I love apple anything, especially this time of year. It’s so fun to go apple picking on a weekend afternoon and then come home to start baking. This easy apple crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts to make because it’s so simple, cozy, and delicious. I layer juicy apple filling with a crumbly, sweet, and oaty topping to create the ultimate comforting dessert.
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I just want to start out this easy apple crisp recipe by saying yum! I absolutely love fall because it brings the coziest recipes with it. Baking apples into anything and everything is a must during this season, so I’m really excited about this homemade apple crisp! I love the sweet flavor of the apples and the crunchy texture of the crumbly apple crisp topping. Together, it becomes the perfect fall dessert! Add a scoop of ice cream and you’re really in business.
What’s in This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?
- Apples: I prefer to use a tart variety, like Granny Smith, for this recipe. They hold up well to baking and aren’t too sweet.
- Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from browning.
- Orange Zest: Adds a touch of freshness to the apples.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the apples and the topping.
- Apple Pie Spice: Adds warmth to the apples and the topping.
- Butter: Unsalted butter binds the crumb topping and keeps it moist.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the crumb topping structure.
- Quick Oats: Add texture and flavor to the crumb topping.
Tips for Success
- I opted not to peel my apples since I like the added texture, but you can peel them if you prefer.
- For a little extra something, I like to fold some chopped walnuts into the filling.
- When I have a little extra time, I like to toast the oats before adding them to the topping.
- If the topping is browning too much before the end of the baking time, tent it with foil.
- You can assemble the apple crisp up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, then bake it fresh just before serving
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let come to room temperature before reheating in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes, or until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
To me, there’s no better accompaniment to apple crisp than a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The sensation of hot and cold is delightful, and I love the creamy element the ice cream adds to the dish. My pumpkin ice cream is also delish, or you could go more simple with some whipped cream.
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Equipment
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 8 cups sliced Granny Smith apples 904 grams (from about 6 apples)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice 14 grams (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1 orange)
- ¼ cup brown sugar 52 grams
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1¼ teaspoons apple pie spice 4 grams
For the Crumble Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 grams, room temperature (1 stick)
- ½ cup brown sugar 107 grams
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 grams
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ¼ cup quick oats 23 grams
Instructions
For the Apple Filling
- Wash and dry the apples. The apples can be peeled or unpeeled; it’s a personal preference. Slice the apples into ¼-inch slices and place in a large bowl.8 cups sliced Granny Smith apples
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the apple slices and toss so the apples slices are covered with lemon juice. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Add the orange zest, brown sugar, kosher salt and pie spice. Mix well.2 tablespoons orange zest, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 1¼ teaspoons apple pie spice
- Pour the apples into a buttered baking dish and set aside.
For the Crumble Topping
- In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, pie spice, and oats. Mix and squeeze the mixture with your fingers until it clumps in pea-sized pieces. It should be a little drier than cookie dough. If it is too moist, add a little flour until it is pea and smaller size pieces.½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon apple pie spice, ¼ cup quick oats
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples to cover the apples, in a thin layer, but leave some of the fruit peeking through.
To Bake:
- Place the Apple Crisp on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F 45-60 minutes until the apples are bubbling and the crumble is golden brown.
- Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with caramel, if desired.
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Apple Crisp Step by Step
Cut the Apples: Wash and dry 6 Granny Smith apples. The apples can be peeled or unpeeled; it’s a personal preference. Slice the apples into ¼-inch slices and place in a large bowl. You should have about 8 cups total.
Toss with Lemon: Squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the apple slices and toss so the apples slices are covered with lemon juice. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.
Add the Spices: Add 2 tablespoons of orange zest, ¼ cup of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1¼ teaspoons of apple pie spice. Mix well.
Pour the Apples: Pour the apples into a buttered baking dish and set aside.
Mix the Topping: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice, and ¼ cup of quick oats. Mix and squeeze the mixture with your fingers until it clumps in pea-sized pieces. It should be a little drier than cookie dough. If it is too moist, add a little flour until it is pea and smaller size pieces.
Top the Crisp: Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples to cover the apples, in a thin layer, but leave some of the fruit peeking through.
Bake the Crisp: Place the Apple Crisp on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F 45-60 minutes until the apples are bubbling and the crumble is golden brown. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with caramel, if desired.
What size baking dish and how to prepare it?