SEASONAL RECIPES • BAKING & DESSERTS
Classic Apple Crisp
Some desserts never go out of style, and Classic Apple Crisp is one of them. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples baked beneath a buttery oat crumble create the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crisp in every bite. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a cool afternoon, this timeless dessert is simple, comforting, and always worth making.
PREP TIME
20 Minutes
BAKE TIME
45 Minutes
Recipe Details
Servings
8
DIFFICULTY
Easy
Ingredients
Apple Filling
6–7 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and sliced
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Timeless Tip 🌿
Don't overwork the butter into the topping. Small pieces of cold butter create those irresistible crisp, crumbly pockets that make every bite so delicious.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly butter a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Combine the sliced apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the Crisp
Combine:
Oats
Flour
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Salt
Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples.
Do not press it down.
4. Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
Allow to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy It Warm
Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream, freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Storage & Leftovers
Keep It Fresh
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 325°F oven for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best apple to use?
A combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the crisp several hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely.
Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Can I use quick oats?
Old-fashioned oats provide the best texture, but quick oats will work in a pinch.
Around Our Table
Some desserts don't need frosting or fancy decorations to feel special. Apple crisp is one of those recipes that fills the house with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, butter, and baked apples long before it's ready to serve. Around our table, it's often the dessert that brings everyone back to the kitchen for "just one more spoonful," especially when it's still warm from the oven with melting vanilla ice cream on top.
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more favorites from our kitchen that we think you’ll love.
From Our Kitchen
Summer Peach Cobbler
This Summer Peach Cobbler is one of those desserts that fills the kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of ripe peaches, butter, and vanilla.
Rustic Rosemary Focaccia
With its crisp golden crust, tender airy interior, fragrant rosemary, flaky sea salt, and rich olive oil, this Italian classic is as beautiful on the table as it is delicious.
Maple-Glazed Banana Bread
Wonderfully moist, rich with brown sugar and ripe bananas, and finished with a warm brushing of pure maple syrup, it's the loaf friends and family request time and time again.