Apple Crisp Recipe

Cozy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Treasure

Nestled in a cozy kitchen, this warm apple crisp recipe brings comfort straight to your plate.

Autumn’s golden bounty transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert that sparks joy.

Crisp apples mingle with sweet cinnamon, creating a nostalgic aroma that fills every corner.

Rustic and unpretentious, the dish speaks to childhood memories and weekend gatherings.

Home bakers will find this recipe wonderfully straightforward and deliciously satisfying.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a dessert that celebrates pure, simple flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single crumbly, caramelized bite of this classic treat.

Tips for Apple Crisp You’ll Want to Keep

  • Slice Apples Evenly: Cut apples into uniform thickness to ensure consistent baking and prevent uneven texture.
  • Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and structural integrity during baking.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and maintain fresh appearance.
  • Adjust Sweetness Level: Reduce sugar for tart apples or increase for sweeter varieties, depending on the natural fruit characteristics.
  • Customize Topping Texture: Mix oats with different nuts like almonds or pecans to create a more complex and crunchy crisp topping.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Crisp Properly

  • Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
  • Warm individual servings at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Covering with foil prevents the topping from burning while restoring its crispy texture.
  • Quickly reheat small portions for 30-45 seconds. The topping might lose some crispness, but the flavor remains delicious.
  • Wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Ideas for Apple Crisp Perfection

  • The cold, smooth vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm, spiced apple crisp, creating a heavenly temperature and flavor contrast.
  • A rich, golden caramel sauce enhances the apple's sweetness and adds a luxurious touch to the dessert's texture and depth.
  • The warm, aromatic chai tea with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger perfectly mirrors the spices in the apple crisp, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
  • A smooth, slightly woody bourbon provides a sophisticated adult twist, cutting through the dessert's sweetness and offering a complex taste profile.

Ways to Rethink the Apple Crisp Recipe

  • Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace traditional flour with almond or oat flour in the topping to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Vegan Apple Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of sugar to craft a plant-based alternative that's equally satisfying.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Bake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly dessert that maintains delicious apple flavor.
  • Spiced Autumn Variation: Add ground cardamom and ginger to enhance the warm flavor profile, creating a more complex and aromatic apple crisp experience.

Apple Crisp Recipe Questions You Might Ask

  • Are Granny Smith apples the best choice for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples work perfectly because they’re tart and hold their shape well during baking. However, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples for excellent results.

  • How do I prevent my apple crisp from becoming too soggy?

Tossing apples with cornstarch helps absorb excess liquid and creates a thicker, less watery filling. Also, make sure to drain any extra juice before adding the topping.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crumble topping. This will maintain the crispy texture while making the dessert gluten-free.

  • What's the secret to a perfectly crispy topping?

Mix cold butter into the dry ingredients until it forms small, pea-sized crumbs. This technique ensures a crunchy, golden-brown topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft apple filling.

Why Everyone’s Talking About Apple Crisp

  • This apple crisp recipe transforms baking into a fun, interactive experience where kids can help mix ingredients and learn basic cooking skills together.
  • Whip up this dessert in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Effortlessly create a warm, nostalgic treat that fills your home with delightful cinnamon aromas and provides a cozy, comforting feel for any gathering or weeknight dessert.
  • Serves multiple people easily, adaptable for potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend gatherings with its universally loved flavor profile.

Everything in a Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Sweet and tart varieties work best, firm apples hold shape during baking.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, tangy flavor.
Spices and Thickeners:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create caramelization.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that enhance apple's natural flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken fruit filling and create smooth texture.
Baking Preparation:
  • Baking Dish: 9×13-inch size ensures proper spreading and even cooking.
  • Grease: Prevents sticking and helps create golden, crispy edges.

How to Make Apple Crisp That Shines

Prepare Delectable Apple Filling

Wash and peel apples, then slice them into thin, even pieces. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine apple slices with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cornstarch

Gently toss the ingredients until apples are evenly coated, ensuring each slice is thoroughly mixed.

Mix Crunchy Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Rolled oats
  • Softened butter
  • Ground cinnamon

Use your fingers to create a crumbly texture, breaking down butter into small, pea-sized pieces.

Assemble And Bake Crisp

Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the seasoned apple mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over the apples, covering the entire surface.

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling begins to bubble around the edges.

Cool And Serve Warm

Remove from oven and let the apple crisp rest for 15 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

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Apple Crisp Recipe

Apple Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade apple crisp delights with warm cinnamon-spiced apples nestled beneath a golden, buttery oat crumble. Sweet comfort meets rustic charm in this classic dessert sure to comfort hungry souls.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base:

  • 6 cups apples (about 56 medium, peeled & sliced thin, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch

Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup (90 grams) old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Wash and core the apples, then slice them into uniform thin wedges to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with sugar, creating a sweet base that will caramelize during baking.
  4. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the apples to enhance their natural flavor and prevent browning while adding a subtle tangy brightness.
  5. Sprinkle ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the apple mixture, gently tossing to distribute the warm, aromatic spices evenly throughout the fruit.
  6. Dust cornstarch over the seasoned apples, stirring carefully to help thicken the natural juices and create a luscious, glossy filling during baking.
  7. Carefully transfer the spiced apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the slices in an even layer to promote uniform cooking and optimal flavor distribution.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your crisp.
  • Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on apple variety and personal preference, tasting the filling before baking to get the right sweetness level.
  • Allow the crisp to cool for 15-20 minutes after baking to let the filling set and develop a more cohesive consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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