Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is the warm, cozy dessert you’ve been waiting for. This delightful treat features juicy sliced apples wrapped in a delicate coat of vanilla and cinnamon, all topped with a buttery, crumb and oat layer that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a quiet night in, you’ll love how simple it is to make and how deeply satisfying it tastes. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, it brings a comforting aroma to your kitchen and a perfectly balanced mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
You’ll love this apple crisp for several reasons:
- It’s incredibly easy to put together—no fiddly pie crust required.
- The topping combines flour, oats, brown sugar and butter for the ideal crunchy crumb texture.
- The apple filling is lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla for classic flavor, while still letting the fruit shine.
- It’s versatile—serve it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for an elevated finish.
- It makes any gathering feel like a special occasion while still being relaxed and homey.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 5 cups fresh apples, sliced
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup old fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
Step by Step: How to Make This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (approximately 175°C). Grease a deep dish pie plate or large baking dish with butter or non stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and the vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In a separate medium sized bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well coated and forms a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, or until the fruit is soft and the topping is a rich golden brown. If the topping begins to brown too quickly but the apples aren’t done yet, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Once baking is complete, allow the apple crisp to cool slightly (10–15 minutes) before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Choose apples that hold their shape when baked. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala or Golden Delicious work well.
- Slice or chop the apples evenly so they cook uniformly. One source suggests about ½ inch width slices.
- If you detect the topping is browning too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil so the apples finish cooking without the top burning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking so the juices settle and topping crisps up a bit.
- Serving it warm is best — the contrast between hot fruit and cold ice cream is irresistible.
Substitutions And Variations
- Nuts: Want additional texture? Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping. This was noted as optional in a similar recipe for those with nut allergies.
- Fruit blend: While apples are classic, you could swap or combine with pears, or even stone fruits when in season.
- Spice mix: In place of just cinnamon, add a pinch of nutmeg or all spice for deeper flavor. Some chefs recommend adding nutmeg or mace for extra warmth.
- Gluten free: If needed, you can replace the all purpose flour in the topping with a gluten free blend.
- Vegan option: Use a plant based butter substitute and ensure brown sugar is vegan friendly.
- Extra caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over each serving for an indulgent twist.
Storage Instructions
- Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The topping may soften slightly, but reheating in the oven can restore some crispness.
- To freeze: After baking, allow to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2–4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Potassium: 129 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 39 g
- Vitamin A: 219 IU
- Vitamin C: 4 mg
- Calcium: 25 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
- A classic pairing is a warm slice of this apple crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the hot and cold contrast is pure comfort.
- You can also serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- For breakfast or brunch: serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of chopped nuts.
- A cup of strong coffee or spiced cider alongside enhances the cozy feel.
- For gatherings: serve in individual ramekins for a charming presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Do I need to peel the apples or can I leave the skins on?
You can leave the skins on if you prefer less prep, and they’ll soften during baking. One recipe notes that leaving the peel is acceptable and the dish still turns out great. If you prefer a smoother texture or your guests don’t like peel, go ahead and peel them—just slice evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Which apples are best for this dish?
Firm apples that hold their shape work best—think Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, or Golden Delicious. Honeycrisp was explicitly recommended in one source for this kind of crisp. Softer apples may break down too much and create a very mushy filling, so choose accordingly.
My topping got too brown before the filling was done. What can I do?
That’s a common issue. If your topping is browning too fast, simply cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the apples are soft through and bubbling. One recipe includes this exact tip.
Can I make this ahead or freeze it?
Yes! You can assemble ahead of time: prepare the filling and topping separately, refrigerate for a couple of hours, then assemble and bake when ready. For freezing: cool completely after baking, wrap tightly, freeze up to a few months, then thaw and reheat in the oven.
My topping was soggy the next day. How can I keep it crisp?
The topping tends to soften over time as moisture from the fruit migrates upward. The best way to maintain crispness is to reheat in an oven (e.g., 350°F for 10–15 minutes) rather than microwave, which helps restore the crunch. Storing covered and reheating helps.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for choosing this recipe for The Best Apple Crisp. It’s one of those dishes that delivers on warmth, comfort, and flavor with minimal fuss. I absolutely enjoy how the crisp topping and tender apples come together in every bite — and hope you do too. May you find joy in baking this dessert, relishing that first warm spoonful, and sharing it with loved ones. Here’s to delicious moments in your kitchen, the ease of this recipe, and the fantastic flavor you’re about to enjoy. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of the community of food lovers!
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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a cozy dessert made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, vanilla, and a buttery oat topping that bakes to golden perfection. It’s quick to prep and perfect for serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Filling:
5 cups fresh apples, sliced
½ cup granulated white sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
½ cup all purpose flour
⅓ cup old fashioned oats
⅔ cup packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (approximately 175°C). Grease a deep dish pie plate or large baking dish with butter or non stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and the vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- In a separate medium sized bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well coated and forms a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, or until the fruit is soft and the topping is a rich golden brown. If the topping begins to brown too quickly but the apples aren’t done yet, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Once baking is complete, allow the apple crisp to cool slightly (10–15 minutes) before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Slice apples evenly to ensure uniform baking. Tent with foil if the topping browns too quickly. Optional: Add chopped nuts to the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 2 g