Apple crisp is one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style. With its golden, crunchy topping and sweet, spiced apple filling, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Unlike apple pie, it requires no rolling or chilling dough, just simple ingredients and easy steps.
It’s a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, Thanksgiving feasts, or cozy nights at home. Plus, it’s versatile: you can make it gluten-free, add nuts for extra crunch, or serve it with ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Quick Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Best apples to use: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet varieties give the best flavor.
- Extra spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap flour for a gluten-free baking mix.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for crispness.
Serving Suggestions 🍨
Apple crisp is delicious on its own, but pairing it with toppings takes it to the next level:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Freshly whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
This easy apple crisp recipe is everything you want in a dessert: warm, comforting, and packed with fall flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a simple family meal, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
So grab those apples, preheat your oven, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy in every bite.
