Delicious easy apple crisp topped with a crispy buttery oat mixture.

Easy Apple Crisp with Oats (Crispy, Buttery Topping)

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Easy Apple Crisp with Oats is a delightful dessert that combines sweet, tender apples with a crispy, buttery topping. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. The blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples gives it a balanced sweet and tart flavor, while the oat topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s simple to make and offers a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love.

how to make Easy Apple Crisp with Oats

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp blend)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar pie plate—there’s no need to grease it.
  2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this mixture evenly in your baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using forks or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  4. Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apples. Do not press it down.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
  6. Let the apple crisp rest for 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

how to serve Easy Apple Crisp with Oats

Easy Apple Crisp with Oats is best served warm. You can dish it out into bowls and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream on top. This adds a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping.

how to store Easy Apple Crisp with Oats

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at low heat until heated through or you can microwave individual portions.

tips to make Easy Apple Crisp with Oats

  • Make sure to mix your apples with the sugar and spices well, so they are well-flavored.
  • You can use a mix of different apple varieties for more complexity in flavor.
  • For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts to the topping.
  • If you prefer a sweeter topping, you can increase the brown sugar slightly.

variation

You can customize this Easy Apple Crisp by adding other fruits like berries or pears to the apple mix. This adds extra flavor and variety. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and the topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are a great blend, but you can also use other tart and sweet apples like Fuji or Braeburn.

3. Can I freeze the apple crisp?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.