Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between tart, tender apples and a crunchy, buttery oat topping. Every time I make it, the warm cinnamon-scented filling paired with the crispy streusel just fills the kitchen with comfort and nostalgia. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels homemade but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend.

When I first tried this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe, I was surprised at how straightforward it is to pull off a treat that tastes so indulgent. You’ll find that it works beautifully for casual family dinners, cozy fall gatherings, or any time you crave a sweet, satisfying dessert. Plus, serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? Absolute perfection.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe, I stick with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Choosing the right apples and quality butter really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

• Granny Smith apples: I love these for their tartness and firm texture that holds up well during baking.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to the apple filling without overpowering the fruit.
• All-purpose flour: Used both in the filling to thicken juices and in the topping for structure.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: This warms up the whole dish with that cozy fall spice vibe.
• Old-fashioned oats: Provide a hearty, chewy crunch for the streusel topping.
• Brown sugar: Gives the topping a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These help the topping get light and crumbly.
• Cold butter: Cutting cold butter into the topping is key for that perfect crumbly texture.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve tried different nuts, fruit combinations, and even flavor boosts depending on my mood or what’s in my pantry.

• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping gives it an extra crunch and a toasted flavor my family goes crazy for.
• Mixed Fruit Crisp: Sometimes I swap half the apples with pears or berries for a more complex taste and colorful presentation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free oats to keep it friendly for everyone.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside cinnamon can bring a lovely depth of flavor.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Love

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into even slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt to make that delicious filling. Mixing everything well ensures each bite bursts with balanced sweetness and spice. Pro tip: Use a spoon or your hands to gently mix so you don’t bruise the apples!

Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping

In the same bowl (no extra dishes, yay!), stir together old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Then, use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut cold butter into the mix until it’s crumbly and pea-sized. I learned this step makes all the difference between a soggy topping and that irresistible crunchy crust.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake to Perfection

Pour your apple filling into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the oat streusel on top. Press it down lightly so it bakes evenly. Pop it in your preheated 350ºF oven for about 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. When you see that magic moment, you’ll know it’s ready — just like I did the first time I nailed this recipe.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite garnish for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted cinnamon or chopped nuts on top for extra texture and a pretty finish. If you want to keep it lighter, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce is just heavenly.

Side Dishes

I like serving this apple crisp alongside a simple cup of hot coffee or a warm chai latte — it really rounds out the cozy vibe. For brunch options, it pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like bacon or sausage, balancing sweet and salty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting, I sometimes spoon this apple crisp into individual ramekins and top each with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar. It feels extra special and makes serving a breeze. For holidays, I like using a pretty serving dish and adding a few cinnamon sticks as decor—they make the whole room smell amazing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover apple crisp refrigerates well in an airtight container for up to 4 days. I usually cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight—this helps the flavors meld even more. Just bring it back to room temperature or warm it up before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times by baking it first, then letting it cool completely and wrapping it tightly in foil before popping it into the freezer. When I want to enjoy it later, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven. It holds up surprisingly well with that same delicious texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the crisp into a 350ºF oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps back up nicely. Microwave works in a pinch, but it can soften the topping, so I try to avoid that when I want the full crunchy experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s just so reliable and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, you’ll enjoy how simple it is to make something so delicious that everyone will ask for seconds. So next time you want a warm, cozy dessert that doesn’t require a ton of fuss, give this a try—I promise it’ll become a go-to in your home too!

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

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• Author: Bertha
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This easy apple crisp recipe features a classic combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples topped with a crunchy oat streusel. Perfectly baked until golden brown, this comforting dessert is simple to make and delicious served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a splash of milk.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Streusel:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup cold butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peeled and sliced Granny Smith apples with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and cinnamon. Toss thoroughly to coat the apples evenly with the mixture.
3. Transfer Filling to Pan: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer of your apple crisp.
4. Make the Streusel Topping: Using the same bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
5. Add Butter to Streusel: Cut the cold butter into the oat mixture using a pastry blender or your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture, ensuring the butter is well incorporated.
6. Top the Apples: Sprinkle the oat streusel evenly over the apples in the baking pan, then gently pat it down to create a firm topping layer.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with milk or your favorite ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

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Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the topping.
• Ensure the butter is cold when cutting it into the streusel to achieve a crumbly texture.
• You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling for extra warmth and spice.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/9 of recipe
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg