Description
A cozy fall dessert that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples.
Golden, crunchy topping meets soft, caramelized fruit — pure comfort in every bite!
Ingredients:
6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). (
5 minutes)
→ Prepare your baking dish (9×9-inch) by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the apple filling. (
10 minutes)
→ In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour. Coat evenly to ensure a balanced flavor and glossy texture.
Transfer to baking dish. (
2 minutes)
→ Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish, making sure it covers the bottom completely.
Make the crisp topping. (
8 minutes)
→ In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter and stir until the mixture turns crumbly and golden.
Top the apples. (
2 minutes)
→ Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples — don’t press it down too much; it should stay loose and crisp up beautifully.
Bake to perfection. (
40–45 minutes)
→ Bake until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. The aroma will be heavenly!
Cool slightly and serve. (
10 minutes)
→ Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy as-is or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Tips:
For a crunchier texture, chill the topping mixture before sprinkling over the apples.
Mix apple varieties (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) for the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
#AppleCrisp #FallDesserts #CozyBaking #SweetComfort
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof dessert. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour. Toss for 2-3 minutes until every slice is evenly coated and glossy. Transfer this mixture to your prepared dish, spreading it into a uniform layer.
Next, make the crumble topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, packed brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Use a fork to stir and combine until the mixture forms moist, uneven clumps—this is key for texture. Evenly sprinkle this crumble over the apple layer, but do not press down. The topping should remain loose and airy to crisp up properly.
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a deep golden brown and you see thick, syrupy bubbles actively erupting around the edges. Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving; this allows the filling to set slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This apple crisp is a versatile star. Serve it warm in bowls, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, where the cold creaminess melts into the warm spiced apples. For a lighter touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce is perfect. It also makes an excellent brunch dish when paired with Greek yogurt. For a special occasion, serve alongside a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic sweet-and-savory pairing.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Coat sliced apples with spiced sugar and flour. Make a crumbly oat topping with melted butter. Layer the apples and topping in a dish. Bake at 350°F until golden and bubbly. Cool briefly and serve warm with your favorite accompaniments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crisp, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?
It’s not recommended. Quick oats have a finer texture and will absorb more moisture, often resulting in a softer, less crunchy topping. Old-fashioned oats provide the best structure and bite.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or re-crisp the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
My topping isn’t crispy. What went wrong?
The most common cause is packing the topping down onto the apples. Always sprinkle it loosely. Also, ensure your butter was properly melted and evenly distributed to create those necessary clumps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using only one type of apple: Sticking to just a tart or just a sweet variety can throw off the flavor balance. Mix varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth.
- Skipping the flour in the filling: The tablespoon of flour is crucial; it thickens the juices released by the apples, preventing a soupy bottom layer.
- Over-mixing the topping: Stir just until combined. Over-mixing leads to a dense, paste-like layer instead of a light crumble.
- Not letting it cool: Serving immediately from the oven means the filling will be too runny. A brief 10-minute rest lets it set perfectly.
Conclusion
This classic apple crisp is the epitome of effortless, comforting baking. With its caramelized, spiced apple filling and buttery oat crumble, it delivers maximum flavor with simple techniques. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can achieve a dessert that’s consistently delicious. Perfect for any autumn gathering or a quiet night in, it’s a timeless recipe that promises to fill your home with warmth and become a cherished favorite.