Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love warm, sweet, and buttery desserts, then this classic apple crisp recipe is for you. It’s a simple dish, but don’t let that fool you. With the perfect balance of tender apples and a golden crispy topping, this recipe will have you coming back for more.
And the best part? No fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just real, comforting goodness in every bite.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or 9×9 inch)
- Whisk or fork
- Peeler and knife
- Spoon for mixing
- Oven mitts
Important Info
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $8-$12 depending on the type of apples you use
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Calories per serving: 280 kcal
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Best in Fall, but great all year round
- Courses: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Classic Apple Crisp
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar or honey |
| All-purpose flour | Whole wheat flour or almond flour |
| Unsalted butter | Coconut oil or margarine |
| Old-fashioned oats | Quick oats (texture will be softer) |
| Apples | Pears or peaches |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice them into thin pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl.
- Add flavor to the apples. Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well, then spread them evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the crisp topping. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well.
- Add the butter. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Assemble the dish. Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Cool slightly. Let the apple crisp sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
- If you like a thicker filling, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the apples before baking.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted for even mixing with the topping.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it helps keep the apples from turning brown and adds brightness to the flavor.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
What to Serve with Classic Apple Crisp
This dessert is amazing on its own, but here are some ways to take it up a notch:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream (highly recommended)
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Whipped cream on top
- A side of warm custard
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
For the best experience, serve it warm. A deep spoon is the best tool to scoop it out so you get both the apples and the crispy topping in every bite. Use individual dessert bowls for easy serving.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
Apple crisp is perfect for:
- Family gatherings – It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd.
- Holiday meals – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy occasion.
- Weekend treats – Just because you deserve something sweet.
- Potlucks – It travels well and is always a hit.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Cover the apple crisp with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, warm it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Freezing
- If you want to store it for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and the topping separately, then store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, assemble and put it in the oven.
What kind of apples work best for apple crisp?
Granny Smith apples are great because they are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious also work well.
Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less crunchy. Old-fashioned oats give the best crisp topping.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I make apple crisp without butter?
Yes, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter instead. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Meta Description
This classic apple crisp recipe is the perfect cozy dessert. Tender apples with a buttery oat topping—easy to make and so delicious. Ready in under an hour.