This apple crisp recipe is irresistible. The smell of warm cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat crumble is perfect if you’re looking for a comforting dessert for any occasion. The best part is how easy it is to simply prep, bake, and enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.
Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.
Finally, Fall is making its way into my home, and I have to say that I’m not mad about it! Homemade apple crisp is one of those classic desserts that have to make an appearance at least once in my house. My family and I love getting together to enjoy bowls of apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to go with it.
We cannot get enough of these Baked Apple desserts. This recipe also pairs incredibly well with a classic Apple Pie spice blend.
Ingredients Needed
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Fruits: Apples are the star of this dish and provide a natural sweetness and texture. I suggest apples that can withhold baking and not turn into mush, like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp.
- Sugars: Light brown sugar sweetens the filling and topping while adding a hint of molasses flavor.
- Flour & Grains: All-purpose flour thickens the filling and binds the topping ingredients together. Old-fashioned oats add a crispy texture to the topping.
- Spices & Flavorings: Ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt provide warm, aromatic spices while balancing the sweetness of the flavor. Apple pie spice is another great alternative for a different but equally tasty spice mix. Vanilla extract completes the flavor by adding depth to the filling.
- Other Ingredients: Pecan chips are optional, but they do add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the topping. Unsalted butter helps create a crispy, golden topping when baked.
Tools Needed
- Peeler
- Apple corer or knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Baking dish
- Spatula or spoon
How To Make Apple Crisp
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat the inside of an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with light brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Stir well until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the cold diced butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and chopped pecans. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture to cover all the apples.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Check for doneness around 35 minutes; if the topping is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving; it’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
How To Store
To store apple crisp, let it cool completely after baking. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can freeze it for longer storage, but keep in mind that it will affect the texture.
FAQ
Apple crisp and apple crumble are similar desserts, but the key difference is oats. The topping typically includes oats to create a distinct, crispy texture after baking. Apple crumble generally lacks oats and is usually made from just flour, sugar, and butter. This creates a more classic, crumble topping.
Everyone has their own preference for apples. For apple crisp, choose apples that hold their shape while baking. They should also have a nice mix of sweet and tart flavors. Some ideal apples are Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold.
The trick is in the butter. Make sure to use cold butter and mix the topping ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs. Also, bake the crisp long enough for the topping to become golden and crispy.
Tanya’s Top Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the apple filling and topping separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply combine and proceed with the recipe.
- Variation: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend in the filling and the topping.
- Serving Suggestion: This apple crisp is delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
I hope you like this apple crisp recipe as much as we do! Looking for more dessert recipes? Try these out:
- Southern Fried Apples
- Baked Air Fryer Apples
- Easy Southern Peach Cobbler Cake
- Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Homestyle Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
Filling:
- 6 cups apples peeled, cored, and sliced into ⅛ inch thickness (about 1.2 lbs or 3 large apples)
- ½ cup light brown sugar 111g
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 31g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5g
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3g
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger .6g
- ⅛ teaspoon salt .92g
Topping:
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter cold, diced into cubes (.4 ounces)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed (174g)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour 65g
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats 54g
- ½ cup pecan chips 62g
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat the inside of an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Combine the sliced apples, light brown sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to the greased 8×8-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Set it aside.
- Combine the cold diced butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish, covering all the apples
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Check for doneness around 35 minutes; if the topping is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the apple filling and topping separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply combine and proceed with the recipe.
- Variation: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend in the filling and the topping.
- Serving Suggestion: This apple crisp is delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.