Classic Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is the very definition of comfort food—warm, cinnamon-scented apples tucked under a golden, buttery, oat-packed crumble. This is one dessert that's as easy as it is irresistible, with every bite offering that dreamy combination of gooey fruit and crunchy topping.

Even better, this recipe comes together with pantry staples in under an hour, making it a must-try for cozy weeknight treats or special occasions. Forget pie crust—apple crisp is pure nostalgia with a fraction of the effort.

It’s my go-to recipe for chilly autumn days, spontaneous dinner parties, or Sunday afternoons when you need something sweet, fast. There’s nothing like serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Trust me, this apple crisp is about to become your family’s new favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Unbelievably Easy: Minimal prep and no fussy pie dough—just mix, layer, and bake.
• Perfectly Comforting: Warm, fragrant apples and crunchy topping make this the ultimate cozy dessert.
• Crowd Pleaser: Great for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to impress family and friends.
• Customizable: Works beautifully with different fruits and dietary tweaks.

Key Ingredients for Apple Crisp

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Apples

The heart of this dessert! Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture. Peel, core, and slice them evenly so they bake uniformly. You can mix apple varieties for a more nuanced taste. If you're in a pinch, firm pears or a blend of apples and pears also work well.

Old-Fashioned Oats

Oats make the crisp’s topping hearty and deliciously crunchy. Old-fashioned rolled oats hold up best and give that signature rustic texture. Quick oats will work, but the topping may be less crumbly. Avoid instant oats, as they tend to get mushy.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar brings a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon. Use light or dark brown sugar according to your taste preference—the latter will add a deeper molasses note. If necessary, swap with coconut sugar for a slightly different depth of flavor.

Butter

Butter is essential for a rich, golden, and crumbly topping. Cold, unsalted butter works best—cube it before cutting into the dry ingredients for a perfectly crisp texture. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based butter or coconut oil instead.

Cinnamon

No apple crisp is complete without cinnamon’s signature warmth! It turns simple apples into something deeply aromatic and inviting. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you want more cozy spice flavor.

Instructions for Apple Crisp

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice your apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces so they cook evenly. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg directly in your baking dish to coat them well.

Make the Crisp Topping

In a bowl, mix together old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this is what creates that signature crisp texture in the topping.

Assemble the Crisp

Evenly spread the oat topping over your prepared apples. Make sure to cover all the fruit so every spoonful has a perfect topping-to-apple ratio!

Bake to Perfection

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. If you like an extra-crisp topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.

Cool and Serve

Let the apple crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving—it helps the juices set and makes scooping easier. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

To make this dessert gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result is just as delicious and crowd-pleasing!

Mixed Fruit Crisp

Switch things up by adding pears, berries, or even sliced peaches to your apples. The crisp topping works beautifully with almost any fruit combination, so let your creativity shine—or use whatever fruit is on hand.

Nutty Topping

Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping for extra crunch and flavor. Toast the nuts lightly before mixing them in for even more depth.

Vegan Apple Crisp

Replace butter with chilled coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Double-check your sugar brand to ensure it’s vegan-friendly, and you’ve got a dessert everyone can enjoy!

Reduced Sugar Option

Cut the sugar in both the filling and topping by about one-third, or use coconut sugar instead of granulated/brown sugar for a less-sweet but still satisfying treat.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp shines when served warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the crumbly topping. For extra flair, drizzle with caramel sauce or a cloud of whipped cream. Pair with a mug of spiced tea, hot cider, or strong coffee for the ultimate fall dessert experience. This crisp also makes a wonderful brunch treat alongside yogurt and a handful of toasted nuts!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Apple crisp freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp (FAQ)

Q: Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the crisp and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to one day in advance. Bake just before serving for the freshest result.

Q: What are the best apples for apple crisp?
A: Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and provide a balanced flavor. A mix can make the flavor even more delicious.

Q: Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Sub in pears, peaches, or berries for some or all of the apples—just be mindful of the sweetness and juiciness of any additions.

There you have it—the perfect apple crisp for all occasions! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and guaranteed to delight. Give it a try, then leave a comment or rating to share how it turned out. Happy baking!