If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that brings out the best in fresh apples, then you’ve got to try this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser with tender cinnamon-spiced apples nestled under a perfectly golden, crunchy oat topping. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight treat or a special gathering, this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying, highlighting the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples with a touch of warmth from cinnamon and a buttery crisp finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward a truly memorable apple crisp. Each component plays its part, from the tart apples providing the star flavor, to the cinnamon adding warmth, and the oats contributing that wonderful crunch that makes the topping irresistible.

Apples (3 pounds): Choose Granny Smith and Pink Lady for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well during baking.
Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the filling evenly without overpowering the apples.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and helps prevent apple browning, keeping your crisp looking fresh and vibrant.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the juicy apple mixture for a non-soggy, luscious filling.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons for filling + 1 teaspoon for topping): Brings warm, aromatic notes that make this dessert irresistible.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Creates that rich, crumbly topping with a satisfying buttery flavor; swap for melted coconut oil to make it vegan-friendly.
Rolled oats (1 cup): Give the topping a chewy, hearty texture.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps bind the topping ingredients together; gluten-free flour or almond flour works as a great substitute.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes that enhance the crisp’s sweetness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Your Dish

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your apples and topping are assembled. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring your crisp won’t stick and will come out beautifully browned on the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and chop your apples into generous 1-inch chunks. This size allows them to soften nicely while still holding some texture after baking. In a large bowl, toss the apple pieces with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon, making sure every chunk is coated with that lovely cinnamon-spiced mixture.

Step 3: Spread the Apple Mixture

Transfer your well-coated apple filling evenly into your greased baking dish. Spreading it uniformly ensures every bite has the perfect balance of fruit and topping.

Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping

Melt the butter or coconut oil in a small saucepan or microwave. In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture takes on a crumbly texture that will bake into a golden crunchy topping.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apples. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the crisp starts to brown too fast, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting time helps the filling thicken up, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall textures. Then, dig in warm for the ultimate experience of melty, tender fruit and crunchy topping.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a blank canvas waiting for your favorite finishes. Top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of sticky caramel sauce for an elevated dessert experience. Sprinkle a few toasted nuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.

Side Dishes

Pair your apple crisp with a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness with comforting warmth. For brunch, serve alongside a simple yogurt parfait or a plate of scrambled eggs to build a well-rounded meal that satisfies both sweet tooth and appetite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the crisp in individual ramekins for a charming presentation perfect for entertaining. Layer it in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and cinnamon for a festive touch. Or even use it as a filling for hand pies or turnovers to surprise your guests with the same delicious flavors in a new format.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover apple crisp tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dessert multiple times without any loss of flavor or texture.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes well, so you can prepare it in advance for busy days. Wrap the cooled crisp tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen apple crisp stays delicious for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your apple crisp in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore the crisp topping’s crunchiness, unlike microwaving which can make it soggy. Enjoy it warm for that freshly baked feel every time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples offer a nice balance of tart and sweet with good structure, you can mix in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that softer apples might yield a slightly mushier filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour in the crisp topping with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour or almond flour. This substitution keeps the texture delightful and safe for those avoiding gluten.

How do I make this dessert vegan?

Using melted coconut oil instead of butter is the easiest way to veganize this recipe. Ensure your sugar is vegan (some sugars are processed with bone char), and you’ll have a plant-based apple crisp that’s just as tasty.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

You can mix the apple filling a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the apples from browning. Add the topping fresh right before baking for the best texture.

Why does the filling sometimes turn out watery?

Watery filling usually means the thickener (cornstarch) wasn’t enough or didn’t activate fully. Make sure to toss apples thoroughly with cornstarch and sugar, and bake long enough for the juices to thicken and bubble gently.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe that makes it a forever favorite in any kitchen. Its simplicity, comforting flavors, and wonderfully crisp topping combine to bring out the very best of harvest apples in a dessert everyone will love. Give this recipe a try and get ready to impress family and friends with a warm, inviting treat that feels just like a hug in every bite.