Of all the desserts that signal the arrival of fall, nothing quite captures the season’s essence like a warm, bubbling Apple Crisp. The aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples baking is pure comfort, creating a perfect balance between tender, sweet apples and a genuinely crunchy oat topping. This recipe delivers that perfect textural contrast every single time: the apples are soft but not mushy, bathed in a light cinnamon-vanilla sauce, while the buttery topping bakes into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
You’ll love this classic Apple Crisp because it’s wonderfully simple and consistently delicious. It has become my absolute go-to dessert for any autumn gathering because it’s practically foolproof. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s the one that guarantees a wonderfully crisp topping that stays that way, making it a reliable and impressive dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Spiced Apple Filling
- 5 cups fresh apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunchy Oat Topping
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
How to Make the Best Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking. Next, grab an 8×8-inch or a similar-sized baking dish. There’s no need to grease it, as the apple juices will prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
Now for the apples. If you haven’t already, peel, core, and slice them uniformly. In a large bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. After that, spread the filling evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
Step 3: Mix the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, create the crunchy topping by combining the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Then, pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until you get a crumbly, clumpy texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Apple Crisp
Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping all over the apple filling. Now, carefully place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
My Best Apple Crisp Tips
Why These Key Ingredients Work
Using old-fashioned oats is essential for a chewy-crisp texture, as quick oats can get mushy. I prefer using melted butter as a simple shortcut that evenly coats the dry ingredients for a consistently crunchy topping. Finally, packed brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that white sugar alone can’t provide.
Choose the Right Apples for the Job
For the best Apple Crisp, use firm apples that hold their shape. Granny Smith offers a perfect tartness to balance the sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Braeburn are great firm-sweet options. I often use a mix of two kinds for the best flavor.
How to Avoid a Watery Filling
To avoid a watery filling, slice apples uniformly so they cook evenly. The flour in the topping also helps thicken the apple juices as they bake, creating a lovely sauce instead of a puddle.
Variations of Apple Crisp
This recipe is wonderfully versatile. For extra crunch, try mixing a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping. To make a gluten-free version, simply use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. You can also easily swap the apples for firm pears or fresh peaches for a seasonal twist. For an even more decadent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.
FAQs
What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
A traditional Apple Crisp recipe contains oats in the topping for crunch, while a crumble’s streusel-like topping typically does not.
What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are best because they don’t turn to mush when baked.
Should I peel the apples for apple crisp?
Peeling apples is a personal preference. I peel them for a softer filling, but you can leave the peels on for a more rustic texture.
How do you keep apple crisp from getting soggy?
Use firm apples and bake until the topping is truly golden brown. Letting the crisp rest for 10 minutes before serving also helps the filling set.
How do I store leftover apple crisp?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can reheat it in the oven or enjoy individual portions warmed in the microwave.
Best Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Capture the essence of autumn with this classic Apple Crisp recipe, the ultimate comfort dessert. It features a perfect harmony of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a genuinely crunchy, buttery oat topping. This foolproof recipe guarantees a golden-brown crust and a warm, bubbling fruit filling every time, making it the perfect simple and delicious treat for any fall occasion.
Ingredients
For the Spiced Apple Filling
5 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crunchy Oat Topping
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish aside; no greasing is needed.
Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until they are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
Mix the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, packed brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until the mixture is crumbly and forms small clumps.
Assemble and Bake Your Apple Crisp
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the crisp rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
Best Apples to Use:
For a filling that’s soft but not mushy, use firm apples like Granny Smith (for tartness) or Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala (for sweetness). Using a mix of two varieties creates a wonderful depth of flavor.
Avoid a Soggy Crisp:
To prevent a watery filling, ensure your apple slices are uniform in thickness. Also, allow the crisp to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this helps the juices thicken into a delicious sauce.
Variations:
Add a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Storage:
Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore its crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 131mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: apple crisp, easy apple crisp, apple dessert, fall dessert, old fashioned apple crisp, oat topping, classic apple crisp, baked apples, cinnamon apple dessert
