Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe

Apple crisp is the perfect way to turn fresh apples into a warm, comforting dessert with minimal effort. Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples bake until tender under a golden, buttery oat topping that’s crisp and crunchy in all the right ways.

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Classic apple crisp is my go-to for family dinners and gatherings because it’s always a hit. The crisp topping bakes up golden and buttery, while the spiced apples turn perfectly tender and tasting delicious. I love that it can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, and reheated for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Apple Crisp with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

You don’t need any fancy techniques to make a perfect apple crisp. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, golden-brown dessert ready in no time.

Prepare the Apples

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed apples with sugar and half of the cinnamon until they’re well coated. Layer them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, nutmeg, and the remaining cinnamon.

Add the cold butter and cut it in, using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling, making sure to cover them completely.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the apples are soft and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the apple crisp sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.

Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

I’ve made my easy apple crisp recipe plenty of times, and these tips will help you get the best texture and flavor every time.

• Choose the Right Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, gives the best balance of flavor.
• Cut Evenly: Slice or cube the apples into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and don’t turn mushy (don’t forget to peel them too).
• Cold Butter is Essential: Keeping the butter cold while making the crumble ensures a crispy, golden topping instead of a greasy one.
• Don’t Overmix the Topping: Stop mixing once the texture looks like coarse crumbs—overworking it can make it dense instead of crumbly.
• Check for Doneness: The apples should be soft when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be crisp and golden brown.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Giving the crisp a few minutes to rest before serving helps the juices thicken so you don’t end up with a watery dessert.
• Make It Your Own: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or mix in a handful of raisins with the apples for a little extra sweetness.

How to Store Leftover Apple Crisp

Leftover apple crisp can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

If you want it to last longer, place it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. To reheat, warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crumb topping again.

You can freeze apple crisp, but the topping may soften after thawing. If freezing, wrap it tightly and store it for up to three months.

More Easy Dessert Recipes for You to Try at Home

I have plenty of other simple and delicious dessert recipes you’ll love.

• Easy Peanut Butter Cake
• No Bake Chocolate Lasagna
• Bread Pudding
• Pecan Pie Cobbler
• Homemade Chocolate Brownies