The smell hits firstwarm, cinnamon-sugar apples bubbling under a golden, crumbly top. It’s like coming home after school to Mom’s house, only now your house smells better. This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe has been everywhere latelythanks, TikTokand for good reason. It’s crowd-pleasing, fail-proof, and gives your kitchen that cozy fall feeling in under an hour.
This is the kind of quick dessert that only needs a few pantry basics: canned apple pie filling, oats, brown sugar, and a little butter magic. Think of it like a shortcut to Grandma’s famous apple dessertwithout peeling a single apple. You’ll love how fast this comes together and how it still feels homemade. Full details in the blog!
I’ve made more crisps than I can countsome too soggy, some too crunchy, one with salt instead of sugar (never again). But this one? It hits the sweet spot every time. Our family kept grabbing seconds straight from the pan. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy apple crisp recipe is pure comfort food that brings back all the fall nostalgia. Imagine the perfect mix of soft, sweet apples coated in cinnamon, topped with a buttery oat crumbleit’s cozy in every bite! Plus, it’s the ultimate fallback dessert when you need something quick and practical. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner party or just a weeknight treat, this dish is a must-have in your recipe arsenal.
One of the best parts? No fancy equipment or skills are required! In fact, even if your baking adventures usually involve a little chaos (been there!), this recipe is almost impossible to mess up. The ingredients are simple and flexible, and if you’re gluten-free or vegan, it’s so easy to adaptyou don’t have to miss out on this fall magic.
Quick and family-friendly: Ready in just over an hour and serves eight.
No peeling needed: You can even use canned apple filling for an express version.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite spices or add nuts for extra crunch.
Key Ingredients & Tools
This apple crisp keeps things delightfully simple. Here’s everything you’ll need:
**Apples:** A mix of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples gives you the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
**Spices:** Cinnamon makes this classic, but feel free to bring out your chai spice for a twist.
**Crumble topping:** Rolled oats, brown sugar, and butter (or coconut oil, if vegan) come together for that irresistible golden crust.
Lemon juice: A bright pop of acid keeps your apples from browning and enhances their flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken all those delicious juices so your crisp is never watery.
For tools, keep it simple: a 13 x 9” baking dish, a large bowl for mixing, a vegetable peeler, and a trusty wooden spoon. If you’re short on time or patience, canned apple pie filling saves the day!
Pro Tip:
Make this recipe your own by adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for a nutty crunch. Or, skip the cinnamon and go wild with a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this warm and dreamy quick apple crisp is a breeze, even for beginners. Let’s get baking:
Prep your oven: Preheat to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish.
Slice your apples: Peel, core, and chop into 1” chunks. Easy tip: Stand the apple on the flat side for safe slicing!
Mix your apples: Toss the apple chunks with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and a dash of cinnamon. Spread evenly in the dish.
Make the topping: Melt the butter, then mix it with oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
Assemble & bake: Sprinkle that buttery crumble generously over the apples. Bake for 50–60 minutes until bubbly and golden. If the top browns too fast, loosely cover it with foil.
Step
Action
Time
1
Prep oven and baking dish
5 mins
2
Slice and mix apples with spices
10 mins
3
Prepare the crisp topping
10 mins
4
Assemble and bake
50–60 mins
Serving & Storage Tips
Nothing beats serving this fall apple crisp warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a comforting brunch twist, try it with Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top!
Any leftover crisp (if there IS any!) can be stored right in the baking dish, covered tightly, or transferred to an airtight container. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Room Temp: Store for up to 2 days (though the topping will stay crispier on day one).
Fridge: Keeps for 4–5 days, but the topping softens slightly with time.
Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Whether you’re sneaking spoonfuls cold from the fridge or enjoying it crackling-hot out of the oven, this simple apple crisp recipe is proof that the easiest desserts are often the best.
Pro Tip:
Want to assemble ahead of time? Combine the apple filling and topping separately, then layer and bake fresh. This keeps the crumbly topping from getting soggy before baking.
Expert Insight: The Science Behind an Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
An easy apple crisp recipe relies on balancing tart and sweet apples with a crunchy topping that contrasts textures. Using a mix of apples enhances flavor complexity, while oats and nuts in the crisp provide a satisfying bite, making this dessert both simple and scientifically sound for optimal taste and texture.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Journey to the Best Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
After a handful of triessome too soggy, others too crumblyI finally found the perfect balance for this easy apple crisp recipe. Years of tweaking taught me exactly when to pull it from the oven for that golden, bubbling top and tender filling my family can’t stop asking for.
FAQs ( Easy Apple Crisp Recipe )
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness. Mixing varieties can add depth. Avoid overly soft apples to prevent a mushy texture in this dish.
Can I use canned apple filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes, canned apple filling works well and speeds up prep time. Reduce added sugar slightly since canned fillings are often sweetened. Make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy base in this meal.
How do I make the crisp topping crunchy?
Use cold butter cut into small pieces mixed thoroughly with oats and brown sugar. Bake until golden and bubbling for the best crunch. Avoid overmixing the topping to keep it crumbly and crisp.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
This dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated uncovered. Bake just before serving for a fresh crisp top. If baking from chilled, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What are good serving suggestions?
This apple crisp pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. A dash of cinnamon on top can enhance flavors. Serve warm to fully enjoy the textures and aromas.
Conclusion
This easy apple crisp recipe wraps up everything we love about cozy dessertswarm, tender apples under a buttery oat topping, ready in about an hour. You’ll love how the cinnamon-scented aroma fills your kitchen and how that perfect crisp-to-soft balance happens without any fuss. It’s proof that simple ingredients and a little love make magic you can taste with every bite.
Here’s a tip I swear by: toss in a handful of toasted nuts or swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice to switch up the flavors without extra work. If you have leftovers (unlikely, but just in case), warm them gently in the oven to keep the topping crispmicrowaving soggifies that golden crust faster than you might think! These little tricks turn your quick apple crisp into something special every time, like a warm hug from your own kitchen.
I’d love to hear if this brings back any apple dessert memories or if you’ve added your own spin to this classic. Share your photos and stories so we can all savor the comfort together. Don’t forget to save this easy apple crisp recipe for the next chilly night when you need a little homemade joy. Happy baking, friends!
This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe features tender apples with warm cinnamon and a hearty oatmeal crumble. Perfect for fall, it’s a simple apple dessert that fits both homemade apple crisp easy and quick apple crisp needs.
Ingredients
Scale
3 pounds apples (I used half Granny Smith and half Pink Lady apples)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon divided
1/2 cup unsalted butter substitute with melted coconut oil for vegan option
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all purpose flour substitute with gluten free 1 to 1 flour or almond flour to make gluten free
1/3 cup brown sugar packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel and chop apples into 1 inch chunks.
Combine apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a large bowl.
Pour apple mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Melt butter and mix with oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt.
Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over the apple layer.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
Apple crisp may be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge until 30-45 minutes before baking time bring to room temperature prior to baking for more even baking
Leftovers may be stored in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days Note that the crumble topping will become soggy after refrigeration
The granulated and brown sugars may be substituted with an equal amount of coconut sugar if you’d like to make this crisp refined sugar free
Make this a gluten free apple crisp by substituting the flour with Gluten Free 1 to 1 flour or almond flour
The butter may be substituted with the same amount of coconut oil for a dairy free vegan alternative
Change it up and add chopped walnuts or pecans in the crisp topping or use my Homemade Chai Spice instead of cinnamon!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
