Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. With its warm, tender apples and crunchy, buttery topping, it’s a timeless treat that brings comfort with every bite. This simple yet satisfying dessert is a favorite at family gatherings, holiday dinners, and casual weeknight meals when you want something sweet but unfussy.
The magic of apple crisp comes from its balance of textures and flavors. The apples become soft and juicy as they bake, releasing their natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. They’re often tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon to deepen the flavor and add that signature warm, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
The topping is what truly sets apple crisp apart. A mixture of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter creates a golden, crumbly crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit underneath. As it bakes, the topping becomes crisp and caramelized, offering the perfect crunch in every spoonful. Some variations include nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor, while others might add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for more warmth.
What makes apple crisp especially appealing is how easy it is to prepare. No pie crust, no complicated steps—just slice the apples, mix the topping, assemble, and bake. It’s a forgiving dessert that’s hard to mess up, making it a go-to recipe for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike.
Apple crisp is incredibly versatile, too. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic pairing, or drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. It’s also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or even a splash of heavy cream over the top.
Whether enjoyed straight from the oven on a chilly evening or served at a festive gathering, apple crisp delivers pure comfort. It’s simple, rustic, and absolutely satisfying, a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients
- 6 large apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the sliced apples in a 9×13 inch pan. Mix 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples.
- Pour water evenly over all.
- Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir to blend. Mix in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Nutrition
This was a total flop! The apples were mushy and it just didn’t taste right. I don’t know what went wrong.
I think you might’ve overcooked it or used the wrong type of apples! Granny Smith are best, ya know?
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe the apples were too ripe? I always try to go for a mix of tart and sweet apples for better texture.
Just okay. I really expected more flavor from the cinnamon. I think next time I’ll add some nutmeg or something.
Why not just use more cinnamon instead of nutmeg? Also, what’s wrong with just a little vanilla extract?
I agree! Cinnamon can be so bland sometimes. Nutmeg sounds like a great idea to spice it up!
I always use less sugar. My family is health conscious. Still turned out great!
Yum! 😍 This is the best apple crisp I’ve ever tasted! Super easy to make.
I’m glad you liked it! I made it last week, and my family devoured it too. 🍏❤️
This was alright, but I thought it could use more sugar. Next time I’ll add a whole cup instead of half. 🍏
This apple crisp is absolutely delicious! I made it for a family gathering and everyone loved it. Will definitely try again!
This is hands down the best apple crisp recipe ever! The mixture of oats and brown sugar puts it over the top. 😍
Not sure why everyone’s raving. MY apple crisp didn’t crisp! Maybe too much butter? 🤔
This recipe is fantastic! The crisp was just the right amount of sweet. Will make again!
I didn’t have brown sugar, so I used regular sugar. Still tasted great! Quick and easy recipe.
I followed the recipe but it was too mushy for my taste. Maybe less water next time?
I don’t get why people like apple crisp so much. It’s just baked apples with a bunch of stuff on top. Seems overrated to me.
YUM! The cinnamon really made this dish pop! Perfect for fall.
I totally agree! Cinnamon adds such a warm flavor, especially during fall. Can’t wait to make this!
Cinnamon? Really? I thought ginger was the fall spice. Maybe I need to try it again.
Didn’t work out. My apples were too tart and I ended up with a soup instead. 🙁
I followed the recipe but it turned out way too sweet. Maybe I should’ve used less sugar? Not sure if I’m doing something wrong.
Is this even a recipe? Seems too basic. I mean, who doesn’t know how to mix apples with sugar? 🤷♂️
Good recipe! But it says to bake at 350 degrees, hun. Real recipes use 375!
Apple crisp is sooo easy! My kids loved it! 👍
Too sweet for my taste, I would cut down the sugar next time. Also, where’s the nutmeg? It’s essential for apple desserts! 😕
How do you make this without oats? I have a friend who’s allergic. Can I leave them out?
Waste of ingredients! The crisp didn’t crisp up at all. Just a soggy mess in my opinion. Never making this again.
Followed the recipe exactly but it didn’t work for me. Did anyone else have trouble? I think I mixed it too much.
I’ve made apple crisp before but it was never this easy. Just a little confused about the water part. Do I really need it? 🤔
Yummm! I added a pinch of nutmeg ’cause I love nutmeg. It was delish! Not too sweet either.
I was skeptical about the oats in this recipe but it turned out really well! The texture was nice. Will definitely make again.
good
I love the crumble on top, but it could use more cinnamon. Maybe I’ll add walnuts next time 🥜.
Totally agree! More cinnamon sounds great! And walnuts would be a tasty addition! 😋
Yummy! I added a pinch of salt and it brought out the flavors. Thank you for sharing! 🥳
Do you really think a pinch of salt does that much? I dunno…
Glad you liked it! Adding salt really does make a difference! 😋
This apple crisp is absolutely delicious! I made it for a family gathering and it was gone in minutes. Everyone loved it!