Name: Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs apples; 3 Tbsp sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, room temperature; 1/8 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 16 reviews

If you’re craving cozy comfort food that’s simple to whip up and absolutely delicious, this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. I remember the first time I made this—it took barely any time, but filled my kitchen with such a warm, inviting aroma that I couldn’t wait to dig in. The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and the buttery oat topping come together perfectly to create a dessert that’s homey and satisfying. Stick with me and I’ll share everything you need to nail this classic treat every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy stuff—just basics you likely have on hand, which makes it easy to toss together anytime.
Perfect Texture: The tender, spiced apples balance beautifully with the crisp, buttery oat topping for a delightful contrast in every bite.
Time-Efficient: Just 15 minutes prep and a 45-minute bake means you get a warm dessert on the table fast.
Versatile & Customizable: Easily swap spices or toppings to match your taste or what’s in your kitchen.

A white bowl filled with a warm apple crumble. The bottom layer shows thick slices of cooked apples with a soft orange-brown color mixed with a sticky sauce. On top is a crumbly oat topping made of light brown oats and soft, golden brown crumbs. A dollop of white cream rests on one side of the bowl. A silver spoon is scooping some crumble from the right side. The whole bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is in how the ingredients play off each other—sweet, tart apples get cozy with warm spices while the oat topping adds that satisfyingly crunchy, buttery finish that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Apples: I like using a mix of sweet and tart varieties, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for fantastic flavor and the perfect balance of soft and firm when baked.
Sugar (granulated & brown): Granulated sugar sweetens the apple filling, while brown sugar in the topping adds moisture and that signature caramel-like richness.
Cinnamon and Spices (ginger, cloves): These warm spices transform simple apples into a cozy autumn treat—don’t skip them!
All-purpose flour: It’s the secret to thickening the apple juices and creating structure in the oat topping.
Rolled oats: They give the topping a hearty texture and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the tender fruit underneath.
Butter: Don’t cheat yourself—softened butter works best to bind the topping and create that irresistible crumbly texture.
Vanilla extract: A small splash adds depth and rounds out the spices perfectly.
Salt: Just a pinch in the topping amps up the flavor—trust me, it’s essential!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it spicier, sweeter, or even gluten-free, this recipe invites creativity without making things complicated.

Spice it up: I sometimes add nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist—give it a try if you want a little extra warmth in your crisp!
Make it gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour, and use certified gluten-free oats to keep the topping just as tasty.
Go nutty: Toasted chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled into the topping add a lovely crunch and nutty depth.
Fruit mix-up: Try mixing pears or berries with your apples for seasonal variation and layers of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Love

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then, core and slice about two pounds of apples into quarter- to half-inch thick slices—peeling is totally optional depending on your preference. I personally like to keep the peel on for extra texture and color, but if you prefer a softer bite, peeling helps. Toss the slices into a large mixing bowl and get ready to give them some spice magic.

Step 2: Coat the Apples with the Perfect Spice Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Sprinkle this evenly over your sliced apples, then drizzle with vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure each apple slice gets coated in the sweet, spicy mixture. This step is what transforms plain apples into that comforting, aromatic fruit filling we all love.

Step 3: Make That Irresistible Oat Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut your softened butter into small chunks, then use your hands to work it into the oat mixture. Keep going until it looks crumbly and slightly damp—kind of like beach sand. This tactile step is one of my favorites—it feels so satisfying, and it really ensures the best texture!

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the coated apples evenly in a baking dish, then sprinkle the oat topping all over. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling around the edges—your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 5: Serve It Warm & Happy

I love serving mine fresh out of the oven with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s pure bliss. But honestly, even on its own, this apple crisp is a hug on a plate.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Topping: Mixing the butter into the oat mixture with your hands until just crumbly prevents a heavy or greasy topping.
Choose the Right Apples: Combining tart and sweet apples offers depth of flavor and perfect texture after baking.
Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: This helps the juices thicken a bit so you don’t end up with a runny dessert.
Watch Your Bake Time: Oven temperatures vary; start checking 5-10 minutes early to avoid burning the topping.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

A white dish with two handles holds a warm apple crumble dessert. The bottom layer shows soft, thin apple slices partially covered by a thick, golden-brown oat crumble topping that looks crunchy and textured with visible oats. On top, there are two round scoops of vanilla ice cream, smooth and creamy, slightly melting into the crumble. A spoon with a white handle and decorative silver detail rests inside the dish, scooping some of the crumble. The background is a white marbled surface with some scattered oats in a small metal measuring cup and an apple slice partially visible nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a classic vanilla scoop kind of person when it comes to garnishes. The cold creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced crisp. You can also try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts on top if you want to get fancy. Fresh mint leaves make a pretty, fresh garnish if serving to guests.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but if you’re planning a full meal, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a cup of cinnamon spiced hot cider. After a hearty dinner, it’s a comforting way to round things off without feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this apple crisp in individual ramekins for a bit of charm and easier portion control. Another fun idea I’ve tried is layering it in a trifle dish with whipped cream between layers—makes it look fancy but still keeps the simple flavors front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crisp keeps really well in the fridge, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. I’ve found it stays fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Just pop it in the oven to warm before serving again—trust me, it tastes just as good the next day!

Freezing

If you want to make it ahead for a party or simply batch-cook, this crisp freezes wonderfully. I recommend assembling and baking it first, then letting it cool fully before wrapping tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it in a 325ºF oven until heated through—usually about 15-20 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps crisp up the topping again, giving you that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain them well before mixing with the sugar and spices to avoid excess moisture making the crisp soggy. Cooking times might need a few extra minutes to account for the added liquid.
What if I don’t have rolled oats?

You can substitute quick oats, but the texture will be less chewy and more crumbly. Avoid using instant oats, which can get too soft and gummy when baked.
Is there a way to make this vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a good-quality plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Check the oats to ensure they’re certified vegan if needed.
Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Use a larger baking dish and slightly increase baking time, checking doneness periodically. The flavors and textures hold up well when scaled.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure to coat the apples with flour and spices well to thicken the juices, and avoid stirring the crisp while it bakes. Also, letting the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes helps the topping stay crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is one of those desserts I always come back to when I want something warm, cozy, and reliably delicious. It’s quick to make, forgiving for beginners, and endlessly adaptable. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do—there’s nothing like sharing a warm, comforting bowl of apple crisp with friends or family to make any day feel special.