Name: Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups fresh apples, sliced; 1/2 cup granulated white sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 1/3 cup old fashioned oats; 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

If you’re craving a cozy, warm dessert that feels like a big hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—sweet, tender apples with a perfectly crumbly cinnamon-oat topping that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this apple crisp is foolproof and sure to become a family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything in your pantry and fridge already.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet apples with a buttery, cinnamon-oat topping that’s just right.
Great for Any Occasion: From casual family dinners to holiday gatherings, it’s always a hit.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak spices or toppings to make it your own signature dish.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a warm apple crumble dessert topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bottom layer consists of soft, cooked apple slices in a golden-brown syrup, covered by a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble that has a textured, crumbly look. The white ice cream on top is slightly melting, blending with the warm dessert below. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting against the rim. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crisp, Easy Apple Crisp, Homemade Apple Crisp, Simple Apple Crisp, Best Apple Crisp

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic apple crisp magic. Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a bit of tartness, while the oats and brown sugar create the perfect crunchy topping. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:

Flat lay of fresh sliced green and red apples in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of old fashioned oats, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of fine salt, and a small white bowl with melted golden butter placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Apple Crisp, Easy Apple Crisp, Homemade Apple Crisp, Simple Apple Crisp, Best Apple Crisp

Fresh Apples: I like a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth—think Granny Smith and Fuji. Keep the slices uniform for even baking.
Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the fruit without overpowering it.
Cinnamon: This gives the dish that warm, cozy scent we all crave in apple desserts.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds subtle richness that takes the apples to the next level.
All Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping together and gives it structure.
Old Fashioned Oats: For that classic crunchy texture in the topping.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes to the crumble.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance the sweetness.
Butter: Melted butter is the secret to that golden, buttery crust you’ll adore.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is—once you’ve got the basics down, you can easily make it your own. Here are a few tweaks I’ve tried that really bring something special:

Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping gives a wonderful crunch and a toasty flavor I can’t get enough of.
Spicy Upgrade: Sometimes I throw in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside the cinnamon for a warm, spiced vibe.
Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free oats to keep it safe for sensitive tummies.
Berry Blend: Adding fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries into the apples makes a colorful, juicy twist.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease a deep dish pie plate or a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This step’s key to preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze. Then, toss your sliced apples in a big bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until every piece is coated. You’ll notice this mix already smells amazing—just wait until it bakes!

Step 2: Mix the Crumb Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly coated and crumbly. This is where the magic happens—the mixture should hold together slightly but still be loose enough to sprinkle on top. I discovered this trick by accident once, and it makes all the difference in getting that buttery crisp texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Spread the saucy apples evenly in your prepared baking dish, then scatter the crumb topping all over. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You’re looking for soft, bubbling fruit underneath and a golden brown, slightly crisp topping. I usually check at the 45-minute mark—if the apples are tender and topping looks done, mine’s ready. Allow it to cool a bit before serving so the juices settle.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Choosing Apples: I like mixing tart Granny Smiths with sweeter varieties like Fuji to get a balanced flavor and texture.
Topping Texture: If your topping feels too wet, add a little extra oats or flour to keep it crumbly and crisp.
Even Baking: Slice your apples to roughly the same thickness to help everything cook evenly.
Avoiding Soggy Bottom: Make sure your baking dish is well greased and don’t overmix the apple mixture to prevent excess moisture pooling.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

A white bowl filled with warm apple crumble. The bottom layer has soft, golden brown apple slices coated in a shiny, sticky caramel sauce. On top, there is a thick layer of crumbly, light brown streusel made from sugar and oats with a rough texture. The caramel sauce slightly glistens over the crumble, giving a moist and rich look. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Crisp, Easy Apple Crisp, Homemade Apple Crisp, Simple Apple Crisp, Best Apple Crisp

Garnishes

I’m obsessed with topping this apple crisp with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream—the melting creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon flavors. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of toasted chopped nuts on top for extra crunch and nuttiness. A dollop of whipped cream works great too if you want something lighter than ice cream.

Side Dishes

For me, a cup of hot apple cider or freshly brewed coffee makes the perfect companion to this dessert. If you’re serving it after dinner, a simple green salad or roasted veggies keep the meal balanced without competing with the crisp’s sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served this apple crisp in individual ramekins for a dinner party, which felt extra special and made portions easy. Another fun idea is layering warm crisp with ice cream in clear glasses for a rustic parfait look. It’s simple but always draws compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple crisp covered tightly in the fridge—it keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. When I dig in later, it still tastes fresh, although the topping softens a bit, which I don’t mind because the flavors deepen overnight.

Freezing

Freezing this apple crisp works surprisingly well! I freeze it before baking in an airtight container or foil pan. When I’m ready, I just pop it straight into a warm oven, adding about 15 extra minutes to the bake time. The texture and flavor hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes to revive the crispiness on top. Microwave is quicker but tends to soften the topping too much. A little tip: sprinkle a tiny extra bit of oats or brown sugar on top before reheating if you want to refresh that crunch!

FAQs

Can I use canned apples for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?

While fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, you can use canned apples if you’re in a pinch. Just drain them well and reduce the added sugar slightly, since canned fruit is often already sweetened.
What type of apples work best?

I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith combined with Fuji or Honeycrisp. This blend gives great flavor complexity and prevents the filling from being too mushy or overly sweet.
Can I make the topping ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the dry ingredients and butter for the topping ahead and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to bake. Just sprinkle on the apples before baking as usual.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure your butter is melted but not too liquidy, and that you mix the topping until it’s crumbly yet holds together. Also, greasing the baking dish thoroughly helps prevent moisture from making the bottom soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe has truly become one of my go-to desserts when I want something warm, comforting, and effortless to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; the smell alone stopped everyone in their tracks. I can’t recommend it enough if you want all those lovely fall flavors without a lot of fuss. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—I promise your family and friends will beg you for the recipe!