Description
This Easy Apple Crisp is a comforting and delicious dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, oat-filled crumb topping. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings and simple enough for weeknight treats. The recipe offers flexibility with options for vegan and gluten-free adaptations while maintaining a perfectly golden, crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 3 pounds apples (Granny Smith and Pink Lady recommended)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or melted coconut oil for vegan option)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour/almond flour)
- â…“ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and chop the apples into 1-inch chunks for even cooking and texture.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon until the apples are well coated and the mixture is evenly seasoned.
- Spread Apples: Transfer and spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to ensure consistent baking.
- Make the Crisp Topping: Melt the unsalted butter or coconut oil in a small saucepan or microwave, preparing it for mixing with dry ingredients.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose or gluten-free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt thoroughly.
- Bind Topping: Stir the melted butter or coconut oil into the oat and flour mixture until it forms a crumbly, coarse texture perfect for topping.
- Assemble & Bake: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple filling and place the baking dish in the oven.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and let the apple crisp rest for at least 15 minutes to thicken and cool slightly.
- Enjoy: Serve warm by itself or topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute unsalted butter with melted coconut oil.
- To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Crisp can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Pink Lady gives balanced flavor and texture.
- Letting the crisp cool slightly helps the filling set and prevents burns from hot fruit.
