There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar baking in the oven. Apple crisp isn’t just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic experience, bringing back memories of family gatherings, crisp autumn days, and that first spoonful of warm, spiced apples beneath a buttery, golden oat topping.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners, this apple crisp recipe is a must-have in your collection.
What makes it special? The perfect balance of tart Granny Smith apples and a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping that’s just sweet enough to satisfy. No complicated techniques, just simple ingredients that create a dessert bursting with warmth and texture.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy every delicious bite! Pair it with Cheesy Chicken Fritters for a cozy dinner, and don’t forget a slice of Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Bars for a festive dessert spread!
Apple crisp is trending for a reason—it’s easy, versatile, and made with pantry staples. Plus, apples are packed with fiber and antioxidants, making this a slightly healthier indulgence. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, and you’ve got pure dessert bliss.
Why This Recipe Stand Out?
- It’s foolproof! Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe comes together effortlessly—just toss, mix, and bake.
- Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s a cozy fall evening or a holiday gathering, apple crisp never disappoints.
- The smell alone is worth it: The sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen? Pure magic.
- Great for make-ahead: Prep it earlier in the day and pop it in the oven just before serving for a stress-free dessert.
- The best topping texture! The buttery oat crumble bakes into a crisp, golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apples.
Apple Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- Peeler and corer
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or fork (for mixing topping)
- Oven
Ingredients
Filling:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples – peeled cored and sliced
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup unsalted butter diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, toss peeled and sliced apples with white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then spread them evenly in the dish.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Add cold diced butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy and store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 370kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Sugar | 41g |
| Sodium | 9mg |
Flavor-Packed Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp!
- Mix Apple Varieties for Depth – While Granny Smith apples add tartness, mixing them with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji gives a more balanced, complex flavor.
- Toast the Oats First – Lightly toasting the oats in a dry pan before mixing them into the topping enhances their nutty flavor and gives extra crunch.
- Chill the Crumble Before Baking – Pop the topping mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes before sprinkling it over the apples. This keeps the butter cold, resulting in a crispier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Apples – Spread them in an even layer rather than piling them up. Too many layers can make the apples steam instead of bake, leading to a mushy filling.
- Add a Pinch of Salt to the Topping – A small pinch of sea salt in the crumble balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – It’s tempting to dig in immediately, but letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to settle.
- Make It Ahead & Freeze – Assemble the crisp and freeze it unbaked. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Try Brown Butter for Extra Flavor – Instead of using cold butter, brown it first for a deep, nutty aroma that takes this dessert to the next level.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
