Name: Classic Apple Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

Do you crave that perfect fall dessert that combines warm spices, tender apples, and a crunchy topping? Classic Apple Crisp is the kind of nostalgic comfort bake that turns simple ingredients into something soul-soothing. It’s that rustic charm on your table that wins hearts with every bite.

Unlike traditional pies, apple crisp skips the fuss of dough and delivers a buttery, crumbly topping that complements gooey spiced apples underneath. It’s just as inviting for weeknight treats as it is for holiday gatherings. If you have apples in your kitchen right now, you may already be halfway there.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To set yourself up for apple crisp success, make sure you have the right equipment on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

Baking dish (8×8 or 9×13): A ceramic or glass baking dish ensures even heat distribution, crucial for soft, bubbling apples and a golden topping.
Mixing bowls: One for the apple mixture and another for the crisp topping; separate mixing avoids soggy or uneven textures.
Pastry cutter or forks: Helps blend butter into the dry topping ingredients for that perfectly crumbly finish.
Peeler and apple corer: These simplify prepping your apples and speed things up significantly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters when it comes to the cinnamon-sugar balance.
Oven thermometer (optional): Ensures your oven is running at the correct temperature, as crisp toppings can brown too quickly or not enough.

Ingredients for the Classic Apple Crisp

Apples: The star of this dish. Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Granulated sugar: Helps the apples release their juices and enhances natural sweetness.
Brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-rich flavor to both filling and topping.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that gives apple crisp its signature fall taste.
Nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle complexity that rounds out the spice profile.
Lemon juice: Brightens the apple filling and prevents browning.
All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickener for the filling and gives structure to the crumble topping.
Old-fashioned oats: Adds chew and texture to the crisp topping.
Butter: The rich binder that creates that golden, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors.

How To Make the Classic Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Toss them in a mixing bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, a bit of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures the filling is spiced and thickened.

Step 2: Arrange the Filling

Spread the apple mixture evenly into your greased baking dish, creating a flat base for the topping to sit nicely.

Step 3: Mix the Crumble Topping

In another bowl, stir together oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or forks until it forms coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Serve and Store Your Classic Apple Crisp

Serve warm right out of the oven, preferably with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent twist, try it with caramel sauce drizzled on top.

To store, let the crisp cool completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely. Mixing tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp adds depth to the flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the filling and topping separately and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving.

What if I don’t have oats?

You can skip the oats and increase the flour to make more of a streusel topping, though it will lack that signature crisp texture.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Make sure your apple mixture isn’t too wet and always use cold butter when preparing the topping.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add an excellent crunch and flavor boost.

Want More Apple Dessert Ideas?

You might also love my Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake—a breakfast-turned-dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee. Or explore a twist with Apple Enchiladas, where warm spiced apples meet tender tortillas.

For slow-cooked coziness, check out the Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples recipe. If you’re looking for a layered dessert vibe, try the Apple & Raspberry Crescent Rolls—perfectly flaky and bright.

Those who enjoy crowd-pleasing treats should also explore Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries, an easy no-bake option that balances fruitiness with creaminess.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go classic or tweak the topping? Drop a comment below. You can also find more sweet inspiration over on my Pinterest @LadyPlate where I post daily favorites and seasonal recipes.