The Best Apple Crisp

Golden, buttery crisp on top, soft and cinnamon-spiced apples underneath—this Apple Crisp is the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s everything you love about apple pie but without the fuss of making a crust. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
-
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish. -
Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract. Stir until evenly coated, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. -
Prepare the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly. -
Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. -
Serve and Enjoy
Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp:
- Mix apple varieties for the best texture—Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.
- For a crunchier topping, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice! It enhances the apple flavor and prevents browning.
Key Takeaways:
This Apple Crisp is simple, packed with warm spices, and delivers the perfect balance of tart and sweet. With its buttery oat topping and tender baked apples, it’s a timeless dessert that never disappoints.