Easy Apple Crisp

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There’s just something magical about a warm dish of Easy Apple Crisp: the sweet aroma of baked apples mingling with cinnamon and brown sugar, all crowned with a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s the kind of comfort dessert that brings you back to childhood, perfect for cool evenings or when you need a simple, crowd-pleasing treat.

Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or slightly chilled, this easy apple crisp is a classic recipe that never disappoints. With pantry staples and a few apples, you can create a cozy, sweet, and crunchy dessert in under an hour. Top it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crisp

This recipe is all about warmth and comfort but without any fuss. You don’t need pastry skills or fancy gadgets—just a mixing bowl, baking dish, and a fork will do! The oat crumble is crisp and buttery, the apples are perfectly soft and spiced, and the prep takes less than 15 minutes. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—try it with pears or even a handful of berries for a twist.

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What Type of Apples Work Best for Apple Crisp?

The beauty of apple crisp is its flexibility, but the best results come from using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their balance and texture, but feel free to use what you have. The only rule? Use firm, crisp apples that hold their shape during baking. Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious—they’ll turn mushy.

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Ingredients for the Easy Apple Crisp

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients that make this apple crisp so irresistible:

• Apples – The star of the show! Choose firm, tart-sweet apples for the best texture and flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds just the right sweetness to the apples.
• Brown sugar – Essential for both the filling and the crisp, it brings a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• Ground cinnamon – Warms up the apples and topping with classic spice.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the filling and keeps the apples from browning.
• All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling and creates structure in the oat topping.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats – Delivers that signature crunchy texture on top.
• Unsalted butter – Provides rich flavor and binds the topping into irresistible clusters.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Optional: Vanilla extract or chopped nuts – Add extra flavor and crunch if you like.

Each ingredient brings something special: juicy apples give you the perfect base, while oats and brown sugar combine for that crave-worthy topping.

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How To Make the Easy Apple Crisp

Ready to bake? Follow these easy steps and enjoy the cozy results.

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples (about 2 1/2 pounds) into thin wedges. Toss the apples with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 9-inch square or similar baking dish.

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Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized bits.

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Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon warm apple crisp into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. Enjoy immediately, or let it cool to room temperature.

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Serving and Storing Easy Apple Crisp

This easy apple crisp yields about 8 servings, making it perfect for a family dessert or a small gathering. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort, or try it cold for breakfast the next day!

To store, let leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for that just-baked taste.

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What to Serve With Easy Apple Crisp?

Vanilla Ice Cream

The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream melting over hot apple crisp is a classic pairing.

Whipped Cream

A generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes every bite taste like fall.

Caramel Sauce

Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Maple Yogurt

For a lighter twist, try a spoonful of Greek yogurt mixed with maple syrup.

Cinnamon-Spiced Pecans

Add crunch and spice by tossing on some roasted pecans.

Fresh Berries

Serve with a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries for tart contrast.

Cheddar Cheese

Try a slice of sharp cheddar on the side—the sweet-savory combo is surprisingly good!

Spiced Chai Tea

Sip a mug of spiced chai alongside for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both the apple filling and oat topping separately, then assemble and bake when ready. Or, bake it ahead and reheat gently in the oven before serving.

Q2: How do I keep the topping crisp when reheating?
For the crispiest results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, uncovered, instead of using the microwave.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q4: What other fruits can I use?
This recipe is super adaptable! Try pears, peaches, or a mix of berries. Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit.

Q5: Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives a softer texture, but if you like more bite and fiber, feel free to leave the skins on.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 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 add nuts or use a different fruit? Did you serve it warm or cold?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Easy Apple Crisp is the ultimate comfort food—simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for quick breakfast ideas, or need a healthy snack that feels indulgent, this crisp is a winner.

Explore more dessert inspiration like Lemon Cupcakes, Rainbow Smoothie Bowls, or a gorgeous Fruit Tart with Glossy Glaze. For more delicious recipes and daily inspiration, visit my Pinterest at Meals We Share.

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Numerical Consistency Check:

• Yield: 8 servings
• Ingredient Quantities Used:
  • Apples: 6 medium (about 2.5 lbs), matches filling
  • Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (used in filling)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (used in filling)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp (filling) + 3/4 cup (topping) = 14 tbsp total (equals 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (topping)
  • Rolled oats: 3/4 cup (topping)
  • Butter: 1/2 cup (topping)
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp (filling) + 1/2 tsp (topping) = 1.5 tsp total
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp (topping)
• All ingredient totals match steps. Yield matches servings.

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