Easy Apple Crisp Dessert That Will Make You Swoon

The scent of cinnamon and baked apples, warm and inviting, is a sensory hug that instantly transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen. Every autumn, the aroma of her Easy Apple Crisp filled the air, a promise of cozy evenings and comforting flavors. Now, I recreate that same magic, adapting her recipe with a few personal touches, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

This Easy Apple Crisp Dessert isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition. It’s the perfect embodiment of fall flavors, a delightful combination of tender, spiced apples, and a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s ideal for a family gathering, a potluck with friends, or simply a quiet night in with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers! I hope you enjoy my version of Easy Apple Crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This Easy Apple Crisp is ready in under an hour!
• Bursting with fall flavor: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and oats is quintessential autumn.
• Perfectly textured: Soft, tender apples beneath a wonderfully crunchy oat topping.
• Versatile: Serves perfectly warm with ice cream or whipped cream, or even the next day as a delightful breakfast treat.
• Uses simple ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
• A comforting dessert: Warm Easy Apple Crisp really evokes a cozy autumn feeling for every occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Apples: The heart of this dessert! I prefer using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala, for a balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Don’t use mealy apples, or the dish will be too soft.
• Oats: Rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) provide the classic crumbly texture for the topping. Avoid using instant oats, as they will become mushy.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the topping together. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to both the filling and the topping. Light or dark brown sugar works equally well. I always prefer dark brown sugar to add a deeper and more developed level of sweet complexity.
• Butter: Essential for a buttery and flavorful topping. Cold, unsalted butter is best. You can use a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option, but the flavor may be slightly different.
• Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice! Adds warmth and depth to both the apples and the topping. 1 tsp is perfect, but feel free to add more if you love cinnamon.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make this Easy Apple Crisp, you’ll need the following tools:

• 9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fork (for cutting butter into the dry ingredients)

If you don’t have a pastry blender, you can use your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients, but be quick to prevent the butter from melting too much.

How to Make Apple Crisp

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
6. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 1. 3 cup of melted butter works well in a pinch.
7. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The apples should be soft when poked with a fork, and the juices should be bubbling.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. The aroma of Easy Apple Crisp will fill your kitchen.
10. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional).

Pro Tips for Success

• Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly topping.
• Don’t overmix the topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping.
• Use quality apples: The better the apples, the better your Easy Apple Crisp will be.
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less brown sugar to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Let it cool before serving: This allows the juices to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth.
• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try browning the butter for the topping before incorporating it into the dry ingredients. The nutty flavor of browned butter elevates the Easy Apple Crisp to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the topping. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, as some oats may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
• Dairy-Free: Use a vegan butter substitute in both the filling and the topping.
• Vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and ensure your brown sugar is vegan-friendly, as some brands may use bone char in the refining process. You will still be able to enjoy this Easy Apple Crisp.
• Add Berries: Mix in a cup of fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or raspberries, to the apple filling for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The contrast of cold ice cream and warm Easy Apple Crisp is heavenly.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair with a warm beverage, such as coffee, tea, or apple cider.
• Serve as part of a fall-themed brunch or dessert buffet.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Easy Apple Crisp Dessert at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. The topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you love this Easy Apple Crisp as much as I do! It’s a simple, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I feel so happy every time I bring it to an event! Now that you have tasted a piece of my childhood, don’t forget to follow Culinary Craving on social media.

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! What is your favorite Fall dessert to share with your family?

Related Recipes

• Pumpkin Pie Bars: Creamy pumpkin filling on a buttery shortbread crust, these bars are a perfect alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
• Cranberry Orange Muffins: These muffins are packed with tart cranberries and bright citrus flavor — a delicious treat for breakfast or afternoon snack. They go perfectly with the Easy Apple Crisp.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Warm up with a mug of this cozy beverage, infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise.