When autumn arrives, nothing beats the comforting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Classic Apple Crisp Recipe delivers everything you love about fall desserts:

✔ Juicy, tender apples with the perfect balance of sweet and tart
✔ Buttery oat crumble topping that bakes up golden and crisp
✔ Warm cinnamon spice flavor in every bite
✔ Easy to make with simple ingredients
✔ Versatile dessert – equally perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings

Unlike fussy apple pies that require perfect crusts, this easy apple crisp is virtually foolproof. The oat-based topping comes together in minutes, and the apple filling requires no precooking – just slice, mix, and bake!

Why this recipe stands out:
• Uses a mix of apple varieties for balanced flavor and texture
• Cold butter in the topping ensures maximum crispiness
• No special equipment needed – just basic kitchen tools
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins like nuts or raisins

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert, a Thanksgiving showstopper, or a cozy weekend treat, this apple crisp delivers. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Keep reading for the simple step-by-step instructions, expert tips for the perfect crisp texture, and delicious serving suggestions!

🍏 Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

This homemade apple crisp offers several advantages over store-bought versions or complicated pies:

✔ Better texture – Tender apples with a crispy, buttery topping
✔ Customizable sweetness – Adjust sugar to your taste
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when needed
✔ Crowd-pleasing – Loved by kids and adults alike
✔ Seasonal flexibility – Great with fresh or stored apples

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid first

How do I make this gluten-free?
Use GF flour blend and certified GF oats

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by 1/4 cup for tart apples

This Classic Apple Crisp Recipe is the ultimate easy fall dessert that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The juicy cinnamon apples and crisp oat topping create the perfect textural contrast, while the warm spices fill your kitchen with irresistible autumn aroma.

A high-resolution digital photograph showcases a fresh apple crisp in a white ceramic dish, featuring golden-brown oat topping over tender apple slices.

Jana Rae

Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

This easy homemade apple crisp recipe features juicy cinnamon apples & a buttery oat topping. Ready in 1 hour – perfect with ice cream!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

6 medium apples mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Crisp Topping:

3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

Get Recipe Ingredients

Method

Preparing the Apples

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces
In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, sugar, and spices

Making the Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients
Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs

Assembling & Baking

Transfer apples to baking dish
Sprinkle topping evenly over apples
Bake 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbly

Notes

Serving Suggestions

À la mode: With vanilla ice cream
Decadent: Drizzled with caramel sauce
Crunchy: Topped with chopped pecans or walnuts
Breakfast version: Served with yogurt

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

✅ Apple selection: Use 2-3 varieties for complex flavor
✅ Texture tip: Keep butter cold for crispier topping
✅ Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance
✅ Storage: Keeps well refrigerated for 5 days