Hey friends! If you’re like me and love the comforting taste of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples paired with a crunchy, buttery topping, then you’re going to adore this homemade Apple Crisp recipe. There’s something so quintessentially fall about the smell of apples baking in the oven. It reminds me of those Saturday afternoons we spent at my grandma’s house, where the scent of her signature apple crisp greeted us at the door.
I remember one time my sister tried helping and ended up with oats all over the kitchen floor — we laughed until our sides hurt. To this day, making apple crisp brings a wave of nostalgia coupled with a craving for something sweet and homey.
For more sweet inspiration, you might want to check out my Cherry Cobbler recipe too.
Why you’ll love this recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this Apple Crisp will become your go-to dessert. It’s quick to assemble, requiring just about 15 minutes of prep time, and you’ll enjoy the warm, bubbly, delicious reward in less than an hour.
You might already have the ingredients for this recipe in your kitchen, so it’s perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings. Plus, it is versatile enough to be enjoyed solo or jazzed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 6–8 medium apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-step instructions
Prep the apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. This keeps our apple crisp from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- Peel and slice the apples into 1/4 inch thick pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg if you’re using it. Don’t forget the lemon juice and a pinch of salt — these are key for enhancing the tartness.
Make the crumb topping
- In another bowl, combine oats, 1/2 cup of flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Add cubed cold butter to the mixture. Using your hands, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles chunky breadcrumbs.
Assemble and bake
- Spread the seasoned apples evenly in the buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples without pressing it down. You want the topping to be a bit airy so it crisps up nicely.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and you see the apple juices bubbling around the edges.
The finishing touch
Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting it rest helps the flavors meld. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of ice cream for the full experience.
Recipe tips & variations
- For a nutty touch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping.
- Not a fan of nutmeg? Swap it out for ginger for a different spice profile.
- If you’re running low on time, feel free to get creative with apple varieties — Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their balance of tartness and sweetness.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can pop a serving in the microwave for a quick fix or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use different fruits or berries in this recipe?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, this recipe is pretty adaptable. I’ve tried it with a mix of apples and pears and even thrown in some berries for extra juiciness.
What’s the best kind of apples to use for apple crisp?
I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination gives a balanced flavor and perfect texture to your crisp.
Why is my crisp topping not crunchy?
The topping can become soggy if the butter isn’t mixed well or if the topping is packed on too tightly. Ensure the butter is cold and work it in until you have a crumbly texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
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Enjoy crafting this nostalgic dessert and creating new memories around the dinner table with a warm serving of Apple Crisp!
Homemade Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting homemade Apple Crisp recipe with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery topping.
Ingredients
- 6–8 medium apples
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Peel and slice the apples into 1/4 inch thick pieces. In a large bowl, toss them with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the nutmeg if you’re using it. Add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, combine oats, 1/2 cup of flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Add cubed cold butter to the mixture. Work the butter into the mixture until it resembles chunky breadcrumbs.
- Spread the seasoned apples evenly in the buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples without pressing it down.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and you see the apple juices bubbling around the edges.
- Let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a nutty touch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping.
- Not a fan of nutmeg? Swap it for ginger.
- If short on time, use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving