Is there anything more comforting than the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar baking in the oven? This Easy Apple Crisp brings back memories of fall afternoons, cozy kitchens, and the comforting hug of a homemade dessert. Whether you’re using freshly picked apples or the extras in your pantry, this recipe is fuss-free and irresistibly delicious.
It’s a quick, classic treat that captures the essence of home baking—just like this strawberry cinnamon rolls recipe from our archives.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Key Nutrition: Rich in fiber, 280 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the crisp topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For gluten-free: Use almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend.
For dairy-free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
Equipment Needed
- 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Vegetable peeler
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place in the baking dish.
- Make the topping: Combine flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble: Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
Apple crisp assembled and ready for the oven- Bake: Bake for 40 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Let rest 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Swap apples for pears or peaches in summer months.
- Add 1 tsp vanilla or 1 tbsp maple syrup to the apple mixture for a cozy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix. Avoid Red Delicious—they become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with butternut squash soup for a full fall meal.
- Serve with cinnamon whipped cream or caramel drizzle.
- Enjoy leftovers with vanilla yogurt for breakfast.
Recipe Recap Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 mins |
| Cook Time | 40 mins |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | ~280 per serving |
| Freezer-Friendly | Yes |