The aroma of baked apples wafts through the kitchen, mingling with cinnamon and sugar, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge. Each spoonful of apple crisp promises a delightful crunch on top that gives way to warm, juicy apples beneath—a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
As memories flood back of family gatherings where this apple crisp held court on the dessert table, I can’t help but smile. Whether it’s during Sunday dinners or cozy autumn evenings, it always sparks joy and nostalgia. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s as comforting as your favorite blanket.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delectable apple crisp is easy to make and requires only simple ingredients
- The warm, spiced aroma fills your home with comfort
- It’s visually stunning—golden brown oats and succulent apples create a feast for the eyes
- Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a casual weeknight treat
Sharing this dessert at my family’s holiday dinner elicited gasps of delight from everyone around the table.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
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Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
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Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats give that delightful crunch on top while soaking up all the apple juices.
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Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and depth to each bite of this comforting dessert.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness; it helps to create a luscious topping.
For the Topping:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding together the topping ingredients, giving it structure without being too heavy.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prep Your Apples: Peel, core, and slice about six cups of fresh apples. Toss them in a large bowl with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs for that perfect crunchy topping.
Assemble Your Dessert: Layer the sweetened apples evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat mixture generously over the apples, ensuring every bit is covered.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place your assembled crisp in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Look for a bubbly filling and golden topping—the aroma should be heavenly by now!
Cool and Serve!: Once baked, let your apple crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before digging in. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Enjoying apple crisp is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s about savoring moments of togetherness and happiness—just one bite transports you right back to those cherished memories. So grab your apron and get ready to make something truly delicious!
You Must Know
- This delightful apple crisp combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh apples with a crunchy topping
- It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist a second helping
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your apples—peel, slice, and toss them with sugar and cinnamon. Meanwhile, mix oats, flour, and butter for the topping before layering them together for that perfect crisp.

Add Your Touch
Experiment with different apple varieties; Granny Smith offers tartness while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can also sprinkle in some nuts or add dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warm to maintain that delightful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor
- Don’t skip the rest time after baking; it helps set the filling
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover it with foil during baking
The first time I made apple crisp was during a family gathering, and my cousin couldn’t stop raving about it! That feedback encouraged me to make it my go-to dessert for every occasion.

FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for apple crisp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before using.
What can I substitute for butter in the topping?
Coconut oil or vegetable oil works well as a butter alternative.
How do I know when my apple crisp is done?
It’s ready when the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of homemade apple crisp, where sweet, juicy baked apples meet a crunchy oat topping. This delightful dessert, spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, is perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat that evokes cherished memories.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with 1/2 cup brown sugar and cinnamon. Toss until coated.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Layer the apple mixture evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle the oat topping over it.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg

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