This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is the perfect dessert to celebrate fall! With its warm, cinnamon-sweet flavor and a crunchy oat topping, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s ideal for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply indulging on a quiet evening. The combination of juicy Granny Smith apples and a buttery crumble creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it easy to whip up even on busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The balance of tart apples with sweet cinnamon and brown sugar is simply irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with salted caramel for extra indulgence.
- Family Favorite: It’s a dessert that both kids and adults enjoy, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a casual dinner at home, this apple crisp fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
To create your phenomenal apple crisp, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These will help you prepare efficiently and effectively.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish (8×8 inch)
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
- Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and browning for that perfect topping.
Ingredients
This apple crisp is a must every fall! Definitely a family favorite. It’s brimming with fresh juicy apples, it has the perfect amount of cinnamon sweetness, and that crisp buttery oat topping is what dreams are made of!
- 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed light-brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup (76g) unsalted butter (cold, diced into small cubes)
- 2 lbs Granny Smith apples (at room temperature) (peeled, cored and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch))
- 3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (55g) light-brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Position the oven rack one level below the center. Butter an 8 by 8 inch baking dish or a small casserole dish with similar dimensions; set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Continue whisking for about 30 seconds until well combined.
Add the cold diced butter to the dry mixture. Using clean fingertips, rub the butter into the mixture until it forms small crumbles. Transfer this topping mixture to the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In another small mixing bowl, whisk together:
3 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Mix until blended. Then add:
3 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Stir in:
1/4 cup light-brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Step 4: Combine Apples with Mixture
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Pour the butter mixture over them and toss gently to coat evenly.
Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Step 5: Add Topping
Remove the chilled topping from the refrigerator. Evenly sprinkle it as crumbles over the top of the apples.
Step 6: Bake Your Crisp
Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a toothpick.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel sauce if desired!
How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Serving your Easy Apple Crisp Recipe can transform it into an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer classic pairings or creative twists, there are many delightful ways to enjoy this delicious dessert.
Classic Pairing with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm apple crisp.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: Add a spiced touch with cinnamon ice cream for an extra flavor boost.
Drizzle with Sauces
- Salted Caramel Sauce: A drizzle adds rich sweetness and a hint of saltiness that balances the dish beautifully.
- Warm Maple Syrup: Pouring warm maple syrup over your apple crisp enhances its natural sweetness.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a tart contrast that brightens the flavors.
- Raspberries: Their tangy sweetness pairs wonderfully with the warm apples.
Garnish with Nuts
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Toasted Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring a rich flavor that complements the apple crisp nicely.

How to Perfect Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
To make your Easy Apple Crisp Recipe even better, follow these helpful tips. They ensure that each bite is absolutely delicious.
- Use Tart Apples: Choosing Granny Smith apples gives the crisp a balanced sweet-tart flavor that shines through.
- Chill the Topping: Make sure to chill your crumble topping before baking; this helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the filling ingredients, mix just until combined to retain apple shape and texture.
- Bake Until Golden: Watch for a golden-brown topping; this indicates it’s done and will be delightfully crunchy.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Apple Crisp Recipe can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Soft and buttery mashed potatoes create a comforting contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the sweetness of the apple crisp beautifully.
- Garlic Green Beans: The garlicky flavor adds a savory note that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad provides a crisp, refreshing element alongside the warm dessert.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers another layer of texture and flavor, making it a great pairing.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup brings cozy fall flavors that pair well with apple desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Easy Apple Crisp Recipe can be simple, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the wrong apples: Not all apples work for crisp. Stick with tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Overmixing the topping: Mixing too much can make the topping dense instead of crumbly. Combine until just mixed.
- Skipping chilling the topping: If you don’t chill the topping, it may not crisp up properly. Always refrigerate before baking.
- Not adjusting sugar levels: Depending on apple sweetness, you might need more or less sugar. Taste your apple mix first!
- Baking at incorrect temperature: Ensure your oven is at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower temp can lead to sogginess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover easy apple crisp in an airtight container.
- It will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this easy apple crisp recipe:
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
You can use various apples, but tart apples like Granny Smith provide the best balance between sweet and sour flavors.
How do I make my apple crisp topping extra crispy?
Ensure your butter is cold when making the topping and refrigerate it before baking. This helps create that desired crunchy texture.
What is the best way to serve Easy Apple Crisp?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience!
How long does Easy Apple Crisp last in the fridge?
It lasts about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is perfect for cozy fall evenings or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Its versatility allows you to customize it with nuts, dried fruits, or spices as per your taste. Give it a try and enjoy its comforting warmth!
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. Bursting with juicy Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and a delightful crunchy oat topping, this dessert is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home. In just a short preparation time of 25 minutes, you can create a dish that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with salted caramel for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Granny Smith apples
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (cold, diced)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Rub in cold butter until crumbly; chill.
- For the filling, whisk melted butter, flour, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
- Toss sliced apples with the mixture and spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle chilled topping over the apples.
- Bake for about 35 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg



