Oven-Baked Apple Crisp 🍎 – Classic Warmth with Golden Crumble
Embrace tradition with this timeless oven-baked apple crisp. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting fall favorite!
There’s something magical about the aroma of apples baking in the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This oven-baked apple crisp is a love letter to autumn, combining tender apple slices with a golden, buttery oat crumble. Perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, this dessert requires just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking. With its crispy topping and soft, cinnamon-kissed filling, it’s a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will become your go-to for fall comfort.
This apple crisp is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. The crumbly topping, made with oats, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon, contrasts beautifully with the tender apple base. Baked to perfection at 375°F, it’s a dish that brings people together. Ideal for Thanksgiving, apple-picking weekends, or just a quiet Sunday afternoon, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s the balance of textures and the depth of flavor. The apples caramelize slightly in the oven, creating a sweet, tangy base that the crumble topping soaks up perfectly. Plus, with just 8 simple ingredients, it’s a testament to how a few quality components can create something unforgettable.
Whether you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this apple crisp is a timeless treat that captures the essence of fall. Ready to bake your way into autumn? Let’s dive into the details!
Pin this recipe today and savor the cozy comfort of a classic apple crisp that’s sure to warm your heart—and your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 8 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Apples In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until evenly coated. Set aside to macerate for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3: Assemble the Crisp Transfer the apple mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Rest and Serve Let the crisp cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Comfort
With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven, this recipe is perfect for busy home bakers. The minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making it a go-to for any occasion.
💰 Budget-Friendly
Apples, oats, and butter are pantry staples that come together to create a gourmet dessert without breaking the bank. You’ll impress guests with a fraction of the cost.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a casual family meal, this crisp’s buttery topping and tender apples will satisfy every guest, from kids to grandparents.
🌟 Seasonal Perfection
The warm spices and caramelized apples evoke the essence of fall. It’s a dish that brings the spirit of harvest season to your table with every bite.
Oven-Baked Apple Crisp
A timeless dessert with golden crumble and tender apples.
🛒 Ingredients
- - 8 cups thinly sliced apples
- - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 2 cups rolled oats
- - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- - 1/2 cup cold butter
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Apples: Toss sliced apples with sugars, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes.
💡 Use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Make the Crumble: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Work in cold butter until crumbly.
💡 For extra crunch, chill the butter cubes in the freezer for 10 minutes before mixing.
Assemble and Bake: Layer apples in a baking dish. Top with crumble. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes.
💡 Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Serve Warm: Let rest 10-15 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
💡 Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flair.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Apples
The foundation of this crisp, apples provide sweetness and structure. Granny Smith holds up well, while Honeycrisp adds a juicy, sweet contrast.
Substitutions: Jonagold, Braeburn, or a mix of tart and sweet apples.
Oats
Rolled oats create the signature crumbly texture. Avoid quick oats, which become too dense.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
Butter
Cold butter ensures a flaky, crumbly topping. Room temperature butter will make the topping greasy.
Substitutions: Coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar
Adds depth and moisture to both the apples and crumble. Light or dark brown sugar works equally well.
Substitutions: Maple syrup or honey for a vegan version.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
🍂 Apple Prep
Slice apples just before mixing to prevent browning. Toss with lemon juice to keep them fresh.
🥄 Crumble Texture
Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse gravel.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the crisp up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
🔥 Baking Hack
If the topping browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning while the apples finish cooking.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Version
Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend. Check that your brown sugar is gluten-free to be safe.
Nutty Crunch
Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Spiced Apple Twist
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom with the apple mixture for a warm, spiced variation.
Caramel Drizzle
Finish with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent upgrade. Simply melt 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup cream until golden, then whisk in sea salt.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing—cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced apples perfectly.
- Cinnamon Rolls: A cozy fall breakfast or brunch combo that brings comfort to every bite.
- Roasted Turkey: Elevate your Thanksgiving meal with this crisp as a sweet finale to a savory feast.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of spiced chai or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the dessert’s warm flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, try apple cider with a splash of cinnamon.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the crisp up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The apples will continue to release liquid, which helps the topping absorb more flavor. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Reheating Instructions
For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For a crispier topping, use the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my crumble topping too dry?
A: The topping may not have enough moisture. Add a tablespoon of melted butter or a splash of milk to the dry ingredients before mixing.
Q: How do I prevent the apples from being too runny?
A: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balance. Avoid overcooking by checking for doneness at 35 minutes—apples should be tender but not mushy.
Q: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A: Yes! Light brown sugar adds more moisture, while white sugar gives a cleaner sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Q: How do I make this vegan?
A: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Ensure your oats are certified vegan.
Final Thoughts
This oven-baked apple crisp is more than a dessert—it’s a memory in a bowl. With its golden crumble and tender apples, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and joy to every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or enjoying a quiet evening with family, this crisp is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
Pin this recipe today and savor the cozy comfort of autumn. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy baking!
