Name: Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large apples (2½ pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped into ¾-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ¾ cup whole rolled oats; ½ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick), cubed, plus more for the pan

If you’re craving a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s wonderfully simple to make, bursting with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a perfectly crunchy crumble. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again – it’s truly fan-freaking-tastic!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

So Easy to Make: No fancy techniques here—just simple steps with ingredients you probably have on hand.
Perfect Comfort Food: Warm, tender apples and a crunchy topping create a classic dessert that everyone loves.
Customizable: Easily tweak the spices or topping to match your personal taste or what’s in your pantry.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s always the star of any gathering or weeknight treat.

A white bowl holds three main layers: the bottom layer is golden brown cooked apple pieces with a soft texture, the middle layer is a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping with a rough texture, and the top layer is a large round scoop of smooth white vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm fruit and crumbs. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, partially scooping up the apple crumble. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Apple Crisp, apple crisp, apple crumble dessert, simple apple dessert, cinnamon apple dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

The balance between tart and sweet in the apples combined with the buttery oat crumble topping is what makes this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays its part to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Flat lay of peeled and chopped large apples in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of sea salt, whole rolled oats in a simple white ceramic bowl, cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes on a white ceramic plate, and two whole uncracked brown eggs arranged in perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Apple Crisp, apple crisp, apple crumble dessert, simple apple dessert, cinnamon apple dessert

Apples: I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice tartness and to hold their shape during baking.
All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the apple filling so it’s not watery and contributes to the topping’s structure.
Brown sugar: Provides a rich caramel flavor that deepens both the filling and the topping.
Fresh lemon juice: This keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the apple mixture – a small addition that makes a big difference.
Cinnamon: The classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples for that cozy feel.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch so it complements the cinnamon without overpowering.
Sea salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
Whole rolled oats: Key to the crumble topping’s great texture and a lovely heartiness.
Cold unsalted butter: Cutting cold butter into the topping creates that perfectly crumbly, golden crust we all adore.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe can easily be switched up depending on what you have in your kitchen or your mood that day. Feel free to experiment and make it truly yours!

Add nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor my family loves.
Use different fruit: Pears or berries mixed with apples make a delightful twist—perfect if you’re running low on apples or want a fresh take.
Gluten-free: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free oats to keep it friendly for those with sensitivities.
Spice it up: Add ground ginger or cardamom for a more adventurous spice profile; I discovered this trick at a holiday party and it was a hit!

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples Just Right

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into even ¾-inch pieces – this helps them cook uniformly. Toss them with flour, brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl. I like to mix gently with my hands to avoid bruising the apples while getting every piece nicely coated. Spread the mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. This step ensures the flavors really seep into every bite.

Step 2: Whip Up That Perfect Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Now the fun part – cut in the cold, cubed butter. You can use two forks, a pastry cutter, or even your fingers (my favorite way). Work the butter into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. Be sure not to overmix—the little chunks of butter will melt in the oven and create that glorious crisp topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes until the apples are bubbly and starting to soften. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the topping to turn beautifully golden brown and gorgeously crisp. I’ve found this two-step baking really helps balance tender fruit with crunchy topping. Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes — it’s tempting to dig in right away, but cooling helps everything set and makes serving cleaner and easier.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Choose Your Apples Wisely: I always use a mix of tart and sweet apples to add depth and natural sweetness without extra sugar.
Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter chunks in your topping mean more delicate crispiness instead of a dense topping – don’t skip this trick!
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It brightens the fruit flavor and prevents discoloration, keeping your apple crisp looking as delicious as it tastes.
Cool Before Serving: Letting it rest for 10+ minutes prevents the filling from being too runny and tightens the topping slightly for the perfect texture.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my apple crisp with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess against the warm fruit is unbeatable. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top to add extra flavor and crunch—simple finishes that make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Since apple crisp is pretty rich and sweet, I usually serve it alongside something light like a cup of hot herbal tea or black coffee. For holiday dinners, it pairs beautifully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or even a sharp cheddar cheese slice on the side—a quirky twist my family secretly loves!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars. I once made mini apple crisps in muffin tins — personal-sized and perfect for parties. You can even layer the apple mixture and topping in clear glasses for a pretty, rustic parfait look that surprises guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Apple Crisp holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and reheat single servings in the microwave or toaster oven. It keeps all that delicious flavor but the topping may lose some crunch—still tasty though!

Freezing

I’ve frozen apple crisp before (fully baked and cooled) by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up gently in the oven. It’s a great way to make your dessert ahead for convenience!

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover apple crisp is in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This helps bring back some crispiness to the topping and warms the filling evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunchy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid a soggy crisp. You might want to add a bit more flour or oats in the topping to absorb extra moisture.
What’s the best type of apples for apple crisp?

Firm apples with a balance of tartness and sweetness work best, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Using a mix gives your crisp more complexity and a nice texture.
Can I make the topping dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Just make sure it’s cold when you mix it into the topping to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
How do I know when the apple crisp is done?

Look for bubbling juices around the edges and tender apples when you poke them with a fork. The topping should be golden brown and crisp to the touch.
Can I double this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly—expect it to take a bit longer. Keep an eye on the topping to make sure it doesn’t overbrown, and you can cover loosely with foil if it starts to brown too fast.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s simple to prepare, reliably delicious, and evokes that feeling of cozy family gatherings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of dessert that feels special without any fuss. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share that warm, crumbly joy with the people you love.