Easy Apple Crisp

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Warm, gooey, and topped with the most irresistible buttery oat crumble, this Easy Apple Crisp is everything cozy desserts should be. Whether you’re using fresh-picked apples from an orchard or crisp Granny Smiths from the store, this dessert brings autumn straight to your kitchen any time of year.

No need to fuss with pie dough—this apple crisp comes together quickly and bakes into a golden-bubbled perfection. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or those spontaneous weeknight cravings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any home baker to master.

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What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Crisp?

The best apples for apple crisp are the ones that hold their shape well during baking while delivering a tart-sweet flavor contrast. Granny Smith apples are a popular go-to for their firm texture and tang, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn also shine in this dessert. You can even mix apple varieties to create depth of flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for the Easy Apple Crisp

• Apples: The star of the show! Choose firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect bite.
• Brown Sugar: Adds that deep molasses sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes every bite taste like fall.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and adds structure to the crisp topping.
• Old-Fashioned Oats: Essential for that hearty, crumbly topping.
• Butter: Unsalted butter binds the topping and browns into a rich, caramel-like crisp.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

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How To Make the Easy Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with lemon juice, a bit of brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. This mixture gets juicy quickly and forms the sweet-tart filling.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, diced butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened.

Step 3: Assemble the Crisp

Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering them completely for the ultimate crispy crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve Warm

Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. This helps the juices thicken a bit. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Apple Crisp

Easy Apple Crisp is at its best when served warm, straight from the oven. The topping stays delightfully crisp while the apples remain tender and juicy. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that iconic hot-and-cold contrast or drizzle it with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

If you’re serving it at a gathering, you can keep it warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the apple crisp and refrigerate it (unbaked) up to a day in advance. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen or thaw overnight before reheating.

What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, apple crisp contains oats in the topping while apple crumble does not. The oats create that signature crunchy texture.

Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned?

It’s best to use old-fashioned oats, which hold up better in the oven. Instant oats tend to get mushy and won’t give you that desirable crispiness.

How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure the apples aren’t too wet (drain excess juice if necessary), and use cold butter when mixing your topping. This helps the topping bake up nice and crisp.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a fully gluten-free apple crisp.

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Want More Cozy Dessert Ideas?

If this Easy Apple Crisp stole your heart, you’ll definitely want to try these other warm and comforting desserts from the blog:

• Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for a sticky-sweet breakfast-meets-dessert delight.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies when you want a citrusy treat with minimal effort.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for layers of fruity, creamy goodness.
• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread for chocoholics who love a rich, moist loaf.
• Caramel Reese’s Oreo Cheesecake when you’re ready for full dessert decadence.

These recipes all bring the same love and homemade comfort as apple crisp, each with its own twist to explore.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes.

Tried it? I’d love to hear how yours turned out in the comments. Did you go classic or add your own spin—maybe a handful of pecans or a caramel drizzle?

Let’s share what’s baking in your kitchen and keep the cozy dessert vibes going.

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