Most Amazing Apple Crisp

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Golden, bubbling, and brimming with cinnamon-spiced apples under a blanket of buttery oat topping—this Most Amazing Apple Crisp is what fall dessert dreams are made of. It has that comforting, homemade flavor that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations. Each bite is a cozy mix of sweet-tart apple filling and crisp, crunchy topping, perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.

This recipe is fuss-free and easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a sweet treat after dinner, this apple crisp never fails to impress. It’s warm, satisfying, and the kind of dessert people remember long after the last spoonful is gone.

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What Kind of Apples Are Best for Apple Crisp?

The best apple crisps use a mix of apple varieties for flavor depth and texture. I love combining tart Granny Smiths with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Granny Smiths hold their shape well and balance out the sweetness from the crumble and sugar, while Honeycrisp apples add juiciness and brightness.

Avoid apples that become too mushy when baked, like Red Delicious. A good rule of thumb: use firm apples that offer a bit of crunch when raw.

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Ingredients for the Most Amazing Apple Crisp

Apples – The heart of the recipe. Go for a blend of tart and sweet apples to create a balanced filling with natural depth.

Brown Sugar – Adds caramel-like richness to both the apple base and the topping.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These warm spices give the apple crisp its cozy, comforting flavor.

Lemon Juice – Brightens the filling and keeps the apples from browning.

Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling so it’s luscious and not runny.

Old-Fashioned Oats – Key to the perfect crisp topping. They provide that golden, toasty crunch.

All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the crisp topping and gives it a lightly tender texture.

Butter – Melted butter brings richness and helps the topping bake into crispy clusters.

Salt – Just a pinch enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

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How To Make the Most Amazing Apple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even pieces. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand with small clusters forming.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture, pressing down slightly to help it stick. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the apple crisp cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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How to Serve and Store Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is best served warm right out of the oven with something creamy and cold—like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of freshly whipped cream. If you’re serving it to guests, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

To store, let the crisp cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or re-warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the apple crisp up to one day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. When you’re ready to serve, bake it fresh and add 5 extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

Definitely. Freeze after baking by letting it cool completely and wrapping it tightly. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30 minutes, covered with foil, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

You can reheat single portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds. For larger servings, use the oven to keep the topping crispy.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer and less crispy. Old-fashioned oats give the best crunch.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour to help thicken the filling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in the topping and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving this comforting apple crisp, you’ll want to dive into these other crowd-pleasing treats:

• Cheesecake Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies for a gooey, chewy twist on apple pie.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls that melt in your mouth with every bite.
• No-Bake Easy Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie for something cool and creamy.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine if you’re craving a sweet-savory dinner treat.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes that are bite-sized perfection.

Looking for even more dessert inspiration? Visit my Pinterest board where I share my favorite daily recipes: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

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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.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix? Did you sneak in some caramel drizzle or go classic?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your tips or questions below—let’s make dessert magic together.

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