This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.
This Easy Apple Crisp recipe is a family favorite, filled with sliced fresh apples mixed with cinnamon sugar all under a buttery and sweet oat topping. Add a little vanilla ice cream and you have the best fall dessert ever!
When I say this dessert is a family favorite, I actually mean it is EVERYONE'S favorite! This yummy fall dessert is a huge crowd pleaser. An easy and sweet dessert that is perfect to share at potlucks, celebrations, holidays and every day in between. It really is one of the best and easiest desserts!
If you love apple crisp you might also love Very Berry Apple Crisp and Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp.
This post was originally posted on 10/06/2014 and updated on 9/24/2021.
Easy Apple Crisp Ingredients
- Apples
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Old Fashioned Oats
- Brown Sugar
- Unbleached All Purpose Flour
- Salted Butter
Substitution Suggestions
- Apples: This is a great and versatile recipe because any type of apple will work. If you are looking for a more tart apple, Granny Smith is great. A more sweet option is Honey Crisp. Or if you have some growing on a tree in your back yard, use them!
- Old Fashioned Oats: I don't recommend using quick oats. Rolled oats is what will create the best texture for the crunchy topping.
- Unbleached All Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour can be used.
- Salted Butter: I prefer salted butter when baking, but you can use unsalted butter and add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the topping when mixing it together.
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, and unbleached all purpose flour. Add the sliced butter and cut it into the mix with a pastry blender until it resembles course crumbs. Set the topping aside.
- Next, peel the apples and slice them into ¼ inch thick slices. Place the sliced apples in a 9x13 baking dish.
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon together and evenly sprinkle it over the sliced apples.
- Now spread the oat topping over the apples so they are all covered and pat it down gently.
- Bake in a 350°F oven uncovered for 40-50 minutes until the topping is a deep golden brown.
- Serve with with some vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel would be divine as well.
To Peel or Not to Peel the Apples
This is personal preference. I have made it both ways and I prefer to peel the apples. The family and I have chosen that peeled apples are better. However if you like the peels you can for sure leave them on.
How to Store Apple Crisp
Any leftovers can be stored tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. After 2 days any remaining bars should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or you can store it in your fridge right away and it will last 4-5 days.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Prepare the oat topping first and set aside. Doing this will help prevent the apples from having time to turn brown.
- Use room temperature or softened butter when making the crisp topping. It helps create a crispier oat topping.
- Slice the apples at least ¼ inch thick, any thinner than that and you'll have applesauce under your topping.
- Use an apple slicer to core and slice the apples and then cut each slice in half again. It makes the perfect size apple slice.
FAQs About Apple Crisp
Apple crisp typically has oats in the crunchy topping while an apple crumble has a more dense and crispy topping made from flour, sugar and butter and without oats.
This is the best part.... ANY TYPE! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples are all good options that stand up well when baked. You can use any apple you like or have hanging around. I use the apples from our tree and I honestly have no idea what type they are and the crisp is delicious every time! Use your favorite or what you have growing in your back yard.
Apple crisp has only a topping made of flour, sugar, butter and oats. A brown betty has a crumb topping without oats and is usually layered throughout the fruit before baking.
Apple crisp topping usually consists of flour, brown sugar, butter and rolled oats creating a sweet and crunchy streusel topping.
Other Fall Desserts We Love:
- Very Berry Apple Crisp
- Easy Pumpkin Bread
- Apple Pie Muffins
- Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Apple Fritter Loaf
- Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, and flour.
- Cut butter into pats and cut it into the oats with a pastry blender, fork or fingertips until it resembles course crumbs. Set aside.
- Place sliced apples in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in small bowl and sprinkle evenly over apples.
- Evenly spread oat topping over apples so they are all covered.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes and until topping is golden brown.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy.
Leave a Reply