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Easy Apple Crisp Recipe: Delicious and Quick Dessert

It’s that time of year when the air smells like cinnamon and leaves crunch under your bootsand nothing says fall comfort like this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. Popping up all over Pinterest, it’s a cozy dish folks are remembering from grandma’s table. This one’s a breeze: just ten minutes to prep, no fancy skills needed, and it turns golden and bubbling in under an hour.

This soft, warm dessert is built around crisp apples, brown sugar, and oatsingredients you probably already have at home. Think apple pie, but with less stress. No pie crust drama, just a homemade crumble topping that melts and crunches perfectly. Full recipe details below!

I first made this with my grandma when I was nineshe handed me the peeler, winked, and whispered that it was our little secret. Decades and many batches later, it’s still my go-to dessert. Nothing exotic here, just one tiny step I added to make the topping extra toasty and crisp. I’ve tested ityou’re going to love this trick!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

  • Unforgettable Comfort: This recipe feels just like a big warm hugsweet, soft apples and a crunchy, golden topping.
  • Beginner-Friendly: No pie crust rolling, no complicated stepsjust mix, sprinkle, and bake.
  • Customizable: Make it gluten-free, vegan, or swap in your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chai spice.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight, this dish brings people together.

Key Ingredients and Simple Substitutes

  • Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady for that tart-meets-sweet combo. Don’t have both? Use what you’ve gotFuji or Honeycrisp also work well!
  • Topping Essentials: Rolled oats (for crunch), all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and butter. Substitute gluten-free flour or coconut oil for dairy-free and gluten-free versions.
  • Warm Spices: Cinnamon is the cozy backbone herea dash of chai spice or nutmeg can elevate it further.
  • Binding Ingredients: Cornstarch helps thicken the juices, while lemon juice adds brightness and prevents browning.

Pro Tip: For a refined-sugar-free version, swap both sugars with coconut sugarit keeps the cozy vibe while going a bit healthier!

Apple crisp ingredients setup featuring apples, oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for an easy apple crisp recipe

Ingredient Swaps at a Glance

IngredientSubstitute
All-Purpose FlourGluten-Free 1-to-1 Flour or Almond Flour
ButterCoconut Oil (for Vegan)
Granulated/Brown SugarCoconut Sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

This is a no-fuss dessert, but let’s break it down step-by-step to make sure everything goes smoothly:

  1. Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop into bite-sized chunks. Place them in a large bowl and toss with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and most of the cinnamon. This base is juicy, warm, and full of flavor.
  2. Make the Crumble Topping: Melt your butter (or coconut oil). In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly.
  3. Assemble: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously on top, making sure to cover the fruit completely.
  4. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50–60 minutes until the top is golden and the apple filling bubbles around the edges. If browning too quickly, tent lightly with foil.
  5. Cool & Serve: Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the filling to thicken slightly and ensures better flavor and texture.

Pro Tip: Want to prep ahead? Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when needed for best crunch!

Baking Time Breakdown

StepsTime
Prep Apples & Crumble15 minutes
Bake in Oven50–60 minutes
Cool Before Serving15 minutes

Troubleshooting and Helpful Tips

  • Topping Too Dry? Mix in an extra tablespoon of melted butter or oil until the texture becomes crumblier and more cohesive.
  • Apples Too Firm? Extend bake time by 5–10 minutes. If the topping is done, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
  • Soggy Topping from Fridge? Reheat leftovers uncovered in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness.

Pro Tip: Using a combination of apple varieties adds a mix of texturessome hold shape, others soften deliciously!

Serving and Storage

  • Serving: Scoop warm into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for visual appeal.
  • Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The topping may soften after refrigeration.

Quick Storage Tips

Storage MethodHow Long?
Room Temperature2 Days
RefrigeratorUp to 5 Days
Freezer (Pre-Assembled, Unbaked)1 Month

Pro Tip: Freezing? Assemble and wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed for fresh flavor.

Expert Insight on EASY APPLE CRISP RECIPE

Apple crisp is a timeless comfort dessert that combines fresh, tart fruit with a golden, crunchy topping. The EASY APPLE CRISP RECIPE keeps things simple without cutting corners on texture and flavor. Using both tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Honeycrisp) apples maximizes complexity, while the oat-based crumble adds an irresistible contrast of crunch and warmth.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

How I Finally Nailed My Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

This easy apple crisp recipe took a few tries to perfectone batch was too crumbly, another a little too sweet. I eventually figured out the balance between oats, sugar, and cinnamon by watching my family’s reactions. Since then, it’s been my faithful dessert for cold evenings or surprise guestsquick to make and especially comforting when warm out of the oven.

FAQs ( Easy Apple Crisp Recipe )

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness. Mixing varieties can add depth. Avoid overly soft apples to prevent a mushy texture in this dish.

Can I use canned apple filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, canned apple filling works well and speeds up prep time. Reduce added sugar slightly since canned fillings are often sweetened. Make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy base in this meal.

How do I make the crisp topping crunchy?

Use cold butter cut into small pieces mixed thoroughly with oats and brown sugar. Bake until golden and bubbling for the best crunch. Avoid overmixing the topping to keep it crumbly and crisp.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated uncovered. Bake just before serving for a fresh crisp top. If baking from chilled, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What are good serving suggestions?

This apple crisp pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. A dash of cinnamon on top can enhance flavors. Serve warm to fully enjoy the textures and aromas.

Pinterest-optimized hero image showing styled easy apple crisp in baking dish with crisp buttery topping

Conclusion

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is your new go-to for cozy, no-fuss desserts that fill your kitchen with golden aroma in under an hour. Crispy-topped and tender inside, it’s that kind of homemade treat everyone will ask for againsimple, satisfying, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Don’t be afraid to tweak itthrow in chopped pecans or a dash of cardamom for a twist. Make it vegan with coconut oil instead of butter. And if you’ve got leftovers, a few minutes in the oven brings the magic back. A little insider tip from a pro baker makes the topping toasty every timedon’t skip it!

Give this a try, and tag me with your version. I’d love to hear how it turned out or if it reminds you of a cherished kitchen memory. Pass along the loveit’s a recipe worth sharing. Because a warm apple crisp on a cool evening really is a little slice of home.

EASY APPLE CRISP RECIPE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Olivia Farnsworth

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe: Delicious and Quick Dessert

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a warm and comforting dessert featuring tender apple chunks mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with a hearty oatmeal crumble. Perfect for a Quick Apple Crisp, it offers gluten-free and vegan options to suit any dietary preference. A delightful addition to Apple Dessert Recipes, this crisp is ideal for fall or anytime you crave a simple and delicious apple crumble.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds apples (half Granny Smith and half Pink Lady)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon divided
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (substitute melted coconut oil for vegan option)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup all purpose flour (substitute gluten free 1 to 1 flour or almond flour for gluten free)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Peel the apples with a vegetable peeler.
  3. Stand the apple up on a cutting board and cut each side around the core.
  4. Place each apple piece cut side down and chop into 1″ chunks.
  5. In a large bowl, combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Stir until combined.
  6. Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Melt butter in a medium bowl in the microwave for 40-60 seconds.
  8. Add oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt to the melted butter and stir until combined.
  9. Sprinkle crumble evenly over apple mixture.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes and serve warm. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Apple crisp can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until 30-45 minutes before baking (bring to room temperature before baking). Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days (note crumble topping may get soggy). Substitute granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar for refined sugar free. Use gluten free flour to make gluten free. Substitute butter with coconut oil for vegan/dairy free. Add chopped walnuts or pecans to topping or use chai spice instead of cinnamon.