Apple Crisp Recipe

Nothing says comfort like a warm, homemade apple crisp fresh out of the oven. This Apple Crisp Recipe combines sweet, spiced apples with a buttery, crispy oat topping for a dessert that’s sure to please everyone.

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Perfect for cozy nights or any special occasion, this dish delivers a nostalgic taste of classic American desserts. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an indulgent finish. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a crowd favorite year-round.

Key Ingredients for the Best Apple Crisp

• Golden Delicious Apples – Soft, sweet apples that bake perfectly, creating a tender filling.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crispy topping.
• Old-Fashioned Oats – Provides a hearty texture and enhances the crispiness of the topping.
• Ground Cinnamon – Delivers warm, aromatic spice to both the apple filling and the topping.
• Unsalted Butter – Cold, cubed butter ensures the topping turns beautifully golden and crunchy.

How to Make a Comforting Apple Crisp

To create this apple crisp, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8 baking dish.

Then, mix peeled, chopped apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon before layering them evenly in the dish.

Next, blend flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt with cold butter to form a crumbly topping.

Spread the topping over the apples and bake until golden and bubbling. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the perfect fall or winter dessert.

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Recipe Tips for a Perfect Apple Crisp Every Time

To enhance the texture and flavor of your apple crisp, experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for added tartness or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.

For an even crunchier topping, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Want more spice? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for added warmth.

This recipe also allows flexibility with oats—quick oats can be substituted, but old-fashioned oats provide a better texture. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Storing and Reheating Apple Crisp

If you have leftovers, storing your apple crisp is simple. Let the crisp cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crisp topping.

You can also microwave individual servings for a quick warm-up, but the topping may lose some of its crunch. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.

Enjoy the rich aromas and comforting flavors of this timeless apple crisp recipe with every bite.

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Apple Crisp Recipe

This traditional apple crisp brings back nostalgic memories of Grandma’s kitchen. The spiced apples pair wonderfully with the buttery oat topping, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with salted caramel sauce for a decadent treat!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Crisp Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Spiced Apples

• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 6 golden delicious apples peeled and chopped (other varieties are also suitable; slicing is an option)
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Crisp Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and diced into small cubes
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats quick oats may be substituted but could alter the texture slightly
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the diced cold butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to incorporate the butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
• Evenly distribute the oat topping over the apples in the baking dish, gently pressing down to ensure an even layer. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different types of apples to adjust the flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples will add a bit more tartness if that’s preferred.