Few desserts are as comforting and timeless as a Classic Apple Crisp. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked beneath a buttery oat crumble topping, this dessert brings cozy warmth to any occasion. It’s simple to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Sunday family dinner, or just because you have fresh apples on hand, apple crisp is always a hit. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated. Spread apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let apple crisp cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Variation
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over apples before baking.
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping.
- Berry Twist: Mix in fresh cranberries, blueberries, or raspberries with apples.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- Healthier Version: Replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Cooking Notes
- Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala add sweetness. A mix balances flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it prevents browning and enhances apple flavor.
- Letting the crisp rest helps the juices thicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Fall Favorite: Top with a drizzle of warm caramel.
- Cozy Option: Add whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Holiday Spread: Pair with pumpkin pie or pecan pie for a dessert buffet.
Tips
- Slice apples evenly for even baking.
- Make the crisp topping ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 10 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 160mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Classic Apple Crisp ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze apple crisp?
- Yes, freeze baked apple crisp for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Q3: What are the best apples for apple crisp?
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji are ideal. A mix creates the best flavor.
Q4: Can I make apple crisp without oats?
- Yes, substitute oats with more flour and nuts for a streusel-like topping.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Classic Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With its warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy oat topping, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. Simple to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for holidays, family gatherings, or weeknight indulgence, this apple crisp is sure to satisfy every sweet craving.