Easy Apple Crisp Recipe: Warm, Buttery, and Perfectly Spiced

Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Chef Josie

There’s nothing quite like the smell of bubbling apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen on a cool evening. This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe captures everything comforting about fall in one spoonful. Tender, cinnamon-scented apples nestle under a golden, buttery oat topping that’s crisp on the edges and slightly chewy in the center. It’s simple, rustic, and irresistibly good, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or craving something cozy for dessert, this apple crisp delivers that homemade magic with minimal effort. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress and always feels like home.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

• Quick to Make: No pie crust, no hassle; just layer, bake, and enjoy.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, juicy apples with a crisp, golden topping.
• Versatile: Works with any apple variety or even canned apple filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
• Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.

Ingredient Breakdown

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (about 6 cups): Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix for the best flavor.
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit just enough.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
• ¼ tsp nutmeg: Enhances the cozy flavor.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and balances sweetness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a touch of richness.
• 2 tsp cornstarch: Thickens the apple juices as they bake.

For the Crisp Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats: Gives that classic, chewy crisp texture.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the topping hold together.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness.
• ½ tsp cinnamon: Layers extra warmth into the topping.
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed: The secret to a buttery, crumbly topping.
• Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples about ¼ inch thick. Toss them in a large bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
3. Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool Slightly: Let rest 10 minutes before serving to thicken.

Notes and Top Tips

• For extra crunch, add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
• Love caramel flavor? Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
• You can prep this up to 24 hours in advance and bake it fresh before serving.
• For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and flour blend.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• Classic Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Caramel Apple Crisp: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Berry Twist: Mix in ½ cup raspberries or cranberries with the apples.
• Breakfast Version: Enjoy leftovers with a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

This Easy Apple Crisp is everything a cozy dessert should be: warm, golden, sweet, and comforting. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, family dinners, or simply treating yourself to something special. Once you’ve made it, it’s sure to become a repeat recipe in your kitchen.

So grab those apples and a bit of butter, and let your home fill with the scent of fall. Serve it warm, topped with ice cream, and enjoy every sweet, spiced bite.

FAQs

1. What are the best apples for apple crisp?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Try Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious.

2. Can I use canned apple filling?
Yes! Use about 2 cans (21 oz each) of apple pie filling for a quicker version.

3. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bake when ready, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

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