The Best Apple Crisp Recipe
This classic apple crisp recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a golden, buttery oat topping. Perfectly balanced with a hint of nutmeg and lemon juice, this dessert is simple to prepare and delivers warm, comforting flavors ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Apple Filling
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar, which will enhance the flavor and prevent browning.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and packed light brown sugar. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining for a crunchy texture.
- Assemble the Apple Crisp: Transfer the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering the fruit completely.
- Bake the Crisp: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled apple crisp in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes to let the juices thicken slightly. Serve warm with optional toppings such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties to balance flavor and texture.
- Leave the peel on some apples for additional texture and nutrients if desired.
- The topping can be customized by adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- This apple crisp can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Keywords: apple crisp, apple dessert, baked apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple crisp, homemade apple crisp