Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple dessert, and this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe hits all the right notes. Perfectly tender apples baked beneath a golden, buttery oat topping create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re after a cozy treat for fall evenings or a simple dessert that everyone will love, this recipe is your go-to for ease and deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and crunchy. From the fresh apples that provide bright, juicy flavor to the buttery oat topping that adds irresistible texture, everything here works in harmony.

• 3 pounds apples (Granny Smith and Pink Lady recommended): A mix of tart and sweet apples adds depth and balance to the filling.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just enough without overpowering their natural flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the fruit and prevents browning while adding subtle tanginess.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the apple juices as they bake, creating a luscious filling.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm, inviting spice to the filling.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (or melted coconut oil for vegan option): Creates a richly textured topping with a golden finish.
• 1 cup rolled oats: Provides hearty chewiness and an irresistible rustic crunch.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour/almond flour): Binds the topping together and gives it a tender crumb.
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness to the crisp topping.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the crumble with aromatic spice.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which sets the perfect temperature for tender apples and golden topping. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and chop your apples into roughly 1-inch chunks—this size helps them hold some shape but cook through to tender perfection. Mixing different apple varieties like Granny Smith and Pink Lady brings a balance of tartness and sweetness.

Step 3: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the apple chunks with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will coat the apples thoroughly, ensuring each bite bursts with classic apple crisp flavor and a thickened, luscious texture after baking.

Step 4: Spread the Filling into the Dish

Evenly spread the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Ensuring it’s spread out will help the apples cook evenly and produce a bubbling, golden filling that’s as delicious as it looks.

Step 5: Make the Crisp Topping

Melt the unsalted butter—or coconut oil if you prefer a vegan option—until it’s just liquid. This helps bind the oat and flour mixture together when you mix it later.

Step 6: Mix the Dry Topping Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients build the foundation of your crisp topping with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture.

Step 7: Stir in the Melted Butter

Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredient mix and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. This crumbly topping is what will bake into a satisfyingly crisp and golden blanket over your apples.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the prepared apples in the baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling energetically. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Once out of the oven, let the apple crisp rest for at least 15 minutes. This pause allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner slices and enhances the flavors. Serve warm to enjoy the full comforting experience.

Step 10: Enjoy!

For the ultimate indulgence, serve your apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Each option adds its own luscious surprise to this simple, fulfilling dessert.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or toasted chopped nuts over the top right before serving to add a touch of crunch and a beautiful finishing look. A few fresh apple slices or a sprig of mint can bring a refreshing contrast too.

Side Dishes

Easy Apple Crisp pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for dessert after dinner, or alongside a savory autumnal meal like roasted pork or grilled chicken. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that complements many main courses.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the apple crisp in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to impress guests with a rustic, cozy presentation. Another idea is to stuff it into puff pastry shells for an elegant handheld dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day treat.

Freezing

You can freeze apple crisp either before or after baking. Cover the unbaked dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap for up to 3 months, or cool baked crisp completely before wrapping and freezing. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat apple crisp gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 20 minutes to bring back the crisp topping and warm, bubbly filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that wonderful crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides apples for this crisp?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries work beautifully with this crisp topping. Adjust baking times slightly depending on the fruit’s juiciness and softness for best results.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply swap the butter for melted coconut oil or any vegan butter substitute. This keeps the topping rich and crumbly without dairy.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or flour. Both will help thicken the apple juices nicely during baking.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep it safe.

Why should I let the apple crisp rest after baking?

Allowing it to rest helps the juices thicken up and prevent the crisp from being too runny when served. It also cools it to a comfortable temperature for enjoying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s simple to prepare yet delivers maximum warmth and comfort, this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With its tender apples, crunchy topping, and sweet-spiced aroma, it’s a true classic that never gets old or complicated. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your go-to recipe for cozy nights and happy gatherings.

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