I adore this classic apple crisp—a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, oat-streusel crust. It’s simple, rustic, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and no-fuss this recipe is—no pie crust to fuss over, just peel, toss, top, and bake. The combination of tart apples and rich, crunchy topping makes it a favorite any time of year.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 cups peeled and sliced apples (I use a mix—Granny Smith for tartness, Golden Delicious or Fuji for sweetness)
2 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (divided)
1½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
Pinch of salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Butter or spray an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Layer them in the prepared dish.
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spread the topping evenly over the apples and gently pat it down.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. I love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: 40–50 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of apple varieties—Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp—for depth.
Stir in ½–1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) into the topping for extra crunch.
Add spices like nutmeg or ginger to the filling for warmth.
Make it gluten-free by swapping flour with almond meal or using gluten-free oats.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3–5 days. To reheat, I pop it in the oven at 350 °F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. I also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What apples work best?

I find firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well—mixing them with sweeter varieties adds great flavor.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes. I sometimes assemble it and refrigerate it (up to the baking step) for a day before baking; it bakes just fine.

Is sour cream or yogurt topping a good idea?

Absolutely—crème fraîche, whipped cream, or yogurt is a lovely creamy contrast to the warm filling.

Can I make it in a skillet or on stovetop?

Yes! I can make a no-oven version by cooking apples then serving with a stovetop crisp topping.

Why is it called a crisp?

Because the oat-streusel topping crisps up during baking—this topping distinguishes it from cobbler or crumble.

Conclusion

I love how this apple crisp is easy, comforting, and endlessly flexible. It captures autumn’s essence in every bite, and with just simple pantry ingredients, it’s a dessert I make all year long. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too.

Apple Crisp

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A warm, comforting dessert featuring tender cinnamon‑spiced apples topped with a buttery oat-streusel crust. This rustic and easy-to-make apple crisp is perfect for any season.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Butter or spray an 8×8 or 9×9‑inch baking dish.
In a bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Layer them in the prepared dish.
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spread the topping evenly over the apples and gently pat it down.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Optional: serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use a variety of apples for best flavor and texture.
Stir in chopped nuts for added crunch.
Add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
Make it gluten-free by using almond meal or gluten-free oats.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ⅛ of dish
Calories: 320
Sugar: 29g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg