Simple Apple Crisp: Warm, Spiced Fall Dessert (Print Version)

Craving a simple apple crisp recipe? This easy dessert brings warm spices and tender apples, topped with a buttery crumble. Perfect for any cozy evening.

# 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:

→ Apple Filling Essentials

01 - 6-7 medium apples (like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
07 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of ground ginger (optional)

→ Crisp Topping Staples

09 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
10 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
12 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
13 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Serving Suggestions

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

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab those beautiful apples! Peel them, core them, and slice them into roughly 1/4-inch thick pieces. I usually aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly – nobody wants crunchy bits mixed with mushy ones. As I'm slicing, I often think about my grandma, who always made the best apple desserts. Toss the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl. This is where the kitchen starts smelling like fall, even before it hits the oven!
02 - Now, let's get those apples seasoned! To the bowl with the apples, add the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and that optional pinch of ginger. Give it a good toss until every apple slice is coated. I typically use my hands for this; it feels more connected to the food, plus it's easier to ensure everything is evenly distributed. You'll start to smell the spices mingling, which is just delightful. Pour this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
03 - Next up, the star of the show: the crumble topping! In a separate medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Now, for the butter: add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. This is the fun part – use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. I once tried to rush this with warm butter, and let me tell you, it turned into a sticky mess, not a crumbly one. Keep that butter cold!
04 - Once your topping is perfectly crumbly, sprinkle it evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Don't be shy, cover those apples completely! This is where you can see the magic starting to happen, imagining that golden-brown crust forming. I always try to get an even layer so every bite gets a good ratio of apple to crisp. It's looking good already, isn't it?
05 - Pop that dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 40-50 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Honestly, the smell that fills your kitchen during this step is just heavenly – it's pure comfort in aroma form. I sometimes peek through the oven door, just watching it transform. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
06 - Once it's out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let the simple apple crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling time allows the filling to set up a bit, preventing it from being too runny. I've burned my tongue a few times being impatient, so learn from my mistakes! Serve it warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's truly a treat.

# Notes:

01 - Always use cold butter for the topping; it makes all the difference for that perfect crumble texture.
02 - Cover leftover crisp tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days; reheat in a toaster oven for best crispness.
03 - Any firm, slightly tart baking apple works well, or try adding berries for a twist.
04 - Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, honestly, it's the best combo!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - pastry blender (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 3g

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