There’s something magical about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your home on a crisp fall day. This classic Apple Crisp recipe brings together tender, spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy oat topping that creates the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert for a family dinner or a simple way to use up those extra apples from your weekend orchard visit, this Apple Crisp delivers warmth and nostalgia in every spoonful. The best part? It’s significantly easier than pie but delivers all the same cozy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- No fussy pie crust or special equipment needed
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor with warm spices
- Versatile dessert that works year-round but especially shines in fall
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch slices. Place in a large bowl.
- Add lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the apples. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For the best flavor, use a mix of apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) to the topping for extra crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Include 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for additional texture and flavor.
- Make it ahead: prepare the topping and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling and baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Apple Crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully into the warm apples, creating a creamy contrast to the crunchy topping. For a lighter option, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced apple cider for the ultimate fall comfort experience. For brunch, serve it alongside a savory egg dish for a sweet counterpoint.
Notes
- Store leftover Apple Crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the crispy topping.
- The crisp is done when the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Crisp without oats?
Yes! You can replace the oats with an equal amount of flour for more of a streusel-like topping instead of a traditional crisp.
Do I need to peel the apples?
While peeling is recommended for the best texture, you can leave the peels on if you prefer more rustic texture and added fiber.
Can I freeze Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the difference between Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble?
Apple Crisp typically contains oats in the topping which creates a crispier texture, while Apple Crumble has a more cake-like, streusel topping without oats.
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