Apple crisp is sweet, tart, and just as delicious as an apple pie but takes a lot less effort. With a crustless base of tender and juicy cinnamon-sugar apples and a crispy oat topping that's toasty and crunchy, this fall dessert tastes as good as it looks. For an easy treat that will impress everyone at the table, serve this homemade apple crisp warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of Salted Caramel Sauce. It's so so good!
Why You'll Love Apple Crisp
- Fresh, hot dessert in under an hour. This apple crisp is so easy to make-it only takes 10-15 minutes of actually prep work out of your day, and then pop it into the oven and wait 45 minutes for your freshly baked treat.
- As good as an apple pie-without the effort. If you've ever made Apple Pie, you know that it takes time to prepare the homemade crust. Instead, try this apple crisp which incorporates all the same flavors and tastes just as good with less effort.
- Two mouthwatering layers. Apple crisps are the perfect warm dessert because they have two distinct layers of sweet perfection. Whether you're biting into the crispy oats on top or the tender apples underneath, you'll enjoy the cinnamon sugar flavor all around.
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this easy and delicious apple crisp, you will need this following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):
- apples - you can thinly slice the apples or chop them into small cubes
- lemon juice
- cinnamon
- brown sugar - you can also add in some granulated sugar to the apple mixture if you want extra sweetness. I always leave it out and still find the apple crisp to be quite sweet, especially if pairing it with vanilla ice cream.
- butter
- oats
- flour
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and a 9-inch square baking pan.
How to Make the Best Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make apple layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. Gently toss to combine. Evenly distribute the apple mixture into the greased pan.
- Make oat topping. In another mixing bowl, combine softened butter, oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir together with a rubber spatula until combined. Evenly distribute the oat mixture on top of the apple layer.
- Bake. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is lightly browned and apples are bubbly. Place on a wire cooling rack to cool down for 10 minutes.
- Serve. Serve warm with whipping cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- How to serve: You can enjoy a good apple crisp all on its own, but it tastes best with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Get creative by adding toppings like Candied Pecans, Salted Caramel, whipped cream, maple syrup, or white chocolate chips.
- How to store: Apple crisp is best served fresh. If you have any leftovers, store it in the same pan that you baked it in. If it has an airtight lid, use that. If not, wrap the pan tightly in plastic cling wrap, and put your apple crisp in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheating apple crisp: You can serve apple crisp cold (some people prefer it this way), but most people agree it's better warm. Reheat it in a 350F preheated oven (not the microwave!) for 10-20 minutes until warmed through.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
- Individual Apple Crisp
- Cranberry-Apple Cobbler with Biscuits
- Braided Lattice Apple Pie
- Homemade Applesauce
- Spiced Apple Oatmeal Muffins
- Healthy Apple Pie Fall Smoothie
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Recipe
Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple crisp with tender cinnamon-sugar apples and crispy oat topping is sweet, tart, and just as delicious as an apple pie but takes a lot less effort.
Ingredients
For the apple layer:
- 5 medium apples, peeled, cored and chopped (or sliced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
For the oat topping:
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar (if using). Gently toss to combine. Evenly distribute the apple mixture into the greased pan.
- In another mixing bowl, combine softened butter, oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir together with a rubber spatula until combined. Evenly distribute the oat mixture on top of the apple layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until the top is lightly browned and apples are bubbly. Place on a wire cooling rack to cool down for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with whipping cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
How to serve: You can enjoy a good apple crisp all on its own, but it tastes best with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Get creative by adding toppings like Candied Pecans, custard, whipped cream, maple syrup, or white chocolate chips.
How to store: Apple crisp is best served fresh. If you have any leftovers, store it in the same pan that you baked it in. If it has an airtight lid, use that. If not, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap, and put your apple crisp in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Reheating apple crisp: You can serve apple crisp cold (some people prefer it this way), but most people agree it's better warm. Reheat it in a 350F preheated oven (not the microwave!) for 10-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Carrie Velthuysen says
I cheated, and used tinned apples (I needed a dessert QUICK)... But I must say it was still delicious. The crisp on this was super yummy, gave it such a nice crunch!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you for sharing! So happy you liked the recipe!