Apple Crisp Recipe (The Only One You’ll Ever Need)

This is the ultimate apple crisp recipe, designed to be foolproof and delicious every single time. Forget complicated steps or soggy toppings; we’re focused on creating a perfectly balanced dessert with warm, tender apples and a crunchy, buttery oat topping. If you’ve been searching for the perfect fall dessert, your search ends here. This simple recipe will become a family favorite.

We’ve tested countless variations to land on this specific combination of ingredients and techniques. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide has everything you need to succeed.

Why This Is The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

What makes this apple crisp recipe stand out? It’s all about the texture and flavor. The filling uses a mix of apples for a complex flavor, seasoned with just enough cinnamon and nutmeg to feel like a warm hug. But the real star is the topping—a generous layer of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter that bakes into a deeply golden, irresistibly crunchy crust.

Unlike other recipes that can turn out watery, we have a special technique to ensure the filling is juicy but not runny. This attention to detail is what makes our version the best apple crisp recipe you’ll ever try.

Ingredients For Your Shopping List

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Apple Filling

• Apples: 6-7 medium apples, a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, to prevent browning.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the filling.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon.

For the Crisp Topping

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 1 cup. Do not use quick oats.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed.
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
• Cold Salted Butter: 1/2 cup, cut into small cubes.

How to Make This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Follow these simple steps for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s a straightforward process that delivers incredible results.

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into about 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl and toss gently with the lemon juice.
3. Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until they are evenly coated. Pour the apples into your prepared baking dish and spread them in an even layer.
4. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
5. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the fruit filling is bubbly and tender, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set properly. It’s delicious on its own, but even better served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Secret to a Perfectly Crispy Topping

The number one complaint with apple crisp is a soggy topping. We have three secrets to guarantee a perfect crunch every time.

First, use cold butter. The small, cold pieces of butter will melt during baking, creating little pockets of steam that result in a lighter, crispier texture. Second, don’t overmix the topping. You want a crumbly, uneven texture, not a uniform paste. Finally, using old-fashioned rolled oats provides a chewier, more substantial texture that holds up better than quick oats.

For even more flavor in your topping, try adding a pinch of salt or some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of crunch. For another fruity dessert idea with a delicious crumble, check out these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars.

What Are The Best Apples For Apple Crisp?

The best apple crisp uses a combination of apples. Using only one type can result in a one-dimensional flavor or a mushy texture. For the perfect filling, we recommend a 50/50 split of tart and sweet apples.

• Tart Apples: Granny Smith is the gold standard for baking because it holds its shape and provides a wonderful tartness that balances the sweet topping.
• Sweet Apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn are excellent choices. they break down slightly more than tart apples, creating a delicious, thick sauce around the firmer apple pieces.

Storing and Reheating Your Apple Crisp

Have leftovers? No problem. You can store your apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. While you can enjoy it cold, it’s best when reheated.

To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps re-crisp the topping much better than a microwave. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious meal ideas, this Crockpot Ranch Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a must-try for a simple weeknight dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Delicious Dessert Recipes

If you loved this apple crisp recipe, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other fan-favorite desserts. This Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe is perfect for summer, and for something a bit richer, you can’t go wrong with our classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe.

The Perfect Apple Crisp Recipe

FL Recipes

Apple Crisp Recipe (The Only One You’ll Ever Need)

The best apple crisp recipe featuring a warm, gooey apple filling and a perfectly crunchy oat topping. This easy, foolproof dessert is a fall classic that your family will ask for again and again.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Apple Filling

• 6-7 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Crisp Topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold salted butter, cut into cubes

Equipment

• 1 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish
• 1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Pastry cutter (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into about 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them in a large bowl and toss gently with the lemon juice.
3. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until they are evenly coated. Pour the apples into your prepared baking dish.
4. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the fruit filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalProtein: 4gFat: 15gFiber: 5g

Notes

Serving Suggestion: This apple crisp is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble just before baking.
Variations: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Keyword apple crisp,apple dessert,easy apple crisp

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