Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting dessert that’s simple, flavorful, and made from pantry staples, this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. I absolutely love this because it strikes the perfect balance of tart apples and sweet, crunchy topping – plus, it comes together so fast that you’ll want to make it again and again.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Whether you’re choosing your apples or deciding on the butter, these little details make all the difference.

• Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best here – they hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This brightens the apples and prevents browning while adding a subtle zing.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and warmth to the apple filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses richness to the crisp topping.
• Rolled Oats: They give the topping that irresistible crunch and texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Classic spice that pairs wonderfully with apples and adds cozy aroma.
• Butter: Use room temperature so it blends easily into the oat topping for that perfect crumbly texture.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is – it’s a great canvas for experimenting. Over time, I’ve found a few tweaks that add exciting twists or help accommodate different diets.

• Add Nuts: One of my favorites is folding in chopped walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
• Gluten-Free: Swap rolled oats for certified gluten-free oats or add almond flour to the topping for a gluten-free version.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of butter for a plant-based crisp.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing 7 tart apples. I like to keep the slices about 1/4 inch thick so they hold their shape but still soften nicely while baking. Toss the slices in a big bowl with 4 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract – this step keeps your apples bright and flavorful while preventing them from turning brown.

Step 2: Layer the Apples

Spread the apple mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t press down too hard – you want some room for the apples to soften and release their juices as they bake.

Step 3: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup rolled oats, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut in 1/2 cup room-temperature butter using a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly and moist. This topping is the crown jewel of the crisp – it bakes up crunchy and golden with a wonderful hint of cinnamon.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples and pop your dish into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crunchy, and you can see the apples bubbling underneath. If you like your topping extra crispy, you can broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end – just watch carefully!

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

This dessert is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream – that creamy contrast is what makes this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe an absolute winner every time.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

I always reach for a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream to top this apple crisp. The cold cream melts into the warm crisp and elevates every bite. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top for a little extra texture and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This Easy Apple Crisp pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For festive dinners, I like serving it alongside cinnamon-spiced chai or a rich custard for an extra indulgent touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions of this apple crisp in mini ramekins—makes it feel super cozy and personal. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top before serving to make it look extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools to room temperature, I cover the apple crisp tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It stays delicious for up to 3-4 days, and it’s great for a quick dessert fix.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers before by wrapping the crisp tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, but reheating the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes keeps the topping crisp and the apples perfectly tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe, I didn’t expect it to become a staple dessert, but it quickly won over my whole family. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, cozy, and totally satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it finds a special spot in your recipe rotation too!

Print