When I was a kid, the first sign of autumn at our house wasn’t the chill in the air it was the smell. My dad would come in from raking leaves with his jacket smelling faintly of wood smoke, and my mom would pull a baking dish from the oven that crackled like a tiny bonfire: an Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple, bubbling and warm.
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Table of Contents
That simple dessert taught me two lessons: the best recipes are easy enough to make any night, and good food always brings people together. Today I make this same apple crisp when I want comfort, when I want a quick crowd pleaser, or when I want my kitchen to smell like home.
Intro
Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple starts with real apples, a buttery oat crumble, and a splash of lemon, and it’s delicious from the first bite to the last. This version is straightforward, quick, and built for busy cooks who want classic flavor without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple
This Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple balances tender baked apples with a crunchy oat topping, think Apple Crisp With Real Apples meeting a golden Oatmeal Crumb. It’s easier than pie (no rolling crust), faster than many cobblers, and flexible enough to be a dessert, brunch topping, or breakfast treat. If you enjoy the comforting flavors of Apple Pie With Oats or the rustic charm of an Apple Cobbler Recipe With Oats, you’ll fall for this simple crisp.
Ingredients for Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple
Below is a clear table of ingredient groups so you can shop at a glance.
Apple Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix) | 6 medium (about 2¼ lbs) |
| Granulated sugar | 1/3 cup |
| Brown sugar (light) | 2 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1½ tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Cornstarch or all-purpose flour | 1–2 tbsp (for thickening) |
| Pinch of salt | 1/8 tsp |
Oat Crumb Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 1½ cups |
| All-purpose flour | 3/4 cup |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 3/4 cup |
| Granulated sugar (optional) | 1–2 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 10 tbsp (1¼ sticks) |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Optional: chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) | 1/2 cup |
Quick Notes:
- Yield: serves 8 (about 8 generous scoops).
- Prep time: 15–20 minutes. Bake time: 40–45 minutes.
Ingredient Notes (substitutions, healthy swaps)
- Apples: Use real, firm apples — Granny Smith (tart) and Honeycrisp (sweet) pair beautifully. Mixing varieties gives better depth of flavor.
- Oats: Old-fashioned oats make a substantial Apple Crumb Topping; quick oats are OK but produce a softer finish.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
- Lower sugar: Reduce sugar by 25–50% in filling; the apples and browned topping still taste sweet.
- Dairy-free: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter (use same amount).
- Nut addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty crunch (great with the Oatmeal Apple Crisp Easy vibe).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 or similar baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Wash, peel (optional), core, and slice apples into roughly 1/4-inch slices.
Step 2 – Make the Apple Filling
Place the sliced apples into a large bowl. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine. If your apples are very juicy, stir in 1–2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour to thicken the filling as it bakes.
Step 3 – Make the Oat Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly. At this point, fold in chopped nuts if using. The topping should be slightly sticky but still loose.
Step 4 – Assemble
Transfer the apple filling into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle the oat crumb topping evenly over the apples so the fruit is fully covered.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. If the topping browns too fast, tent loosely with foil after 25–30 minutes.
Step 6 – Rest & Serve
Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes so the filling sets. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt for a lighter option.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose firm apples — they hold texture and avoid mushy filling.
- Slice consistently — even slices bake at the same rate for uniform tenderness.
- Don’t overwork the topping — stir until ingredients just come together to keep it crumbly.
- Tent if browning too quickly — foil after 25 minutes prevents burning.
- Re-crisp leftover topping — reheat in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes uncovered.
- Boost flavor — add 1/2 tsp nutmeg or 1/4 tsp ground ginger to the filling for warm spice notes.
Flavor Variations (3–5 ideas)
- Maple Pecan Apple Crisp: Substitute 2 tbsp maple syrup for 2 tbsp sugar and fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
- Caramel Apple Oat Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before topping and again when serving.
- Berry-Apple Oat Crisp: Stir 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) into the apples.
- Apple Pear Oat Crisp: Replace half the apples with sliced pears for a softer, floral sweetness.
- Apple Crumble With Nuts & Seeds: Add 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds and 1/4 cup chopped almonds to the topping for texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic).
- Spoon over plain Greek yogurt for breakfast — the crisp doubles as a topping.
- Serve with a cup of strong coffee or hot apple cider.
- Plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a cinnamon sugar sprinkle for presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store cooled crisp covered in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes to refresh the topping.
- Freeze: Freeze assembled (unbaked) or baked crisp for up to 3 months. If frozen unbaked, bake straight from frozen, add 10–15 minutes to baking time and cover with foil the first 20 minutes.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the crisp and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving about 1/8 of recipe)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 kcal | 3.5 g | 55 g | 13 g | 4.5 g | 150 mg |
(Estimated — depends on apple variety, butter, and any add-ins. Calories rounded.)
FAQ About Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple
How is apple crisp different from apple crumble or cobbler?
Apple crisp typically includes oats in the topping (creating an oatmeal crumb texture). A crumble often uses a more buttery streusel without oats, and a cobbler has a biscuit or cake-like topping. This recipe sits between crisp and crumble with its hearty oat topping.
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes. Thaw frozen apple slices and drain excess juice (pat dry) before tossing with sugar and spices to avoid a watery filling. You may need slightly less thickener.
What apples work best?
Firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady hold up well. Mixing tart and sweet varieties yields the most balanced flavor.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Bake uncovered and allow the crisp to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. Avoid covering while still hot (steam softens oats). To refresh later, reheat uncovered in the oven.
Can I make this gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free. For vegan, swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use maple syrup if you want less refined sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Crisp Recipe Easy Simple is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With pantry staples and a handful of steps, you get warm baked apples under a satisfyingly crunchy oat topping. It’s a reliably cozy dessert that doubles as a special breakfast or brunch topping and it’s easy to adapt to what you have on hand. Make it for guests or for a quiet night at home; either way, it brings warmth and familiar flavors to the table.
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