Dessert

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe for an Old-Fashioned Classic Recipe

ByLily Monroe October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

This easy apple crisp recipe is a timeless classic that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped by a buttery, crunchy crumble, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple dessert treat.

A white plate with a slice of apple crisp dessert on the right side, showing soft, golden brown baked apple chunks as the bottom layer, topped by a crumbly oat streusel layer that is golden and slightly textured with oats. On the left of the plate sits a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, pale off-white in color, with caramel sauce drizzled over it, pooling slightly on the plate. A silver fork rests at the top of the plate, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith and Golden Delicious recommended)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar (dark brown sugar works well)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly into a lightly greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms small pea-sized crumbs.
Step 4: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling and soft when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor and texture.
For added depth, stir a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves into the apple mixture.
Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour in the topping with rolled oats for a heartier crumble.
Make the crumble topping ahead and keep it chilled until ready to bake for a crispier texture.

Storage

Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to enjoy warm again. Avoid overnight storage at room temperature to keep the topping crisp and the apples fresh.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a mix of diced yellow apples and golden brown crumbly topping, with the crumb layer looking soft and slightly crisp, covering the apple pieces beneath. The apples appear tender and juicy, lightly coated with a syrupy glaze. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any apples you like, but a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Golden Delicious, yields the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this apple crisp gluten-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free flour blend or finely ground oats to keep the texture similar while making it gluten-free.