If you’re looking for a simple, tasty dessert that feels like a warm hug, apple crisp is a perfect choice. It combines sweet, tender apples with a crunchy, buttery topping made from oats and brown sugar. Apple crisp is easy to make and uses just a few basic ingredients, making it a great dessert for any skill level.
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You can customize it by using your favorite apple types or adding a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor. This treat is perfect for fall, but honestly, it’s delicious any time you want something cozy and satisfying. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to when you want a quick, homemade dessert.
Related Recipe: Best Fall Baking: Apple Cinnamon Muffins
How to Make a Perfect Apple Crisp
To make a great apple crisp, you need the right mix of tart apples, sweet spices, and a crispy, buttery topping. Getting these parts right will give you a warm, tasty dessert that’s easy to put together and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of cloves for extra warmth
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or spray a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread them evenly in the baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, remaining brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
Bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
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Tips for the Best Apple Crisp Topping
Use cold butter cut into small pieces or melted butter, depending on your preferred texture. Cold butter makes bigger crumbs, while melted butter creates a finer crisp.
Don’t skip the oats—they add a crunchy texture that sets apple crisp apart from regular fruit desserts.
For extra flavor, add a small pinch of salt to your topping to balance the sweetness.
If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Serving and Storing Apple Crisp
You want to enjoy your apple crisp at its best right after baking, and also keep the leftovers tasty and fresh for later. How you serve it can add to the experience, while proper storage will help keep the texture and flavor.
Related Recipe: Cozy Pumpkin Muffins for Chilly Fall Days
Best Ways to Serve
Serve your apple crisp warm to enjoy the crunchy topping and soft apples at their best. You can heat it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or microwave a single serving for 1 to 2 minutes.
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a nice contrast with the warm fruit.
You might also drizzle a little caramel sauce or sprinkle extra cinnamon on top right before serving for extra flavor.
Use small bowls or plates to keep servings cozy and easy to eat.
How to Store Leftovers
Cover your leftover apple crisp tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture out.
Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within 2 to 3 days. This slows down spoilage but might soften the topping.
Avoid freezing apple crisp because the topping gets soggy and loses its crunch.
When ready to eat, reheat your leftovers in the oven to help bring back some crispness. Microwave reheating works too but may make the topping less crunchy.
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