that are perfect for apple crisp or apple pie.

FAQ:

What is best apple for apple crisp?

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.

Does apple crisp need to be refrigerated?

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.

Can you make apple crisp ahead of time?

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.

Can you freeze apple crisp?

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.

A bowl of apple crisp topped with ice cream and caramel

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Easy Apple Crisp

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • 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. 


Ingredients

Filling

  • 5 cups (580g) sliced and peeled apples (about 45 medium apples)
  • 24 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

  1. Preheat oven to 375F.
  2. In a 9″ square or round baking dish, toss together all the filling ingredients.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

This quick and easy apple crumble is delicious, warm and comforting. Filled with tender baked apple slices and blanketed with a crunchy oat streusel.

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