The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

Introduction

This apple crisp is the perfect comforting dessert for any season. With tender, spiced apples and a crunchy oat topping, it’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
2. Step 2: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
4. Step 4: Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
5. Step 5: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with optional vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For added texture, toss in ½ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
• If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.

Storage

Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen apples can work but may release more liquid. Thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and spices to avoid a soggy topping.

How can I make the topping crunchier?

Make sure the butter is very cold before mixing it into the topping, and avoid over-mixing. Baking at a slightly higher temperature for a few extra minutes can also help achieve a crunchier texture.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

This classic apple crisp combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat and brown sugar topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s a comforting dessert perfect for cozy nights and can be served warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the apple filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Toss well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and sugar mixture.
2. Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and packed light brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter chunks remaining.
3. Assemble the crisp: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the apple filling evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering them fully.
4. Bake the apple crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. For an extra special treat, serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce.

Notes

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
• Chilling the butter before mixing helps create a crisp topping texture.
• You can prepare the apple filling a few hours ahead and refrigerate before adding the topping and baking.
• Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: apple crisp, apple dessert, baked apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple crisp, apple crumble, classic apple crisp