If you’re looking for the best apple crisp recipe, you’ve come to the right place! This easy dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. I remember one chilly autumn evening when my son, Jake, and I decided to make this together. We had a blast peeling apples and sneaking bites of the warm, buttery topping. It’s a simple recipe that brings everyone together, and it’s sure to be a hit at your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s easy to make, even for beginners.
- The combination of sweet and tart apples creates a delightful flavor.
- The crispy topping adds a perfect texture contrast.
- You can customize it with your favorite spices or nuts.
Pure Comfort
Apple crisp is pure comfort food. The warm, gooey apple filling paired with a crunchy topping makes it irresistible. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma that will have everyone running to the table.
What You Need
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced – You can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.
- 1 cup Granulated sugar – Adjust based on the sweetness of your apples.
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice – This helps to brighten the flavor of the apples.
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon – Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 1 cup (120 g) All-purpose flour – You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats – For a crisp without oats, simply omit this ingredient.
- 1 cup Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar works well.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter, melted – Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free option.
- 1/4 tsp Salt – A pinch enhances the flavors.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Total: 1 hour | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly baked apple crisp. You want it nice and hot before you pop your dish in.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. You should see the sugar glistening on the apples.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so each bite has a chance to shine. The apples should be piled high, ready to bubble up as they cook.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. You want a nice texture that will create that crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples. Make sure to cover them well, as this will create a delicious crust. It should look like a golden blanket over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it, as the aroma will be hard to resist!
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle a bit. It’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.
- Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of hot and cold is simply divine!
Make It Perfect
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping.
- If you prefer a sweeter crisp, increase the sugar in the filling.
- Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture for added flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream for a delightful twist.
Mix It Up
- For a Crockpot apple crisp without oats, simply omit the oats and follow the same steps, cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
- Make an apple crisp recipe with oats easy by using quick oats instead of rolled oats for a different texture.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for a fruity surprise.
Perfect Partners
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts
💡 For more recipes, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.
FAQs
Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Absolutely! Freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Just bake it straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for Granny Smith apples?
You can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.
Is this apple crisp gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This best apple crisp recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With its warm, gooey filling and crunchy topping, it’s a dessert that brings joy to any occasion. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful treat, and enjoy every bite together!

Best Apple Crisp Recipe for Your Enjoyment
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 cups cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced You can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.
- 1 cup cup Granulated sugar Adjust based on the sweetness of your apples.
- 2 tbsp tablespoons Lemon juice This helps to brighten the flavor of the apples.
- 1 tsp teaspoon Ground cinnamon Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 1 cup cup All-purpose flour You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 cup cup Old-fashioned rolled oats For a crisp without oats, simply omit this ingredient.
- 1 cup cup Brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar works well.
- 1/2 cup cup Unsalted butter, melted Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free option.
- 1/4 tsp teaspoon Salt A pinch enhances the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly baked apple crisp. You want it nice and hot before you pop your dish in.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. You should see the sugar glistening on the apples.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so each bite has a chance to shine. The apples should be piled high, ready to bubble up as they cook.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. You want a nice texture that will create that crispy topping.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples. Make sure to cover them well, as this will create a delicious crust. It should look like a golden blanket over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it, as the aroma will be hard to resist!
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the juices settle a bit. It’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it.
- Serve warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of hot and cold is simply divine!