A cozy, autumnal dessert made in minutes with just three ingredients.
This 3-ingredient apple crisp is your shortcut to fall comfort food. With just apples, oats, and brown sugar, you’ll create a golden, buttery masterpiece in under 30 minutes.
Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe requires no special equipment and zero advanced skills. The cinnamon-kissed apples and crumbly topping deliver classic flavors with minimal effort.
Perfect for beginners, budget-conscious cooks, or anyone craving a warm dessert without the hassle. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a complete autumnal experience.
The secret lies in the simplicity: three pantry staples transform into a bubbling, golden dessert. No need for complicated techniques—just slice, toss, and bake.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, this crisp is guaranteed to impress with its rich flavor and effortless preparation.
Why This Recipe Works
Ultra-Fast
Ready in 35 minutes with just three ingredients. No marinating or complicated steps.
Budget-Friendly
Uses inexpensive pantry staples—costs less than $5 per serving.
Versatile
Perfect for individual portions or family-sized baking. Scales easily for any crowd.
Comforting
The cinnamon-kissed apples and crumbly topping evoke cozy autumn evenings.
3-Ingredient Apple Crisp
Quick, sweet, and perfect for fall
🛒 Ingredients
- - 3 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- - 1 cup rolled oats
- - 3/4 cup brown sugar
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Apples: Toss sliced apples with 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Spread in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish.
💡 Use tart apples for balanced sweetness.
Make Crumble: In a bowl, mix oats, remaining brown sugar, melted butter, and 3/4 tsp cinnamon. Spread over apples.
💡 For extra crunch, refrigerate the topping for 10 minutes before baking.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
💡 Let sit 5 minutes before serving to set the filling.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples
Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor balance.
Substitutions: Pears or peaches work well in fall, or use frozen apple slices (thaw and drain first).
Oats
Rolled oats provide the ideal crumbly texture. Quick oats will make the topping denser.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version, or substitute with crushed graham crackers.
Brown Sugar
Adds moisture and caramel flavor. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
Substitutions: Substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a vegan option.
Butter
Melted butter binds the topping. Use salted butter if you reduce added salt elsewhere.
Substitutions: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
Speed Tip
Pre-slice apples and store in water with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Flavor Boost
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the topping for extra warmth.
Texture Hack
Chill the crumble topping before baking for a crispier texture.
Serving Tip
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Version
Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure your baking dish is gluten-free.
Vegan Option
Substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Spiced Crumble
Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice or 1 tbsp maple extract to the topping.
Individual Servings
Use ramekins for single-serving crisps—bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Warm cinnamon rolls
- Roasted turkey or chicken
- Maple glazed sweet potatoes
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a spiced chai latte or a buttery Chardonnay for a complete fall meal.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the crisp up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked crisp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to restore the topping's crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my topping too dry?
A: Add 1-2 tbsp milk or melted butter to the topping mixture for better binding.
Q: How to prevent soggy apples?
A: Pat apple slices dry before baking to remove excess moisture.
Q: Can I use pre-made crumble topping?
A: Yes, but homemade is cheaper and more customizable. Look for 100% natural ingredients.
Q: How to make it sweeter?
A: Add 1/4 cup additional brown sugar to the apple layer or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
This 3-ingredient apple crisp proves you don’t need fancy equipment or skills to create restaurant-quality desserts. With just apples, oats, and brown sugar, you can bring the cozy flavors of fall to your table in minutes.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for beginners, while the rich, buttery flavor will impress even experienced cooks. Whether you’re serving it as a post-dinner treat or a weekend snack, this crisp is sure to become a family favorite.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides, finishing with a dessert completion pin.
