Classic Apple Crisp Recipe: A Classic Fall Dessert You’ll Love

Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort.

This classic dessert pairs tender, spiced apples with a golden, buttery oat topping.

Loved for its ease and nostalgic flavors, it’s a fall favorite in homes everywhere.

Whether you’re baking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion.

Plus, it’s easy to customize, making it a go-to treat for all ages.

What is Apple Crisp?

Apple crisp is a classic dessert made with a base of spiced apples and topped with a crumbly oat mixture.

Unlike cobblers, which use a biscuit or cake-like topping, or crumbles, which often skip the oats, apple crisp features a signature crisp and buttery texture.

The apple filling is prepared with fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a touch of nutmeg or lemon juice for balance.

This is layered with a topping made from oats, brown sugar, flour, and cold butter, which bakes into a golden, crunchy crust.

Together, these components create a perfect combination of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors with a satisfying crunch, making apple crisp a favorite for its simplicity and nostalgic appeal.

Choosing the Right Apples

Selecting the right apples is crucial for making a delicious apple crisp.

Not all apples bake the same; the wrong choice can result in a mushy or overly sweet filling.

Granny Smith apples are a top choice because their tartness balances the sweetness of the topping, and they hold their shape well when baked.

Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option with their sweet-tart flavor and firm texture.

For those who prefer a sweeter filling, Fuji apples are a great choice, offering natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch even after baking.

A mix of these varieties can provide a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring your apple crisp is both flavorful and structurally perfect.

Always opt for fresh, firm apples for the best results.

Ingredients Needed

For the Apple Filling

• 6 large apples (about 2½ pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dish is assembled.

Next, prepare your baking dish by greasing a 9×13-inch pan with butter or non-stick spray.

This will prevent the apple crisp from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Making the Apple Filling

Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing 6 large apples into uniform pieces.

Uniform slices ensure even cooking.

Place the apples in a large mixing bowl and add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Toss the apples thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated with the mixture.

Once combined, transfer the apple filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Preparing the Topping

In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

Mix these dry ingredients until well blended.

Add ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes.

Using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or two forks, blend the butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.

For extra crunch and flavor, stir in ½ cup chopped nuts, if desired.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking

Spread the prepared topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

This cooling period helps the flavors settle and ensures the crisp holds its structure.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp is best served warm, fresh from the oven.

The contrast between the tender, spiced apples, and the crispy, buttery topping is at its peak when enjoyed this way.

For an added layer of indulgence, pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream that slowly melts over the crisp, blending with the sweet and spiced juices.

Whipped cream is another excellent topping, providing a light and airy contrast to the rich dessert.

To elevate the experience even further, drizzle it with warm caramel sauce, which adds a buttery sweetness and a hint of saltiness that complements the apples beautifully.

For a cozy and comforting pairing, serve your apple crisp alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.

The warmth of the drink enhances the flavors of the crisp, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day, especially during cooler months.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free apple crisp, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for a similar texture.

Additionally, verify that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Nut-Free Version

If you’re preparing the crisp for someone with a nut allergy, simply omit the chopped nuts from the topping.

The mixture of oats, flour, and butter will still provide a crunchy and satisfying texture without compromising on flavor.

Sugar Alternatives

For those looking to reduce refined sugar, consider using natural sweeteners.

Coconut sugar is a great alternative that adds a subtle caramel flavor, while honey provides a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

Adjust the quantities slightly based on your preferred level of sweetness.

Fruit Additions

Add variety to your apple crisp by incorporating other fruits.

Berries such as blueberries or raspberries add a tart burst of flavor, while pears bring a mellow sweetness that complements the spiced apples.

Simply mix the additional fruit into the apple filling, ensuring the proportions remain balanced to avoid excess liquid in the dish.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftover apple crisp, transfer it to an airtight container once it has cooled completely.

This helps retain its freshness and prevents the topping from becoming soggy.

Keep the container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within two days.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to five days, though the topping may soften slightly.

When ready to reheat, the oven is the best option to restore the crisp topping.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the apple crisp in an oven-safe dish for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

If you’re short on time, use a microwave to reheat individual portions.

Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking to ensure it doesn’t overheat or become mushy.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead

If you’re looking to save time, apple crisp can be partially prepared in advance.

Start by making the apple filling and topping separately.

Store the filling in an airtight container and the topping in a resealable bag or covered bowl.

Keep both in the refrigerator for up to a day.

When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crisp by layering the filling and topping in your baking dish.

This approach ensures the topping stays crisp and the filling remains fresh.

Freezing

Apple crisp is also freezer-friendly, making it a convenient option for future use.

Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe baking dish, but don’t bake it yet.

Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, ensuring there are no gaps to prevent freezer burn.

Freeze the dish for up to three months.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the crisp directly from frozen.

You’ll need to add about 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Conclusion

Apple crisp is a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

With its warm spiced apples and crisp topping, it’s a treat everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try and share your experience with us.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on the blog for more inspiration!

FAQs

Can I leave the apple skins on?

Yes, you can leave the apple skins on if you prefer.

However, peeling is recommended for a smoother and more uniform texture in the filling.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used as a substitute for old-fashioned oats.

Keep in mind that the texture of the topping may be slightly softer and less crisp.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

If you don’t have lemon juice, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Alternatively, you can omit it, but the filling may lose a bit of its brightness.