Easy Apple Crisp Recipe: Warm & Crumbly Dessert (Print Version)

Discover this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe, a comforting fall dessert with tender apples and a buttery oat topping. Simple to make for any occasion.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Apple Filling

01 - 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Buttery Oat Topping

08 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
13 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

→ Serving Delights

14 - Vanilla bean ice cream (for serving)
15 - Whipped cream (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready! I usually peel, core, and slice them into about half-inch pieces. I’m not super precise, life’s too short for that, but try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly. Toss them in a big bowl with the granulated sugar, a little brown sugar, that splash of lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg. Give it a good stir, making sure every apple slice gets a little love. You’ll see them start to glisten, and the aroma already begins to fill the kitchen, which is my favorite part, honestly.
02 - Now for the best part of this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe: the topping! In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, both sugars, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Then, cut in your cold butter. I usually use my fingers, squishing and rubbing the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs, like wet sand with some pea-sized pieces. This is where I always make a mess, flour dust everywhere, but it’s worth it. Don’t overmix; you want those distinct crumbles for that perfect crisp texture later. Trust me, this step is crucial!
03 - Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. I usually butter it lightly, just because. Pour your apple mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. It should look like a lovely, slightly mounded pile of future deliciousness. Then, sprinkle that glorious crumb topping all over the apples. Make sure it's spread out evenly, covering every bit of apple goodness. It should look rustic and inviting. I love how it already promises that golden, crunchy top!
04 - Pop that dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Now, the waiting game begins. Bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a beautiful golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges. You can even see the apples getting tender through the glass, which is always exciting. If the topping starts to get too dark too quickly, just loosely tent it with some foil. I've definitely burned a topping or two in my time, so keep an eye on it!
05 - Once it’s perfectly golden and bubbly, carefully pull the Easy Apple Crisp Recipe out of the oven. This is where the hardest part comes in: letting it cool for at least 15-20 minutes. I know, I know, it smells incredible, and you just want to dig in! But letting it rest allows the apple filling to set up a bit, preventing it from being too runny. Plus, it’s still scorching hot right out of the oven. I've had my share of burnt tongues trying to rush this step, oops!
06 - Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Scoop generous portions of your warm Easy Apple Crisp Recipe into bowls. It should be tender apples with that perfectly crisp, buttery, cinnamon-oat topping. The aroma is just heavenly. I always serve mine with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – it’s just the classic pairing and, honestly, the best way to enjoy it. A dollop of whipped cream works too, if that’s your jam. Enjoy every single bite!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on butter for the topping, honestly, it makes all the difference.
02 - You can prep the apple filling a day ahead, but keep the topping separate until baking.
03 - Tried pears instead of apples once; it was okay, but apples are the real star here.
04 - A warm scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is non-negotiable with this crisp, trust me!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - vegetable peeler
04 - knife
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 18-22g
Total Carbohydrate: 50-60g
Protein: 3-5g

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