This warm and cozy apple crisp recipe is the perfect way to celebrate apple season with tender apples and a crisp topping.
Apple crisp is the ultimate classic fall dessert. It has tender apples baked under a golden brown oat topping. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts over the top and creates a delicious combination of flavors. The warm spices, buttery oat topping, and tender apples make this the perfect dessert recipe for any gathering.
Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned cook, this easy apple crisp requires just a few pantry staples. If it’s your first time, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to prepare.
You can make this recipe with fresh apples or with homemade apple pie filling. It also works well with two 20-ounce cans of apple filling. The good thing is that you have options for whatever you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- Homemade apple pie filling (when using this apple pie filling recipe, I double it to make one pan of apple crisp) or two 20-ounce cans apple pie filling
- Toppings for serving (optional): vanilla ice cream, toasted nuts, and/or easy homemade whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a prepared baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Either an 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish work perfectly; just keep in mind the larger the dish the quicker it’ll bake through.
- Spread apple pie filling evenly into the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are blended. Pour in the melted butter and mix until a crumbly topping forms.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the top of the apples. You want to cover all of the apple filling.
- Place the dish in the oven, middle position. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let the crisp cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or fresh homemade whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Use tart apples (Granny Smith are my favorite when making homemade apple pie filling).
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the oat mixture slightly.
- For gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free flour like almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the crumble topping delicious.
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Keep covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Cover with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven. Microwave reheating works but softens the crisp topping.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling? Yes. Slice fresh apples and toss with lemon juice or orange juice before baking. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- What are the best apples for apple crisp? Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Golden Delicious and Pink Lady apples bring sweetness. Use a mix for the best flavor.
- How do I make the topping extra crunchy? Use cold butter instead of melted butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter.
- Is apple crisp the same as apple crumble? They are very similar. Both feature crumbly topping over tender apples. Crisp usually has oats, while crumble may not.
- Can I add nuts to the topping? Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts are delicious and add crunch to the oat topping.
- What size pan should I use? A 13-inch pan works best, but any prepared baking dish with similar depth will do. I use an 8×8 square dish sometimes and just bake it a little longer since it’s deeper.
- Can I make this ahead? Yes. Assemble the crisp and refrigerate covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I double this recipe for a crowd? Yes. Use a larger baking dish or two pans and adjust the bake time slightly until the topping is golden brown.
- What can I serve with apple crisp besides ice cream? Try whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, toasted nuts, or a little vanilla flavored yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Can this recipe be adapted for special diets? Yes. Use gluten-free oats and flour. For lower sugar, reduce brown sugar or substitute alternatives.
If you want the best apple crisp, this recipe will quickly become your favorite way to enjoy apples. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This classic apple crisp recipe is easy, comforting, and filled with delicious apples. It will soon be your favorite dessert of the season. There are a lot of recipes for apple desserts, but this one is a classic. It combines the best parts of apple pie with none of the hassle of a pie crust.
The aroma of warm spices filling the kitchen during apple season makes this a favorite fall dessert every year. Apple crisp is also a perfect fall dessert for gatherings. Everyone loves a simple, rustic, and cozy treat. It’s a go-to apple recipe for busy weeks because it comes together in minutes. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy family, not just the kitchen.
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The Best Apple Crisp – A Classic Easy Fall Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a prepared baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Either an 8×8 or 9×13 baking dish work perfectly; just keep in mind the larger the dish the quicker it’ll bake through.
- Spread apple pie filling evenly into the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are blended. Pour in the melted butter and mix until a crumbly topping forms.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the top of the apples. You want to cover all of the apple filling.
- Place the dish in the oven, middle position. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let the crisp cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or fresh homemade whipped cream.
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