Easy Apple Crisp

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Golden, buttery, and irresistibly warm, this Easy Apple Crisp is the kind of dessert that wraps you up in a cozy hug. The tender spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble and a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream make this classic treat truly unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, need a simple dessert for Sunday dinner, or just want to use up those apples sitting on your counter, this recipe delivers every time.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off. With basic pantry ingredients and just a few steps, you’ll be enjoying a bubbling dish of comfort in no time. Each bite is layered with cinnamon, brown sugar, and crisp oats – a familiar flavor combo that never goes out of style.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crisp

• Foolproof & Quick: It takes less than 15 minutes to prep.
• Uses Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items or fancy techniques.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great warm or cold, as-is or with toppings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: A nostalgic dessert that always gets compliments.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into peeling apples, make sure your kitchen is equipped with these essentials:

• 8×8 or 9×9 Baking Dish: This ensures the apples and topping bake evenly and gives you that golden-brown crisp.
• Mixing Bowls: One for the apple filling, one for the crumble topping.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To cut the butter into the oat topping until it’s crumbly.
• Peeler and Apple Corer: For prepping the apples quickly and uniformly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision makes a difference with baking.

Having these tools at hand speeds things up and helps create the perfect crisp texture and caramelized filling every time.

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Ingredients for the Easy Apple Crisp

• Apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): The star of the dessert. Tart apples balance the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and depth to both the filling and topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that warm, comforting spice every crisp needs.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Key for that perfect crumbly topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: Binds the topping and thickens the apple mixture slightly.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps the topping get beautifully crisp.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples fresh and bright while preventing browning.

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How To Make the Easy Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of apples. Toss them with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a bit of flour to create the juicy base.

Step 2: Mix the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Crisp

Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the oat crumble over the apples, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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How to Serve and Store Your Easy Apple Crisp

This dessert is best served warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For leftovers, let the crisp cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, pop individual portions into the microwave or re-crisp the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze it after baking – just wrap it tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare both the apple filling and the crumble topping in advance. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.

What are the best apples for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape and give a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the topping won’t be as textured. Rolled oats give you that hearty crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute with gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I make this vegan?

Use a plant-based butter and make sure your sugar and oats are vegan-certified.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Easy Apple Crisp, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy treats:

• Amish Applesauce Cake – Moist and warmly spiced with applesauce.
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A dessert fusion you didn’t know you needed.
• Brownie Refrigerator Cake – Chilled, layered, and easy to prep.
• Gooey Strawberry Earthquake Cake – Decadent and berry-loaded.
• Pecan Pie Lasagna – A layered twist on the classic pie.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add pecans? Serve it with caramel drizzle? Or try it with a different fruit combo?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more comforting, simple recipes over on my Pinterest page: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

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