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The Best Classic Apple Crisp Recipe with a Buttery, Crunchy Oat Topping

Close-up of a warm slice of apple crisp recipe showing gooey apples and a crunchy oat topping.
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You deserve a truly wonderful and warm dessert that feels like a big hug. This easy apple crisp recipe combines tender, sweet apples with a golden, buttery topping that offers just the right amount of crunch. We fixed the common pitfalls to give you a foolproof recipe for this ultimate fall comfort food baking treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar 2-quart dish.
  2. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
  3. Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  4. Prepare the buttery oat topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Cut the cold butter into the dry topping ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Do not overmix; you want texture for that perfect crunch.
  6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Press it down lightly.
  7. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to set slightly.
  9. Serve your warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best experience.

Notes

  • For the best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith provides structure, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness.
  • If you prefer a softer topping, you can chill the assembled crisp in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay cold longer, resulting in a crisper texture.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic cozy evening treat, but it is also great for holiday gatherings.

Nutrition

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