Name: Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced; 4 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping); 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; Optional toppings: sea salt flakes, vanilla bean ice cream, salted caramel

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This easy Apple Crisp recipe is the ultimate cozy dessert, packed with sweet-tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery oat streusel topping. It’s simple, rustic, and absolutely irresistible—especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crisp strikes the perfect balance between juicy, tender apples and a crisp, golden-brown topping. Using two types of apples—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp—adds a dynamic flavor and texture, with the right mix of tart and sweet. It’s quick to assemble, bakes in under 40 minutes, and requires no complicated steps. Whether for a holiday table or a weeknight treat, this recipe is comfort food at its finest.

Apple Crisp Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Filling:

4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
4 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
⅓ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Oat Streusel Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon sea salt

Optional Toppings:

Sea salt flakes
Vanilla bean ice cream
Salted caramel sauce

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large 12×8-inch oval baking dish, add the peeled and diced apples.
In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut the butter into the mixture until a crumbly streusel forms.
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple mixture, covering the top in a single layer.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Nutty topping: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch.
Spiced crisp: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple mixture for a spicier flavor.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Berry twist: Mix in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries with the apples for a fruitier variation.
Maple touch: Replace some of the brown sugar in the topping with maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

Freezing: Apple crisp can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the crisp and wrap tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

Can I use just one type of apple?

Yes, but using a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples adds better flavor and texture contrast.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic feel.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but rolled oats provide better texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch but may result in a softer topping.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients. Bake for about 40–45 minutes.

Why is my topping not crispy?

Make sure your butter is cold when mixing, and don’t overmix the streusel. Also, bake until the top is golden brown.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the crisp and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. You can also bake it ahead and reheat before serving.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the sugar slightly in both the filling and topping to taste. Keep in mind it may alter the balance of sweetness.

What’s the best way to serve apple crisp?

Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate treat.

Can I use pears instead of apples?

Yes, ripe but firm pears work well. You can also do a mix of apples and pears.

Can I make individual crisps?

Yes, divide the filling and topping among ramekins and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Conclusion

This Apple Crisp recipe is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. With perfectly spiced apples and a buttery oat topping, it’s a classic comfort food that’s just right for fall—or any time you’re craving something warm and sweet. Whether you serve it solo or dressed up with ice cream and caramel, it’s sure to be a hit.