Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats: The Coziest Fall Dessert You’ll Ever Bake

Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Chef Josie

When the air turns crisp and apples are at their sweetest, nothing beats the comforting aroma of a warm Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats baking in the oven. Imagine tender, cinnamon-coated apples bubbling beneath a buttery oat topping that’s golden, crisp, and just the right amount of sweet. Add a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got the perfect spoonful of fall.

This recipe is a timeless classic: rustic, easy to make, and endlessly satisfying. It’s the dessert that makes any dinner feel special and brings everyone running to the kitchen when it comes out of the oven whether you serve it for Sunday supper, Thanksgiving, or just because, this apple crisp is pure, homemade comfort.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples, no complicated steps.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, syrupy apples with a crisp oat topping.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
• Customizable: Works with any apples you have on hand, or even canned filling.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Ingredient Breakdown

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (about 6 cups): Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tart.
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar: Enhances natural sweetness.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
• ¼ tsp nutmeg: For a hint of spice.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps apples from browning and adds brightness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s luscious, not runny.

For the Oat Crisp Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives a rustic, chewy crisp.
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds rich caramel notes.
• ½ tsp cinnamon: Complements the apples perfectly.
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed: The secret to a golden, crumbly topping.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss in a large bowl with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in your baking dish.
3. Make the Oat Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks crumbly.
4. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly.
5. Cool Slightly: Let it rest 10–15 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

Notes and Top Tips

• Use a mix of apple varieties for more depth of flavor.
• Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
• For extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
• To make gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

• Classic Style: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Breakfast Apple Crisp: Skip the sugar in the filling, top with Greek yogurt and honey.
• Caramel Apple Crisp: Add 2 tbsp caramel sauce to the apple mixture before baking.
• Cranberry Apple Crisp: Stir ½ cup cranberries into the filling for a tart twist.

Conclusion

This Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for a holiday table. Every layer, from the tender apples to the crisp, buttery oats, delivers that perfect mix of cozy sweetness and nostalgia.

Bake it once, and it’ll become your go-to apple dessert for every season. Grab your favorite apples, preheat the oven, and get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely incredible.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but old-fashioned oats give a heartier texture. Quick oats will make it slightly softer.

2. What’s the best apple for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are all great choices. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best.

3. Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes! Use about two 21-ounce cans. It makes the recipe even faster.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to crisp the topping again.

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