Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

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This easy apple crisp recipe is a classic dessert that makes you feel all warm and cozy! Made with cinnamon apples and a crunchy oat topping, all you need is a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect fall dessert.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

Fresh sliced apples cooked in cinnamon and brown sugar are drool-worthy enough, but this apple crisp is next-level delicious. It features a buttery oat topping that’s as crispy as the apples are soft. The difference in textures is such an irresistible combination.

This apple crisp is spiced with nutmeg in addition to the cinnamon and brown sugar for an extra boost of holiday flavor. I also used lemon in the filling to prevent the apples from browning. The end result is a crisp with tender apples and crunchy topping that is pretty much irresistible. Just add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and dig in.

What’s the Difference Between Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble?

Apple crisp and apple crumble are quite similar, but there are a couple of key differences that set them apart. An apple crumble has a streusel crumb topping, while the topping of an apple crisp usually includes oats or nuts.

Apple crumble toppings tend to be thicker and cakier, while apple crisp toppings get nice and crunchy in the oven. Both desserts are delicious, but I’m personally a bigger fan of that soft and crunchy combo you get with an apple crisp. It hits the spot every single time!

Recipe Ingredients

This is just a quick overview so please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for specific amounts.

Ingredients for apple crisp on marble countertop

For the Crisp Topping

  • All-Purpose Flour: This thickener is key for any oat topping.
  • Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For that amazing crispiness that gives this dessert its name.
  • Brown Sugar: Be sure to pack it into the measuring cup.
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These classic spices create that warm and cozy fall flavor.
  • Salt: To balance out the sweetness of the sugar and enhance the flavors.
  • Cold Butter: Cut into cubes. This holds everything together and ensures that your oats get extra crispy.

For the Apple Filling

  • Granny Smith Apples: Peeled, cored and thinly sliced.
  • Brown Sugar: Packed.
  • Butter: Melted.
  • All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the filling so it coats the apples and doesn’t get soupy.
  • Lemon Juice: For oxidation (browning) prevention.
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg
  • Salt: This enhances the other flavors in the filling.

What Type of Apples to Use

Granny Smith apples are definitely my go-to variety for apple crisp. Their firmness keeps them from getting slimy in your filling, and their tartness prevents the filling from tasting overly sweet.

Other great apple options would be Honeycrisp, Gala or Red Delicious. You could also use multiple different kinds for even more flavor!

How to Make this Easy Apple Crisp

Perhaps the best part about this iconic dessert is how easy it is to make. Here’s how to do it:

  • Heat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients for Topping: Add all of the dry topping ingredients (everything but the butter) to a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine.
  • Add Butter & Set Aside: Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and comes together. Set it aside while you make the filling.
  • Make Filling: Combine all of the ingredients for the filling and stir until the apples are well coated, then pour the mixture into an 8 or 9 inch square dish.
  • Add Topping: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
  • Bake: Bake the crisp for about 40 minutes, until the topping is golden around the edges and the apples are tender.
  • Let Cool: Allow your apple crisp to cool for about 15 minutes prior to serving it.

Tips for Success

  • Peel the Apples: I don’t recommend leaving the skin on your apples. It changes the texture of the filling, and the skin tends to separate from the apples during the baking process.
  • Thin & Even Apple Slices are Key: Slicing your apples thinly ensures that they will soften through. If some pieces are larger than others, they won’t all cook nice and evenly.
  • Keep the Butter Cold: Don’t leave the butter out at room temperature before you start on your topping. If it’s too warm, the topping will get clumpy.
A single serving of Apple Crisp in a white bowl with a spoon with apples in the background

Serving Suggestions

In addition to vanilla ice cream, here are some more ways to enjoy your homemade apple crisp:

  • Top with Caramel Sauce: My Salted Caramel Sauce is a fabulous addition to this apple crisp. If you’d like an unsalted caramel sauce, refer to this recipe instead.
  • Add Whipped Cream: If you want to add a creamy element to your crisp without using ice cream, I highly recommend this Stabilized Mascarpone Whipped Cream. It won’t melt from the heat of the crisp as quickly as your typical whipped cream would, and it has amazing added flavor from the mascarpone cheese!
  • Add Nuts: Want to add even more crunch to your crisp? Go ahead and sprinkle it with chopped pecans or walnuts after you bake it. You can toast the nuts to bring out their flavor, if desired.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

You can store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just wait until it has fully cooled first.

To reheat it, simply scoop the amount you want into a bowl and warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, depending on how big your serving is. Keep in mind that the topping won’t be crunchy after the crisp has been chilled and microwaved.

If you’ve made this crisp in advance and stored the whole thing covered in the fridge, you can reheat it in the oven. The topping should crisp back up. Warm up your crisp in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!

A single serving of Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a white bowl with a spoon

Can I Freeze Apple Crisp?

Yes – once cooled, leftover crisp can be frozen in a freezer-safe container. If you want to freeze the whole thing, cover it tightly in two layers of plastic wrap. Frozen apple crisp lasts for up to 3 months. Thaw it out in the fridge overnight before reheating it.

More Great Apple Recipes for Fall

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A single serving of Apple Crisp in a white bowl with a spoon with apples in the background
Recipe

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Apple Crisp is a classic old-fashioned dessert that makes you feel all warm and cozy! Made with fresh cinnamon apples and a crunchy oat topping, all you need is a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complete this crowd-favorite treat.


Ingredients

For the Crisp Topping

  • 1/2 cup (65g) all purpose flour
  • 1 cup (90g) old fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (168g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

For the Apple Filling

  • 5 cups (595g) thinly sliced granny smith apples (from about 4 large peeled and cored apples)
  • 1/4 cup (56g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp (16g) all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Add all of the ingredients for the topping, except for the butter, to a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine.
  3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and comes together. Set aside.
  4. Combine all the ingredients for the apples and stir together so that the apples are well coated, then pour the mixture into an 8 or 9 inch square dish.
  5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
  6. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the topping is golden around the edges and the apples are tender. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes prior to serving.

Notes

  • Video Transcript
  • Storage: Once cooled, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual helpings for 1-2 minutes, depending on size.
  • Make Ahead: Cover well and store in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, or until desired temperature is reached.
  • Freezing: Store in freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in two layers of plastic wrap. Enjoy within 3 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 454
  • Sugar: 41.7 g
  • Sodium: 109.4 mg
  • Fat: 19.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66.3 g
  • Protein: 3.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 50.8 mg

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105 Comments
  1. Kendra Goff

    Extra apples slices cut thin are great snacks spread out on a baking sheet after 30 minutes in the freezer! Thank you for the recipe. I added vanilla and Chinese five spice to mine. It’s wonderful!






  2. Ashley B

    My 4 year old and I have made this 3 times so far this season, and we are making it again tomorrow! I love it so much. The crisp is perfect. I made my mother in law a pan full the last time I made it and she also enjoyed it! Thank you so much, this is definitely our go to recipe now. (I also appreciate the option to keep the screen on while I am cooking)






  3. Rosa

    Hello! I am just wondering if it it’s supposed to be salted or unsalted butter?
    Thank you! Can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂

  4. Angela

    Made exactly as instructed (which I usually don’t do!) to serve to company…raves from everyone! One guest is an awesome cook/baker (having taken French baking lessons), she said, “This is a keeper”!






  5. Carol B.

    I made this today using Honeycrisp apples. I followed the recipe to a tee. As a result? Perfect apple crisp!






  6. Cathy

    Made this for the first time and was perfect. Used local apples from the orchard! Serve with vanilla ice cream, simple but awesome! I baked for 45 mins for crispier top!






  7. Dawn

    I’ve been looking for an apple crisp recipe for a while now. My mom used to make it when I was growing up. I never found one I loved until I tried this one. It is delicious and the crisp topping is amazing! I used Honey Crisp apples because that’s what I had on hand. I made the recipe exactly as is, no changes, and I was amazing. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.






  8. Shanna

    Hi, Lindsay! If I wanted to use the topping for an apple cheesecake recipe, should I bake just the topping ingredients?

    Thanks!

    1. Lindsay

      I’m not entirely sure I know what you mean, but you could make the crumble and bake it and sprinkle it over the top of a cheesecake.

  9. Carol A

    This recipe was way too sweet. Too much sugar in the topping. Could reduce by half. Much easier to make the topping by melting the butter and mixing it into the dry ingredients. Cutting in cold butter with a pastry knife was impossible.

    1. drew

      umm.. you pretty much lost all credibility with your last two sentences. Folding the butter in properly is essential to the whole usage of the fat, to make the pastry texture.






  10. Gretchen

    used oats but ground into flour,cinnamon nutmeg,vanilla brown and white sugar used less with butter cut in and some maple syrup drizzled over apples Serve warm with butter pecan ice cream.Extra pecans please!






  11. Andrea

    This was so delicious! Every one of the 10 people who ate this LOVED it. Doubled the recipe and Served with vanilla ice cream. Will definitely make again. (Was thinking this would be really good in a pie crust as well!)






  12. Jay

    Made this recipe last night with some apples I picked fresh over the weekend and it turned out great! I’m definitely going to try it with vanilla ice cream too






  13. Mimi

    I thought I already commented here but I guess not! Anyway, this is my favorite apple crisp recipe because it’s a rare one that actually uses way more oats than flour. It’s so much better that way!

    I’ve made this recipe 4 or 5 times and always add a bit of ground ginger and some frozen cranberries too. And it turns out great even if you halve the sugar to make it more breakfast-y than dessert-y.

    This time I’ve added chopped walnuts to the topping. It’s in the oven now and I can’t wait!






  14. Joan Gamso

    This is a great recipe. I added a few pears with the apples and my only regret is that I forgot to throw in some cranberries. Definitely a keeper!

  15. Atara

    I love this recipe! Have already made it a bunch of times! Curious – do you think it could be made by substituting the apples with mixed berries for more of a summer vibe?

    1. Lindsay

      So glad you enjoy it! You could certainly use it with other fruit, but berries do you have a lot more moisture to them so the filling might be more runny. I do have a recipe for a mixed berry crisp that you could check out. If you really love the topping on this apple one, you could use the mixed berry filling and the topping from this one. https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/triple-berry-crisp/

  16. Greg

    I LOVE this recipe. I didn’t have nutmeg on hand, so I just used more cinnamon. I added an extra tbsp of brown sugar to both mixes as well (I probably use more apples than called for). It’s the best apple crisp I’ve made. Made many times now.

  17. Dani

    I have used this recipe 3 times in the last few months because it is the yummiest apple crisp recipe ever!! We have a big family so I double it and put it in a greased 9×13 pan, soooo good! Thanks 🤩 so much for an easy yet awesome dessert! We top with vanilla ice cream.






  18. Deb Zillges

    I made this apple crisp recipe this morning and it is now one of my favorites.
    Perfect amount of ingredients. Very flavorful, and extremely easy to make.
    I also love the aroma in my house.
    I will definitely be making this again!






  19. Mikayla

    This was my first time making apple crisp and it came out perfect! The topping tastes just like that of an oatmeal cookie and the apples were delectibaly sweet.

  20. Alyson

    I used some of the ingredients in apple mixture, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and lemon juice and created a drizzle for the top. Very excited!

  21. Alicia White

    Absolutely delicious, I tried a few different crisp recipes, and this one was by far the easiest and the tastiest. I love the soft Apple texture contrast with the just-firm-enough crunchy topping!






  22. Crystal

    I want to try this delicious looking recipe, but I was wondering if I could bake it in a 9inch deep dish pie crust?

    1. Lindsay

      I haven’t tried it, but I’m guessing it might change the texture of the apples and topping simply from the moisture.

    1. Grace

      Omggggg amazing!!! Just made this! Had to use cloves because I was out of nutmeg (used a bit less than was called for) and used “plant butter.”  DELICIOUS vegan dessert! Thanks! 






  23. Therese

    I made this a couple of days ago. Yum! Cooked well even in my funky oven. I tend to add this or that to recipes. This time I followed to a tee (except more nutmeg).  This to me says “apple crisp”.






  24. Linda Berry

    I made it this weekend and the entire family loved it! It will definitely be one of my go to desserts!

    Reheated it the next day and it was still delicious!






  25. Leslie Black

    I am 15 and made this recipe yesterday for me and my familie’s Christmas party! Everybody said it was delicious. My dad got 2 platefulls because he thought it was so good! i will definitely make this again!






  26. Whitney

    I’m making this today for thanksgiving should I cover the top with foil? My other apple crisp recipe has be do that but just wanted to clarify 

  27. Megan

    I’m planning on bringing this dish to families house. I’m going to make before hand in the morning….it’s ok to reheat it once it’s time for dessert? Any suggestions on how long and what temp?? 

    1. Lindsay

      I would prepare it and wait to bake it before serving. You could try reheating it, I’m just not sure the topping would stay as crisp.

  28. Georgia p

    This was super easy to make and so delicious! I didn’t have regular oats on hand so I used Oatmeal Crisp maple nut cereal and Harvest Crunch in the topping. Phewwwf! Worked really well. Also I put a bit more lemon  juice in the filling mix, as my apples were on the sweet side. I will make it again for sure. Thanks!






  29. Brenda Lee Conklin

    Can you make this without sugar? And if so would you have to adjust any other ingredients? Thanks, looks awesome!

    1. Lindsay

      I haven’t ever really tried it to say just how it would turn out. What I can tell you is that as the sugar melts, it creates moisture, so without it it may be a little dry. I’m not sure what you would replace it with.

  30. Vicky

    Absolutely the best apple crisp I have made, hands down!! Followed the recipe. I did double it and used 9 × 13 glass oan.






      1. Marybeth Ehrbar

        I love apple crisp..this will be my first time making it.. Can we use any kind of Oats? Like Old Fashion Oats for example?

      2. Lindsay

        The recipe calls for old fashioned rolled oats, but you could try another if you prefer. The texture might just be a little different.

  31. Naomi

    Delicious! We went apple picking this past weekend and this was just what I needed to use up apples in a yummy dessert.






    1. Lindsay

      You can. It’s best when served warm, so you may want to prep everything and then bake it shortly before serving.

  32. Debbie

    This looks delicious!  My parent just gave me a bag of apples that will be perfect for this!  Hope to make it this weekend. 🙂

  33. Mimi

    Hi..can Inuse gluten free flour..and could this be prepared earlier than baked or better to make it and bake directly?

    1. Lindsay

      Yes, gluten-free flour should be fine. And you can definitely make it a little bit ahead. Depending on how far ahead, you might want to pop it in the fridge. Just know that your apples might brown a little and if it is in the fridge before baking, it might take a little longer to bake because it will start out cold instead of room temperature.

      1. Marybeth Ehrbar

        After preparing and preparing mixture can you put in fridge until I want to bake it for dinner..or will.it ruin the texture?

      2. Lindsay

        I haven’t tried that to know for sure. I will say that if you add the topping ahead, it will likely absorb some moisture and that could affect it’s crisp-ness.

      3. Britany 😊

        I LOVE this recipe!!! Double the recipe for a lasagna pan (9X13). AMAING 😍😋 Also I love using Jazz apples with this recipe, it just takes about 7-9 apples to make 5 cups. 

  34. Erin

    This looks yummy! I love apple crumble/crisp 🙂 It’s especially good when you drizzle maple syrup over the filling!

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I'm a wife and a mom to twin boys and a baby girl! And I've got a serious sweets addiction! Bring on the treats!

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29