Name: Apple Crisp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Why You’ll Love Apple Crisp Recipe

Because it comes together easily, delivers rich flavour, and offers a comforting contrast of soft baked fruit and crisp topping. The combination of apples, cinnamon, brown sugar and oats gives you flavour, texture and that “home‑baked” feel.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Topping:
• all‑purpose flour
• old‑fashioned oats
• light brown sugar
• salt
• ground cinnamon
• unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Apples:
• peeled and thinly sliced apples
• apple juice (or orange juice)
• granulated sugar
• all‑purpose flour
• ground cinnamon
• pure vanilla extract
• (optional: vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for serving)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C). Grease a 9‑inch deep dish pie plate or a 9×9 inch square baking dish.
For the topping: In a bowl combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until everything is incorporated. Set the mixture aside (or chill briefly) while you prepare the apples.
For the apple filling: In a large bowl toss the peeled, thinly‑sliced apples with the juice (apple or orange), granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon and vanilla until well combined.
Spread the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, pressing some of it together to form little clumps for added texture.
Cover the baking dish loosely with a piece of foil (spray the foil with non‑stick spray to keep topping from sticking). Bake for about 20 minutes covered.
Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25‑30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, the apples are tender, and the juices are bubbling around the edges.
Allow to cool slightly so the juices can thicken. Serve warm—especially good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6–8
Prep time: ~25 minutes
Cook time: ~45 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of apple varieties (for example, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady) to give varied flavour and texture.
For a less sweet version, use tart apples (such as Granny Smith) or reduce the brown sugar slightly in the topping.
Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves with the cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.
Make it gluten‑free by using gluten‑free oats and a gluten‑free flour blend in the topping.
For a vegan version—use plant‑based butter and serve with dairy‑free ice cream.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the crisp covered and it will stay fresh for several days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat individual servings in the microwave to warm through. If reheating a larger portion, you can place it in a 325 °F (about 160 °C) oven until warmed, about 10–15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen apples, but they will release more moisture so you may need to increase the thickening flour slightly and extend bake time so the juices fully bubble and the topping crisps.

2. Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling gives a smoother texture and classic appearance, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic look and added fibre. Just ensure the apples are thinly sliced so they cook evenly.

3. What size of apple slices should I use?

Aim for slices about ¼‑inch thick or thinner so that the apples soften fully during baking and you avoid large chunks that remain too firm.

4. Can I assemble this ahead of time and bake later?

Yes. You can prepare the filling and topping and store them (separately) in the refrigerator. Just add the topping just before baking, and bake as directed when ready.

5. Can this recipe be frozen?

Yes — you can assemble the crisp (or even fully bake it), then freeze it. If frozen raw, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake (you may need to add a few extra minutes of bake time). If frozen baked, reheat thoroughly before serving.

6. What kind of apples work best?

Good choices are Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji (for sweetness) or Granny Smith (for tartness). Using a mixture of apples gives better flavour complexity.

7. My topping got too brown before the apples were tender — what went wrong?

That often happens if the topping is exposed for too long or the apples didn’t soften early enough. Covering the dish for the first part of baking helps the apples cook before the topping browns. Make sure your foil is lightly sprayed to prevent sticking and remove it for the final part of baking to crisp the topping.

8. How can I make the topping more crunchy?

You can increase the oats slightly or press small clumps of topping when you add it (so thicker bits crisp up more). Also baking uncovered for the last 20‑30 minutes helps the topping crisp up.

9. My apple mixture is watery after baking — how to avoid that?

Make sure you add enough flour in the filling to help absorb juices, slice the apples relatively thin and evenly, and bake until you see bubbling juices around the edges (that helps indicate juices have thickened). Slight cooling helps the juices set too.

10. Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Yes — you could adapt the same topping to other fruits like pears, peaches, or a berry mix. Choose fruits that bake well and adjust sugar levels depending on their natural sweetness or tartness.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting, simple dessert that highlights seasonal apples and combines flavours and textures everyone loves, this apple crisp hits the mark. It’s easy enough for everyday baking yet special enough for guests or celebrations. Warm, satisfying, and ready to pair with vanilla ice cream or caramel—this is one you’ll return to again and again.