Name: Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large apples (2½ pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped into ¾-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ¾ cup whole rolled oats; ½ cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick), cubed, plus more for greasing the pan

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a dish, you’ve got to try this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those classic comfort foods that never disappoints—simple ingredients coming together to create a perfectly cozy treat. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight or an impromptu gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to because, trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, making it easy to whip up with no extra prep.
Perfect Balance of Sweet & Spiced: The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth without overwhelming the fresh apple flavor.
Crunchy, But Not Dry Topping: Thanks to the oats and butter, the crumble is crispy and golden, but still tender.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dessert or a holiday treat, this apple crisp shines every time.

A white bowl holds three main layers: the bottom layer is golden brown cooked apple pieces with a soft texture, the middle layer is a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping with a rough texture, and the top layer is a large round scoop of smooth white vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm fruit and crumbs. A metal spoon rests inside the bowl, partially scooping up the apple crumble. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crisp, Easy Apple Crisp, comforting apple dessert, simple apple crumble, quick apple dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe uses classic ingredients you can rely on for a delicious, hearty dessert. The mix of tart and sweet apples, a fragrant blend of spices, and a buttery oat topping come together spectacularly. A quick tip: choosing a mix of apple varieties makes the filling extra flavorful and less mushy.

Flat lay of peeled and chopped large apples in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of sea salt, whole rolled oats in a simple white ceramic bowl, cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes on a white ceramic plate, and two whole uncracked brown eggs arranged in perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Crisp, Easy Apple Crisp, comforting apple dessert, simple apple crumble, quick apple dessert

Apples: I use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture after baking.
All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the apple mixture and adds structure to the crumble topping.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like notes, especially in the topping.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the apples and slows browning while balancing sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle richness to the fruit filling.
Cinnamon & nutmeg: The signature fall spice duo that makes this dessert feel comforting.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish salty.
Rolled oats: Key to a topping that’s satisfyingly chewy and crunchy.
Cold unsalted butter: Cutting this into the oat mixture creates those perfect buttery crumbs.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe my own by switching up the mix-ins or toppings depending on what’s in my pantry (and what I’m craving!). Feel free to experiment and make it your own—it’s super forgiving.

Add Nuts: I often toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor—my family goes crazy for it!
Use Different Fruits: Try mixing in pears or berries with the apples for a twist on the classic.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour and use certified gluten-free oats.
Extra Spice: If you like warming spices, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Love

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into roughly ¾-inch pieces. I usually go for a mix of tart and sweet apples, which keeps the flavor balanced and texture just right. Toss them in a large bowl with the flour, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir so every apple piece is coated with this yummy spice mixture. Then spread them evenly in your greased baking dish—this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Create the Perfect Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then comes my favorite part: working the cold butter into this mix. Use two forks, a pastry cutter, or just your clean hands to cut that butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is key here—it melts during baking and gives you those perfectly crisp yet tender crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over your apple filling.

Step 3: Bake Till Bubbling and Golden

Cover your baking dish and pop it in the oven at 375°F. Let it bake covered for about 35 to 40 minutes—during this time, the apples get tender and start bubbling with all those beautiful juices. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the topping can turn gorgeous and golden brown. If you peek in and see those crunchy crumbs browning too fast, loosely tent with foil to avoid burning. Once done, let it cool for at least 10 minutes; you’ll find the flavors deepen as it rests.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Choose Your Apples Wisely: I’ve found that a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji yields the best texture and flavor combo.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It really brightens the apple filling and keeps it from turning brown before baking.
Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter chunks in the topping are essential for that perfect crumble texture.
Rest Before Serving: Letting it sit for at least 10 minutes after baking helps the juices thicken slightly and makes serving cleaner.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping a warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—the cold creaminess against the warm, spiced apples is just heavenly. Sometimes I drizzle a little caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for extra indulgence. You’ll find that simple additions elevate this dessert effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a warm chai latte. If serving it after a hearty meal, something light like a crisp green salad balances the sweetness nicely. For gatherings, I enjoy serving it alongside a cheese platter for guests to nibble while enjoying dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving your apple crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars—that way everyone gets their own personal treat. You can even layer the bottom with a bit of caramel or cream cheese before adding the apple mixture for a decadent surprise. I once added a sprinkle of edible flowers on top for a spring brunch and got so many compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools completely, I cover the apple crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps great for 3 to 4 days, and you’ll find the flavors only get better overnight. If you want to enjoy it later, just scoop out a portion and reheat.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this apple crisp before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it tightly with foil, and baking straight from frozen—just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze leftovers after baking; just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming single servings in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or heating the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warm and bubbly again. This keeps the topping crispier than the microwave and really revives the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?

While fresh apples give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen apples if that’s what you have. Make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid a soggy filling.
What’s the best apple variety for apple crisp?

I recommend a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith along with sweeter ones such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. This combo gives a nice balance of tartness and sweetness and helps the apples hold their shape during baking.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Using cold butter and making sure to evenly distribute the topping helps it crisp up. Also, baking uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes lets moisture evaporate and allows for a wonderfully crunchy texture.
Is it okay to prepare apple crisp in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before and keep it refrigerated, then bake fresh when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
Can I use brown sugar substitutes?

Light or dark brown sugar works best for that rich, molasses flavor, but you can substitute coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index or granulated white sugar if needed—just expect a slight change in flavor and moisture.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s one of those desserts where you don’t need to stress about fancy techniques—just quality ingredients and a little love. When I first made this, it became an instant favorite for my whole family, and now it’s our autumn staple. I can’t wait for you to try it out and experience that same cozy feeling I get every time. Seriously, dust off your baking dish and give it a go—you’ll thank me later!