For all the apple pie-lovers who don’t have time to make pie, this is the best easy Apple Crisp recipe with a sweet spiced apple filling and a crispy brown sugar oat streusel topping!
With less than two weeks until Thanksgiving, I’m guessing you already have your turkey recipe in mind. And you probably have a pretty good idea what sides you’ll be making too!
But if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably add a new side dish or two at the last minute just for fun. (You never know what could be a new favorite!)
The real question is, do you have your Thanksgiving dessert menu all planned yet? If not, this easy-to-make fall classic is the way to go.
Apples are one of the best things about fall, and what says fall dessert better than apple pie, right?! The only downside is that pie can be a little tricky and time consuming to make.
Enter this Easy Apple Crisp recipe!
This Apple Crisp has a gooey apple pie-like filling that’s warmly spiced, and sweet but not too sweet. The crispy topping is very similar to a crumbly, buttery streusel. I like to add oats for texture and subtle nutty flavor.
Not only is this fall treat delicious, but there’s no struggling to make crust or hour-long bake time! This recipe takes just 30 minutes of hands-on time to make, and just 30 minutes to cook. It’s as easy to make as it is yummy.
And this dessert is pretty impressive. Who wouldn’t want to sit down to a bowl of Apple Crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream?!
The Best Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats
This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser! It’s an easy way to add another dessert to your holiday spread. But it’s also a perfect treat for anytime in autumn.
Here’s what you're going to love about this recipe:
- It has a gooey apple filling that’s just like apple pie filling.
- Perfect sweetness level! It's sweet but not too sweet, and has just the right amount of warm spices.
- The topping has a buttery brown sugar flavor with delicious texture from oats.
- You only need 30 minutes of hands-on prep time to make this, no pie crust needed!
- It cooks in just 30 minutes.
- This reheats well and you can make it ahead of time.
- Apple Crisp is basically heaven in a bowl, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into it.
Ingredients in Apple Crisp
Apple Filling:
- Granny Smith apples
- Fresh lemon juice
- Sugar
- Flour
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Crumble Topping:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Flour
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
How to Make Apple Crisp From Scratch
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Put the apple slices into a large bowl and toss with lemon juice.
- Stir in the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Let the apples sit until they release their juices, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. You should be able to see the liquid pooling in the bottom of the bowl; that's what will make this gooey and delicious!
- Mash the butter in a large bowl, and then stir in the brown sugar and salt.
- Add the flour and oats to the butter/brown sugar mixture.
- Combine until the mixture is crumbly. (The best way to do this is with your hands!)
- Spread the apple filling out (including the juices!) into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and sprinkle on the crumble topping. Bake until golden and bubbling.
Apple Crisp Recipe FAQs
What is the Difference Between Apple Crisp and Apple Cobbler?
Apple Crisp has a crunchy layer on top, often containing oats. Alternatively, Apple Cobbler has a dough-based layer on top often consisting of biscuits or thick crust.
What Are the Best Apples For Apple Crisp?
I like to use Granny Smith apples for this recipe because their tart flavor adds depth and balance to the sweet topping and the sugar in the filling.
Additionally, I find that Granny Smith apples hold their shape well and don’t get mushy when they’re baked.
Does Apple Crisp Need to be Refrigerated?
Yes. After it’s cooled to room temperature, store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can I Reheat Apple Crisp?
Yes! This dessert reheats well in the microwave. Or you can make this ahead of time and reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven (uncovered) until warm throughout, about 15 to 30 minutes.
More Apple Desserts and Baked Goods to Make
- Baked Apple Doughnuts Recipe with Apple Cider Glaze or Cinnamon Sugar
- Apple Hand Pies
- Low Carb Apple Bread
- Cinnamon Apple Blondies
- Apple Slab Pie with Nutty Oat Crumble Topping
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The BEST Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
- 2 ½ pounds Granny Smith apples
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping:
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter softened slightly but not melted
- ¾ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
For the Apple Filling:
- Peel and core the apples, and then cut them into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Add the sliced apple to a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice to coat.
- Stir in the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg and gently toss to coat the apples.
- Let the apples sit at room temperature until they start seeping liquid, about 45 to 60 minutes.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Mash the butter with a fork or beat it with an electric mixer.
- Combine the butter, brown sugar, and salt.
- Add the flour and oats and combine until the mixture is in large crumbles. You can use a fork, but this works best if you combine the mixture with your fingertips.
To Assemble and Bake the Apple Crisp:
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Pour the apple filling (including the juice) into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly on top.
- Bake until the crisp is golden on top and bubbling around the outside, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool slightly and serve.
Faith's Tips
- Serving Suggestion: You can serve Apple Crisp warm, cold, or at room temperature. If desired, serve topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store leftovers wrapped in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- To Reheat: Apple Crisp reheats well in the microwave. Or you can reheat the entire dish of Apple Crisp in a 350F oven (uncovered) until warm throughout, about 15 to 30 minutes.
Nutrition
This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on November 13, 2020. I updated it with more information on October 8, 2021.
Betsy says
Thank you Faith! I have no time to make my mom’s apple pie recipe! This I can do!
Fiona says
I came accros this recipe last year when looking for a warming dessert with my favourite spices. In Scotland, we call this dessert Apple Crumble . Yours is especially good with the oats adding a special crunch to the topping.
I will be making this again for our family get-togethers. It’s such a lovely recipe, easy to make and is the best of all the Apple Crisp /Crumble recipes I have mase.