Loaded with spiced apples and topped with a crunchy oat crumble, The Best Apple Crisp is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be the only recipe you’ll ever need!
This is The Best Apple Crisp you will ever make! Is incorporates a balance of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden, buttery topping that’s crisp on the outside and slightly chewy underneath. Made with a mix of sweet and tart apples, the filling becomes soft and syrupy as it bakes, while the oat-based crumble adds a rich, nutty texture with hints of brown sugar and warm spices. Every bite delivers that cozy, comforting flavor, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
For more recipes similar to this one you have to check out my Blueberry Crisp, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, and Browned Butter Pear Crisp.
Table of Contents
Why I Love a Good Apple Crisp
- Apple crisp is so much easier than pie! You get all those classic apple pie flavors without the hassle of making a crust.
- The apples are tossed in a flavorful cinnamon and spice mix that takes this dish to the next level.
- You can easily double the recipe and bake it for larger gatherings.
Recipe Ingredients
Apples – I like to use at least two varieties of apples in any apple dessert I make. For this recipe, I used a mix of Granny Smith and Envy apples.
Brown Sugar – Sweetens both the filling and topping, adding that rich caramel-like flavor.
Vanilla & Salt – Vanilla adds warmth, and a pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Add Nuts – Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts with the topping for an extra crunch.
Oats Alternative – If you prefer a topping without oats, you can use additional flour and brown sugar for a more traditional crumble.
How to Make the Best Apple Crisp
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Set aside a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, brown sugar, flour, butter, milk, lemon juice, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and vanilla. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 3: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the mixture until pea-sized clumps form. Sprinkle the mixture over the filling.
Step 4: Place in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. (Note: If you’re using a smaller pan, you may need to tent the top with foil and cook for the full 50 minutes).
Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Expert Tips
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly – You’ll know your apple crisp is ready when the fruit mixture is bubbling and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
Fix a Runny Apple Crisp – If your apple crisp turns out runny, the filling likely wasn’t thickened enough. Next time, try adding more flour or butter and reduce the milk to help the filling bind and avoid excess liquid.
FAQs
I like to mix at least two apple varieties for a more complex flavor. In this recipe, I used Granny Smith apples and Envy apples, but feel free to use whatever you like! Some other great options are Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala. Combining a tart apple with a sweeter one always gives the best results!
Peeling the apples is totally up to you! Keeping the peel on adds a little more texture and fiber. On the other hand, peeling them creates a smoother, softer filling. Both ways work great, so it really depends on your personal preference.
Storage Info
To STORE your leftover Apple Crisp, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. To FREEZE, prepare the crisp (unbaked) in an aluminum foil pan and freeze for 3-4 months. Bake as directed when ready.
To REHEAT, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals.
More Delicious Apple Desserts to Try
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 5 cup apples* - peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter - melted
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher sea salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter - cold
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Set aside a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, brown sugar, flour, butter, milk, lemon juice, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and vanilla. Toss until evenly coated.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the mixture until pea-sized clumps form. Sprinkle the mixture over the filling.
- Place in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. (Note: If you're using a smaller pan, you may need to tent the top with foil and cook for the full 50 minutes).
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
This apple crisp came out great!
if cooking from frozen, how long should you bake it for?
Hi Pamela! I would let it thaw to room temperature and then bake as written and you should be all set!
This really is the best! So delicious!
Such a great apple crisp recipe! It was so good and amazing! Easy to make too 🙂