This easy apple crisp is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a fuss-free recipe perfect for beginners. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a crisp, buttery oat topping creates a beautiful contrast of textures.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Warm & Cozy Flavors – A perfect blend of cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery oat crumble.
- Beginner-Friendly – No special equipment or advanced baking skills required.
- Customizable – Use your favorite apples or add nuts for extra crunch.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped – Sweet and tender, but you can also use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar – Enhances the apples’ natural sweetness.
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
- 1½ tsp lemon juice – Prevents browning and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup light brown sugar – Creates a caramel-like sweetness in the topping.
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats – Gives a hearty texture; quick oats can be used for a finer topping.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Helps create a crumbly, crisp texture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Enhances the cozy flavor.
- Pinch of kosher salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes – Keeps the topping crisp and crumbly.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Spiced Apples
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold diced butter, and using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands, mix until the topping resembles pea-sized crumbs. The cold butter helps create a perfectly crisp topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, gently pressing it down so it adheres but remains crumbly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the apple crisp cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
FAQs
Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple mixture and crisp topping separately, then assemble and bake when needed. If already baked, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the topping again.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with pears, peaches, mixed berries, or even a combination of fruits. If using juicy fruits like berries, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling to help thicken the juices.