Name: Apple Oatmeal Crisp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-490039H30M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced; 1 cup white sugar; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup water; 1 cup quick-cooking oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup packed brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup butter, melted

Why You’ll Love Apple Oatmeal Crisp Recipe

The oat and flour crumb gives both a crisp top and a crunchy bottom layer for extra texture.
It’s flexible — you can easily swap out apples, adjust sweetness or add mix‑ins to make it your own.
It comes together in about an hour, using simple ingredients you probably already have.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

brown sugar
rolled oats
all‑purpose flour
butter, melted
apples (peeled, cored and chopped)
white sugar
ground cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease an 8‑inch square pan.
In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour and melted butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
Place half of the crumb mixture in the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing or spreading it evenly.
Spread the chopped apples evenly over the bottom crumb layer.
Sprinkle the white sugar and cinnamon over the apples.
Top with the remaining crumb mixture, spreading it evenly over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven until the apples are bubbling and the top is crisp, golden‑brown and caramelised around the edges — about 40 to 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: approximately 20 minutes
Bake time: approximately 40 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour

Variations

Use a mix of apple varieties (for example, tangy Granny Smith and sweet Fuji) for more flavour contrast.
Stir in chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) into the crumb mixture for added crunch.
Add dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) over the apples before the topping goes on.
Swap part of the flour for whole‑wheat flour or add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper flavour.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place a slice in a preheated oven at about 325 °F (160 °C) for 10‑15 minutes (or until warmed through and the topping crisp again). Alternatively, microwave individual portions for about 30‑60 seconds, though the topping may soften.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best?

Use apples that hold their shape during baking — for example, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Fuji. You can also mix varieties for both sweetness and tartness.

Can I use old fashioned oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats are preferred because they hold up nicely and give good texture. Old‑fashioned oats may work but the topping may be less crisp.

Is it necessary to put crumb mixture on the bottom?

Yes — putting half the crumb mixture on the bottom gives a nice base layer and enhances texture. You could omit the bottom layer, but you’ll lose that extra crisp‑base bite.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. You can assemble the crisp, cover it and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just increase baking time slightly if the pan is cold.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Yes — once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2‑3 months. Reheat from frozen in an oven at ~350 °F (175 °C) until heated through.

How can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce both the brown sugar and white sugar by about ¼‑to‑½ cup depending on your taste and how sweet your apples are. You may also use less sweet apple varieties.

My topping was soggy — what went wrong?

Possible reasons: using apples that release a lot of juice, not baking long enough, or having the crumb mixture too packed. Ensure the apples are not over‑crowded, bake until bubbling, and the topping looks golden.

Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?

Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger or even allspice will give the dish a warmer flavour profile. Just add with the cinnamon.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

You can try substituting the all‑purpose flour with a gluten‑free flour blend and confirm your oats are certified gluten‑free. Texture may vary slightly.

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, but thaw and drain them so excess moisture doesn’t make the crisp soggy. Adjust baking time as needed since the filling may release more liquid.

Conclusion

This apple oatmeal crisp offers the perfect blend of tender fruit and crunchy topping — a dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. With easy variations and straightforward storage options, it’s a go‑to for gatherings or when you want a warm homemade treat. Enjoy every comforting bite!