There’s something magical about that first cool breeze of fall, the moment you pull a pan of bubbling apple crisp from the oven, your kitchen wrapped in cinnamon and caramelized sweetness. This is that dessert: simple, heartwarming, and endlessly nostalgic.
Whether you just came home from the orchard with a basket of Honeycrisps or have a few apples sitting on the counter, this best apple crisp recipe will turn them into the coziest treat imaginable.
Ingredients for the Best Apple Crisp
Filling
- 5 cups fresh apples, sliced (about 4 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for extra crunch)
- A drizzle of caramel before baking for gooeyness
How to Make Apple Crisp (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter a deep-dish pie plate or 8×8 baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Make sure every slice is evenly coated — that’s the secret to even caramelization.
Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the apple mixture evenly into your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering every bit.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Let it cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream — and maybe a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Apple Crisp
- Slice evenly: Try to keep slices about ½ inch thick for even baking.
- Mix apple types: Combine tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) for balanced flavor.
- Keep topping crisp: For extra crunch, use cold butter instead of melted and rub it in with your fingers.
- Prevent sogginess: Don’t overcrowd the dish or cover it while cooling.
- Make it nutty: Toast your oats or nuts before mixing for a deeper flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use certified GF oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
- Low-Sugar: Replace half the sugar with a natural sweetener like Truvia or maple syrup.
- Fruit Twist: Add blueberries, cranberries, or pears for a unique fall blend.
- Spice Boost: Add nutmeg or cardamom for a deeper, aromatic warmth.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
- To Store: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To Freeze (unbaked): Assemble, cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.
- To Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it softens the topping.
Apple Crisp FAQs
What are the best apples to use?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Braeburn work best — they stay firm and flavorful after baking.
Can I make this without oats?
Yes! Replace oats with an extra ¼ cup of flour for a more traditional crumble topping.
How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Use cold butter cut into small cubes and mix with your hands until coarse crumbs form. Bake until deep golden brown.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 dish and extend baking time to 60–70 minutes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 253 kcal | 50g | 2g | 6g | 39g | 3g |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Because sometimes the simplest desserts are the most memorable. The best apple crisp doesn’t need fancy techniques, just good apples, a buttery crumble, and that cozy moment when the ice cream starts melting into the warm fruit below.
This recipe has been loved and rated by hundreds for a reason: it tastes like fall, family, and comfort in every bite.
So go ahead, grab those apples, preheat the oven, and let your kitchen smell like happiness.
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe | Easy Homemade Fall Dessert
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 cups fresh apples, sliced (about 4 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for extra crunch)
- A drizzle of caramel before baking for gooeyness
Instructions
- Preheat and PrepPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Butter a deep-dish pie plate or 8×8 baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Apple FillingIn a large bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Make sure every slice is evenly coated — that’s the secret to even caramelization.
- Prepare the Crumble ToppingIn another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.
- AssembleSpread the apple mixture evenly into your baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, covering every bit.
- BakeBake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through.
- Serve and SavorLet it cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream — and maybe a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling extra indulgent.