There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm apple crisp. This classic fall dessert never fails to hit the spot. In this article, you’ll discover why this cozy, cinnamon-kissed dessert belongs on your fall table. From the simple ingredients to the buttery oat topping, every bite is layered with flavor and nostalgia. If you’re craving a dessert that’s easy, delicious, and family-approved, this recipe for apple crisp is for you. Let’s get into why this timeless treat keeps making its way back to our tables every season.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Crisp Recipe
A Real-Life Love Story Behind the Crumble
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a wife, a home cook, and someone who believes that simple recipes are often the most memorable. This classic apple crisp recipe started on a breezy October weekend when my husband walked in with a bag of apples from the farmer’s market. “Crisp enough to crack!” he said. That night, I tossed them with cinnamon and sugar, topped them with a buttery oat crumble, and baked it until our kitchen smelled like fall.
He called it “dangerously delicious.” That’s when I knew: this dessert was going to be a regular.
It’s now our go-to fall dessert recipe, and not just because it’s easy. It’s the golden topping that crisps just right, the tangy-sweet apple filling that stays soft but not mushy, and how it pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream if you’re in a hurry.
I keep this dessert in my rotation all season long. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, it uses pantry staples, so you probably already have everything you need.
You’ll love it because it’s one of those recipes that makes your home feel like a hug. And if you’re a fan of fruit-forward treats, this one shares that same comforting vibe as these baked peaches, but with a fall twist.
So whether you’re curled up with a blanket or feeding a crowd, this apple crisp recipe always earns a “That’s delicious!” moment.
Print
Apple Crisp
A classic apple crisp recipe with warm cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping. Simple, nostalgic, and perfect for fall.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and flour.
3. Spread apples evenly in the prepared dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.
6. Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Apple Crisp
Best Apples for Apple Crisp (And Why It Matters)
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. For a classic apple crisp recipe, you want apples that strike a balance between tart and sweet and hold their shape when baked. My personal favorites? Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for a touch of sweetness. Using a mix gives you flavor depth and texture that’s simply unbeatable.
You’ll need about 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. This yields enough filling to give each bite the perfect fruit-to-crumble ratio. The apples get tossed with cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness. A spoonful of flour helps thicken the juices so you don’t end up with a soggy base.
What Goes in the Crumble Topping?
The topping is the real star of this recipe for apple crisp. It’s a buttery, golden, crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm apple filling underneath.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – They toast up nicely and add that iconic crispy bite.
- All-purpose flour – Helps bind the topping.
- Brown sugar – Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg – Classic fall spices that round out the flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Cold and cubed, so it melts slowly as it bakes.
Want to take it up a notch? Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. A pinch of salt enhances every flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Ingredient Tip: If you love warm, spice-forward dishes, you might also enjoy this pumpkin baked oatmeal for breakfast.
Now that you’ve got everything in front of you, let’s start baking!
Step-by-Step Guide
Prep Your Apples for Perfection
The beauty of this fall apple crisp recipe is that it comes together quickly, but tastes like something that took hours. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Next, peel and slice your apples; thin slices bake evenly and allow the cinnamon and sugar to coat every piece. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with:
- lemon juice
- cinnamon
- granulated sugar
- flour (to thicken the filling)
Pour this mixture into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Already smells like fall, right?
If you love warm, spiced dishes with a nostalgic vibe, this pumpkin french toast casserole offers a deliciously similar feel — perfect for fall weekends.
Mix and Crumble the Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together:
- all-purpose flour
- old-fashioned oats
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- salt
Cut in ½ cup cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when squeezed. Don’t overwork it; you want those buttery pockets to melt into crispy, golden perfection in the oven.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over your apples. No need to press it down, just scatter it generously for that signature crunch.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, that wait is worth it.
If you’re craving more dessert magic with minimal effort, check out this banana pudding poke cake for another crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Variations for the Best Apple Crisp Every Time
Make It Your Way: Smart Tips for Foolproof Results
This recipe for apple crisp is wonderfully forgiving, but a few simple tips can elevate it to unforgettable.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice – It keeps the apples from browning and brings balance to the sweetness.
- Use cold butter – Room temperature or melted butter won’t give you that signature crumbly topping.
- Avoid instant oats – They turn mushy. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for texture.
- Let it rest before serving – The filling thickens as it cools, making each scoop easier (and prettier).
Want to make it ahead? Assemble the whole thing, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready. Or, bake and refrigerate; it reheats beautifully. And yes, it’s even better the next day.
Pair this dessert with vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream. You could also serve it cold, breakfast-style, it’s practically fruit and oats, after all.
Fun Variations (Because You’ll Want to Make This Again)
- Add berries – Toss in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries with your apples for a fruity twist.
- Make it gluten-free – Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified GF.
- Go nutty – Add chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts to the topping for crunch and flavor.
- Caramel it up – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished crisp for extra indulgence.
And for a totally different fruit-forward twist, try this recipe for peach cobbler cookies; a handheld version of comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
While they’re very similar, apple crisp usually includes oats in the topping for added texture and crunch. Apple crumble, on the other hand, tends to use a more streusel-like topping without oats.
Can I use canned apples for this recipe?
You can, but fresh apples are best for flavor and texture. If using canned apples, be sure to drain them well and reduce added sugar since they’re often pre-sweetened.
How do I store leftover apple crisp?
Let the crisp cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to maintain the topping’s crispness.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked (wrapped well in foil) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about an hour, or until hot and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This classic apple crisp recipe isn’t just about apples and oats—it’s about that moment when your kitchen smells like cinnamon and fall memories. It’s about easy desserts that still feel special. Whether you’re looking for a fall recipe for your Thanksgiving table or a cozy weeknight treat, this one never fails to deliver. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and it’s delicious.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
From my kitchen to yours, happy baking!
