Apple Crisp with Oats is a delightful and comforting dessert that perfectly blends tender, juicy apples with a crunchy, caramelized oat topping. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings the warm flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar for a nostalgic fall treat that everyone will love.
You’ll love this apple crisp because the oats add a deliciously crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft baked apples underneath. The cinnamon and sugars create a sweet, spiced flavor profile that enhances the natural tartness of the apples. It’s a perfect dessert to serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or simply enjoy on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture forms crumbly clumps resembling coarse crumbs.
Press half of the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Spread the chopped apples evenly over the crumb base.
Sprinkle the white sugar and cinnamon evenly over the apples, then top with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and caramelized around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
My Best Tips for Success
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Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
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Make sure the topping mixture is well combined but crumbly for perfect crispness.
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Distribute the crumb mixture evenly to get a uniform topping.
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Check the crisp towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
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Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat topping for crunch.
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Mix a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or ginger with cinnamon for extra warmth.
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Use a combination of apples and pears or berries for different flavor profiles.
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Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for added sweetness.
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Substitute part of the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples are best for apple crisp?
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and provide a nice contrast with the sweet topping.
Can I make the crisp ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in advance and bake when ready, or bake and reheat gently before serving.
How do I store leftover apple crisp?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes, freeze in a sealed container before or after baking. Thaw before reheating.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Use cold butter cut into the dry ingredients and avoid overmixing.
Apple Crisp with Oats
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy classic dessert featuring tender baked apples topped with a golden, caramelized oat crumble. Sweet, spiced apples combined with crisp buttery oats make the ultimate comfort treat, perfect with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8‑inch square baking pan.
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Prepare crumb mixture: In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and melted butter until crumbly and well combined.
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Layer base: Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
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Add apples: Spread chopped apples over the crumb base, distributing evenly.
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Season apples: Sprinkle granulated sugar and cinnamon evenly over apples. Top with remaining oat mixture, covering completely.
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Bake: Bake 40–45 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender and bubbling.
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Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for perfect sweetness balance.
Mix topping for crumbly texture, not smooth.
Watch closely toward end to prevent over-browning.
Serve warm for best flavor.
Store leftovers covered in fridge up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: apple crisp with oats, easy fall dessert, baked cinnamon apples, oat crumble dessert, classic apple dessert
