A classic for a reason, this easy apple crisp dessert delivers all the warm, cozy vibes of fall. Tender cinnamon apples are topped with a golden oat crumble and finished with a scoop of ice cream.

Warm apple crisp dessert in a white baking dish topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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The Best Apple Crisp Dessert

Apple crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts, it’s simple to make, full of cozy flavor, and perfect after a day of apple picking. It’s like my brown bag apple pie, but easier, with a sweet cinnamon filling and a buttery oat topping.

I grew up making this recipe with my mom, and now my kids love helping in the kitchen too. It’s a go-to during apple season, along with favorites like apple dump cake, Dutch apple pie and apple pie cupcakes recipe!

Ingredient Notes

  • Apples: Peeled, chopped and cut into slices.
  • Lemon juice: This keeps the color of the apples vibrant and fresh.
  • Granulated sugar: Substitute up to a 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar for more caramel flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm and comforting flavor to both the spiced apple filling and topping.
  • Streusel topping: Cold butter, flour, old-fashioned rolled oats and brown sugar.
Sliced apples for apple crisp on cutting board.

Best Type of Apples to Use

You can make this easy apple crisp dessert recipe with any type of apple, however I’ve found that the best apples to use have both a crisp and tart flavor. You could even use a blend of a few varieties!

  • Fuji
  • Granny Smith
  • Honeycrisp
  • Golden Delicious
  • Gala
  • Empire

How to Make Apple Crisp

A four step photo collage showing how to make apple crisp.
  1. Layer apples and toss with cinnamon sugar. Add sliced apples to a 9×13″ baking pan. Toss with lemon juice. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and then sprinkle over the apples. 
  2. Make topping. In a large bowl, combine the flour and butter with a pastry mixer. Then add in oats, brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix until combined and then crumble over top of the apples.
  3. Bake. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with nuts if desired then bake an additional 10 minutes. 
  4. Serve. Serve warm a la mode style with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
Close-up of a spoonful of apple crisp dessert with tender cinnamon apples and golden oat topping.

Tips and Variations

  • Peel the apples so they bake up soft and tender. Leaving the skin on can make the texture a bit chewy.
  • Slice them thin and evenly to help them cook through. Thick or uneven slices may stay too firm.
  • Skip the oats for a more apple cobbler like topping. The crumble will still turn out buttery and delicious.
  • Add extra spices like nutmeg, apple pie spice, or pumpkin pie spice to boost the warm flavor.
  • Cut the recipe in half and bake in an 8×8-inch pan if you’re serving a smaller group.
  • Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Add them to the topping or sprinkle on before baking.
Plated serving of apple crisp dessert topped with vanilla ice cream on a white plate.

More easy apple desserts include these cinnamon oat baked apples, caramel apple pie bars, apple cake and apple crepes.

More Apple Dessert Recipes

Spoonful of apple crisp.

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

4.92 from 37 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12
A classic for a reason, this easy apple crisp dessert delivers all the warm, cozy vibes of fall with tender cinnamon apples topped with a golden oat crumble.
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Ingredients 

  • 8 cups raw apples , peeled and sliced
  • 1 lemon , juiced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar , could sub for 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Topping:

  • 8-12 Tablespoons butter , cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar , packed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts and/or coconut

For serving (optional): Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce

Instructions

  • Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lay 8 cups sliced apples in a 9×13" baking pan. Toss with 4 teaspoons lemon juice. Mix 3/4 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon together and then sprinkle over the apples. 
  • Make crisp topping: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour and 8-12 Tablespoons butter with a pastry mixer. Then add in 1 cup oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until combined and then crumble over top of the apples.
  • Bake. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and top with nuts and coconut (if desired). Bake an additional 10 minutes. 
  • Serve. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enjoy!

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Note: Make sure to slice your apples pretty thin. If they are too thick, they wont be as soft when they bake. 
Storing: This dessert tastes best served warm on the first day. Store any leftovers in a covered container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 20mg, Sodium: 72mg, Potassium: 161mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 278IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

What are the best apples for apple crisp?

You can use almost any variety, but the best apples are crisp and slightly tart. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the topping. I like using Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Gala, or Empire apple. A mix can add even more depth of flavor.

How do I make my apple crisp filling thicken?

If your filling turns out watery, make sure to follow the recipe amounts and include the flour. You can also mix in a little cornstarch. Bake for the full time listed and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before serving so the juices can set.

Is it necessary to peel the apples for crisp?

Yes, for the best texture. Apple peels can become chewy and add extra moisture, which may affect the consistency of the filling.

How to store leftover apple crisp?

Serve warm on the first day for the best texture. Store leftovers in a covered container for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to help the topping crisp up again, or use the microwave for convenience.

Can I freeze easy apple crisp?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.