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A plate with apple crumble topped with oats, served with a spoon on the side.

Best Apple Crisp Recipe

Author: Mandy Applegate
There’s a reason classic apple crisp is a favorite—it’s easy to make, incredibly comforting, and works for any occasion. The crisp topping adds the perfect crunch to the warm, cinnamon-spiced apples, creating a dessert that feels homemade in the best way. It comes together with simple ingredients, can be made ahead, and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Crisp
Servings: 8
Calories: 382kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 5 apples cubed
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup cold butter cubed
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x9-inch baking dish and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the cubed apples with sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until well coated. Transfer the apples to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
    5 apples, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, nutmeg, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the cold butter and cut it into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup quick-cooking oats, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ cup cold butter
  • Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  • Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 161mg | Potassium: 189mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 480IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 2mg
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