Name: Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 medium peeled apples, cut into 1-inch chunks that are 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick (about 10 cups or 1200g); 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats; Optional: salted caramel and vanilla ice cream for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 63 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy dessert that screams comfort in every bite, you’ll absolutely want to try this Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that I come back to time and again because it’s so simple, yet delivers warm, tender apples crowned with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that my whole family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to apple dessert for chilly evenings or whenever you need that sweet, nostalgic hug on a plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry and fridge, no fancy shopping required.
Perfect Balance: The warm spices and buttery oat topping perfectly complement the tart sweetness of the apples.
Family Favorite: This is the dessert everyone asks for at our holiday dinners and weekend treats.
Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a baked apple dessert. The bottom layer consists of soft, cooked apple chunks in a golden-brown syrup. Above this is a thick layer of crumbly oat topping, golden and slightly toasted with visible oats and brown sugar. A silver spoon scoops out some of the dessert from the bottom right corner, revealing the juicy apple filling beneath the crunchy topping. The white dish is set on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Classic Apple Crisp, apple crisp dessert, easy apple dessert, comforting apple crisp, simple apple crumble

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the best flavor and texture from this Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe is all about using the right balance of tart apples, warm spices, and that irresistible crumbly topping. I’ve learned that a mix of textures and quality ingredients makes all the difference here.

Flat lay of fresh peeled apple chunks with smooth pale yellow flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of packed light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour with fine white powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon with warm reddish-brown color, a small white ceramic bowl of ground nutmeg with medium brown color, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt crystals, cold unsalted butter cut into neat cubes with a creamy pale yellow color arranged on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of old-fashioned whole rolled oats with natural beige flakes, and a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract liquid with pale golden hue, all arranged symmetrically 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 m7354615311229779997 - Easy Classic Apple Crisp, apple crisp dessert, easy apple dessert, comforting apple crisp, simple apple crumble

Apples: Go for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold up during baking and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Brown sugar: I love using dark brown sugar in this recipe for that deep molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works great too.
All-purpose flour: It helps both thicken the filling and provide structure to the topping. Spoon and level it for accuracy!
Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds that subtle warmth and depth to your apple filling.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic apple spices that make this crisp sing with autumn vibes.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed butter is key for a tender, crumbly topping—cutting it into the flour mixture creates those lovely little clumps you want.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: For texture and a bit of wholesome chewiness in the topping.
Optional toppings: Salted caramel and vanilla ice cream really take this dessert over the top—trust me, they’re worth it!

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

This Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser as is, but I often like to mix it up depending on what I have on hand or if someone has a dietary preference. Feel free to play around with it!

Add nuts: Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the topping add a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that my family adores.
Switch up the fruit: Sometimes I like to toss in pears or blueberries with the apples for a fresh twist.
Gluten-free: I’ve replaced the flour with a gluten-free blend and used certified gluten-free oats without sacrificing taste or texture.
Less sugar: If you want to dial down sweetness, try reducing the sugar slightly or swapping in coconut sugar for a subtle caramel note.

How to Make Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples Perfectly

Start by peeling, coring, and cutting about 8 medium apples into roughly 1-inch chunks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. The chunk size is important—they should be bite-size but thick enough to hold their shape when baked. I like using a sharp knife and a handy apple corer to speed things up. Once cut, toss the apples with brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combo thickens the filling and blankets your apples with cozy warmth and sweetness. After mixing well, spread the filling evenly in your greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Then it’s time to cut in the cold, cubed butter. I use a pastry cutter for this, but two forks or even your fingers work too—the key is to get the mixture super crumbly with pea-sized butter bits. Stir in the oats last; they add that irresistible chewiness and rustic texture. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple filling, covering it well but not packing it down.

Step 3: Bake and Enjoy the Magic

Pop the pan into a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping and bubbly juices around the edges—this means it’s perfectly cooked. I like to let it cool for at least five minutes on a wire rack before digging in, though I never judge if someone sneaks a warm spoonful earlier! Serve it warm, at room temperature, or cold; I absolutely love it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel. That combo is pure heaven.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

Choose Your Apples Wisely: I always use a tart apple variety to balance the sweetness—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my favorites for this crisp.
Cold Butter is Key: Keeping the butter chilled before mixing ensures the topping stays crumbly and doesn’t turn into a greasy mess.
Don’t Skip the Flour in the Filling: It thickens the apple juices so your crisp isn’t watery—a little trick I learned the hard way!
Check for Doneness by Bubbles: Wait until you see fruit juices bubbling at the edges before pulling it out—the scent and golden topping can fool you otherwise.

How to Serve Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top my apple crisp with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess melting into the warm crisp is just divine. If I’m feeling fancy—or honest—a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce amps up that sweet-salty combo that I can’t resist. Sometimes just a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This dessert is a perfect finish to a cozy meal, so I usually serve it after something savory like roasted chicken or a hearty chili. For brunch, I’ve paired it with strong coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices in the crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve individual portions in small ramekins—makes it feel extra fancy and guests get their own perfectly sized treat. You can also layer this crisp over pancakes or waffles for an indulgent breakfast twist. I’ve even tried it as a topping over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a sweet-and-savory snack that’s unexpected but amazing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 5 days. The topping softens a bit in the fridge, but reheating it brings back some of that crisp texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this apple crisp a couple of times with success. Just make sure to cool it completely before covering it tightly with foil and freezing. When you want it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the oven to revive that crispy topping and warm filling.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, which keeps the topping crispy and warms the filling evenly. Microwave reheating works, but you might lose some of that crunch, so I only do that if I’m in a rush.

FAQs

What types of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold up best while baking without turning mushy and provide a nice balance to the sweet topping and spices.
Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crisp fully, then refrigerate and reheat before serving. It also freezes well—just be sure to thaw and warm it in the oven to preserve the texture.
How do I keep the topping crumbly and not soggy?

Using cold butter and cutting it into the dry ingredients until crumbly helps create that perfect texture. Also, don’t pack the topping down; soak up excess juices with the flour in the filling to keep things balanced.
What can I serve with apple crisp?

Vanilla ice cream is the classic go-to, but whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of toasted nuts can make your serving extra special. It also pairs beautifully with coffee or chai tea.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Classic Apple Crisp Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen — it’s one of those simple, no-fuss desserts that always brings a smile and warms hearts. I love sharing it with friends and family because it captures that perfect mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy with just a handful of ingredients. Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests without a ton of effort. You’ll see why I keep making this one, again and again!