This apple crisp is the epitome of a fall dessert. You’ll love how quick and easy it is.
Fresh fall apples are covered with a buttery cinnamon sugar oat topping. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.
This post contains affiliate links. That means I will make a small commission if you purchase from one of these links.
After a day of apple picking at the local farm, I treated my family to the best easy apple dessert: apple crisp. A fruit crisp is similar to a pie without the bottom crust, so it comes together in minutes!
Ingredients for Apple Crisp
The crisp is made with the spiced fruit topped with a sweet, buttery crunch “crisp” topping.
Spiced Apples
- Fresh apple slices – fresh sliced apples are the star of this recipe.
- Granulated sugar – Sugar adds a little extra sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth to the recipe.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and texture.
- Lemon juice – Balances the sweetness and adds brightness.
- Arrowroot – Arrowroot added to the apple filling thickens the juices.
Crumbly Crisp Topping
- Brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness and aids in browning the crust.
- Flour – All-purpose Flour adds the structure for the crisp crumb topping.
- Oats (old fashioned) – Oats in the crisp topping add some extra crunch.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds warmth to the recipe.
- Ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds depth and richness.
- Butter – Unsalted Butter gives richness and texture to this recipe.
How to Make Apple Crisp (Step by Step)
Step 1 (Spiced Apples)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
Squeeze half a lemon over peeled and cubed or sliced apples in a large bowl.
Add cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla to apples and toss.
Arrange the spiced apples in a prepared baking dish.
Step 2 (Crumble Oat Topping)
Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
Next, add cold butter cubed and blend in with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Then, add the oats and gently blend in with the pantry blender.
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
Step 3 (Bake)
Bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender, about 30 to 35 minutes.
Special Tools
Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Spiced Apples
- 4 cups Apples (peeled and sliced)
- ½ Lemon juice
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- ¼ Teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
- ¼ teaspoon Arrow root
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Crisp topping
- ⅔ cup Brown sugar
- ½ cup Flour
- ½ cup Oats (old fashioned)
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg (ground)
- ⅓ cup Cold butter cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F degrees.
- Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
Spiced Apples
- Peel and dice or slice apples then place in a medium bowl.
- Squeeze half a lemon over the apples and toss.
- Add the remaining ingredients (granulated sugar, cinnamon, arrow root, and vanilla extract) over the apples and mix.
- Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Crisp Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl add brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, oats, nutmeg and mix.
- Next, add cold cubed butter and blend with a pastry blender into the other dry ingredients until it is pea-sized crumbs.
Nutrition
Apple Crisp FAQs
What are the best apples for baking?
- Granny Smith
- Honey Crisp
- Fuji
- Gala
- Golden Delicious
You can use any firm apple or a combination of varieties.
Can you make apple crisp ahead?
You can make this recipe ahead. For the best results, combine the apple and crisp topping in separate bowls and cover with plastic wrap for up to 2 hours.
When you are ready to assemble, place spice apples in a prepared baking dish, top with a crisp topping, and bake.
Should you peel the apples for apple crisp?
I recommend peeling the apples for this recipe since they do not get soft enough during baking.
The Best Way to Serve Apple Crisp
Serve apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Leftovers can be stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Note: Cool completely before storing.
To serve, place a serving on a plate and microwave until warm.
See you soon,
Kippi
Ps. You can find this post shared on Between Naps on The Porch.