Apple Crisp Recipe
Introduction
Apple crisp is a comforting dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Ingredients
- Topping:
- ⅔ cup all purpose flour
- ⅔ cup old fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- Apples:
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples
- 3 tablespoons apple juice (preferred) or orange juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or a 9×9 square baking dish and set aside.
- Step 2: For the topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the melted butter and stir until fully combined. Place the mixture in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Step 3: For the filling, in a large bowl combine the sliced apples, juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
- Step 4: Pour the apple mixture along with any juices into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Crumble the chilled topping over the apples, pressing some of it together occasionally to create clumps.
- Step 5: Spray a piece of foil with nonstick spray and loosely cover the dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden brown, the apples are tender, and juices are bubbling.
- Step 6: Allow the crisp to cool slightly so the juices thicken. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for balanced flavor and texture.
- To make the topping gluten-free, substitute the all purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the topping can add extra crunch and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter in the topping and serve with dairy-free ice cream.
Storage
Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm or bake in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This dish is best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for apple crisp?
Yes, frozen apples can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before preparing the filling to avoid a soggy crisp.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Chilling the topping before baking and covering the crisp loosely with foil during the initial baking helps keep the topping crisp while allowing the apples to cook through.
PrintApple Crisp Recipe
This classic Apple Crisp recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a crunchy topping made from flour, oats, and brown sugar. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and served warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, this comforting dessert is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Topping:
- ⅔ cup all purpose flour
- ⅔ cup old fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
Apples:
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 3 tablespoons apple juice (preferred) or orange juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch deep dish pie plate or a 9×9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, old fashioned oats, light brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, stirring until the mixture is well combined. Place the topping mixture in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced apples with apple juice (or orange juice), granulated sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract. Stir gently and thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble: Pour the apple mixture, including any juices accumulated in the bowl, into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Crumble the chilled topping over the apples, occasionally pressing portions of it together to create clumps for added texture.
- Bake Covered: Spray a piece of foil lightly with nonstick spray, then loosely cover the baking dish with the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This step helps the apples soften and prevents the topping from browning too quickly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown, the apples are tender, and the juices are bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly; this resting time allows the juices to thicken for a perfect consistency. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Peeling the apples is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave the peel on for extra fiber and rustic appearance.
- Apple juice can be substituted with orange juice for a different citrus note.
- Ensure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding to the topping to help it bind without cooking the dry ingredients prematurely.
- The foil cover during the first part of baking traps steam, helping the apples cook evenly and stay moist.
- Serving the crisp warm with vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the hot fruit and crisp topping.
Keywords: apple crisp, apple dessert, baked apple dessert, fall dessert, comfort food, easy apple recipe

