Introduction
Apple crisp is a classic dessert, beloved for its tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery, crunchy topping, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. This apple crisp recipe creates a warm, comforting treat ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy evenings at home. Its simplicity makes it accessible for all bakers, while its rustic charm ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser. With minimal ingredients and versatile variations, this dessert brings nostalgic warmth to any table.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract for filling
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional vanilla extract. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make Topping: In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and optional nuts. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are bubbly and tender.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for a Better Apple Crisp
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor
- Cut apples uniformly for even cooking
- Keep butter cold for a crumbly topping
- Don’t overmix the topping to maintain texture
- Check doneness with a fork for tender apples
- Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly
- Serve warm for the best experience
- Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch dish
Variations and Customization
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle ¼ cup caramel sauce over apples
- Berry Crisp: Add ½ cup blueberries or raspberries
- Spiced Crisp: Include ¼ tsp ground ginger or cloves
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified oats
- Vegan Crisp: Replace butter with coconut oil
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts and add extra oats
- Maple Crisp: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup
- Cranberry Twist: Mix in ¼ cup dried cranberries
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze baked crisp for 2 months; thaw before reheating
- Serve with ice cream, yogurt, or custard
- Reheat in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes
- Use leftovers as a breakfast parfait topping
- Keep chilled for potlucks to maintain freshness
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Pair with coffee or spiced chai tea
Nutritional Information
The following nutritional information is approximate, based on 8 servings (about ¾ cup per serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% of Daily Value
- Iron: 6% of Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients like nuts or vanilla. Use a nutritional calculator for precise measurements. Apple crisp is moderate in calories but high in sugars from apples and brown sugar; the vegan or gluten-free variations suit dietary needs. Apples provide fiber and antioxidants, enhancing the dessert’s nutritional value.
Conclusion
This apple crisp recipe delivers a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from autumn feasts to casual weeknights. Its tender apples and crunchy topping create a delightful contrast that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a go-to for bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing treat. This recipe ensures a delicious, heartwarming dessert that brings joy to every bite.

Apple Crisp Recipe: Warm and Comforting Dessert
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup Optional: chopped pecans
- ½ tsp Optional: vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; grease 8x8-inch dish
- Toss apples with sugar, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla
- Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, nuts; cut in butter
- Spread the topping over the apples
- Bake 35-40 minutes until golden
- Serve warm with ice cream
Notes
- Use mixed apples for flavor
- Keep the butter cold for topping
- Store in fridge for 4 days or freeze for 2 months
- Serve with whipped cream