Easy Apple Crisp
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My Easy Apple Crisp is so divine it will make your tastebuds sing! Cinnamon-kissed Honeycrisp apples come together with a buttery crumble topping to create this apple crisp recipe with oats. The results are out-of-this-world delicious!! Keep this one on hand for all of those upcoming fall and winter get-togethers!
Easy Apple Crisp
I’m always on the lookout for easy dessert recipes, and I really developed a taste for crisps, crumbles, and cobblers when I lived in Florida.
As a fun aside, it is the one state that is in the South but is not considered Southern. Go figure!
That doesn’t mean that they don’t love them some crisps and cobblers like most other Southern states. You can see why I fell in love with them during my time there!
I usually make my easy apple crisp with Golden Delicious apples because they bake so well. This time, I decided to try some delicious Honeycrisp apples instead.
And as soon as I tasted this apple crisp recipe with oats, I knew I had to share it with all of you!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Honeycrisp Apples – You can technically use any type of apple that you want for this old fashioned apple crisp recipe.
But, I have to say… I think that Honeycrisp is the tastiest! If you do opt to use other varieties, a mix of tart and sweet is your best bet.
- Sugar – You’ll need granulated sugar for the easy apple crisp filling, and brown sugar for the topping.
- All-Purpose Flour – I use flour as a thickening agent in the filling. You could also replace with cornstarch if you’d like.
- Old-Fashioned Oats – The key to a crispy and crunchy topping! Use old-fashioned oats — not instant — for the ideal texture.
- Butter – For your topping as well! Butter helps form the crumble layer of this dessert while also adding flavor.
- Cinnamon – It wouldn’t be an easy apple crisp recipe without cinnamon! You’ll use it in the filling and topping.
- Walnuts – A fun extra for the crumble! Walnuts add crunch and a touch of earthy flavor.
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Slice the apples thin.
Every apple crisp recipe is different. Some require peeled apples, others don’t. Some ask you to cube or dice your fruit, while others (like mine) call for thinly sliced apples.
They’ll cook evenly and will soften more easily that way.
- Don’t forget to add a bit of lemon juice.
Did you scratch your head when you saw lemon juice on the recipe card for this apple crisp recipe with oats?
If you did, you probably don’t know that citrus juice helps prevent fruit from turning brown. It also adds a subtle hint of bright flavor to this easy apple crisp recipe!
- Use very cold butter.
Don’t take the butter out of the fridge until you’re ready to add it to the topping. In fact, freezing it may be even better!
Using very cold butter will create a delightfully crispy crumble.
Warm or room temperature will cause the topping to spread and/or go flat… which you definitely don’t want!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.
This easy apple crisp will keep for up to 3-4 days, but keep in mind that the texture will change over time.
Reheat single servings in the microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Or, preheat your oven to 350°F to reheat larger portions. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until warm.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Paring Knife
- Vegetable Peeler – Makes removing the skins so much easier!
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- 8×8 Pan
Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats FAQ
Apple crumble and apple crisp are similar, but they aren’t exactly the same. The main difference is in the topping:
Crumble: Has a topping made from a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and sometimes oats. It tends to be looser and more crumbly.
Crisp: Typically includes oats in the topping mixture, which gives it a distinct crispy and crunchy texture. It’s also denser than a crumble topping.
Absolutely! Prepare the apple filling and the topping a few hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
Combine them just before baking to make sure that the topping is as crispy as can be!
Yep! You can store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the dessert in the refrigerator overnight and then bake or microwave as instructed above until heated through.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Delicious Apple Recipes
Easy Apple Crisp
Equipment
Ingredients
Apple Mixture Ingredients:
- 4-6 thinly sliced apples, a mix of tart and sweet, adding up to 7 cups of sliced apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Peel your apples and then thinly slice them. Use a mixture of tart and sweet apples. I started with 4 apples and then peeled and sliced one more at a time until I filled 7 cups of sliced apples.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices in the all-purpose flour, sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon.
- In another medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon. Cut the stick of butter into cubes. Cut them into the oatmeal mixture until they form a crumble using a fork or a dough cutter.
- Spray an 8×8 dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour in your apples and then top with the oatmeal mixture. Gently spread it to make sure the oats are even.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. The top will be golden brown, and the sides will be bubbly.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally Published October 2011, updated and republished November 2023
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Beautiful and delectable. I love any kind of crisp especially apple!
Yum, yum, yum!! One of my favorites in the Fall!
Seriously, yum. I don't think there is a better apple in the world than a honeycrisp. I just plain adore them.
Coming from Michigan, I love apples! We eat them in all forms…. honey crisp is at the top of my list of favorites.
delicious presentation a favourite dessert
YUM! So fancy =D I always make a cheat apple crisp using a sauteed apple in coconut oil with Stevia and cinnamon, then top it with a crumbled melba toast =P Your version looks SO much better!!
I love apple crisp, but haven't made it in a while. After reading your recipe I will have to make this one. Yum!
YUM! I love apple crisp so much…totally perfect for the autumn. Your apple slices look totally perfect, too! 🙂
Also, just wanted to let you know that I am running a giveaway on my blog if you're interested. 🙂
http://cupcakemuffin.blogspot.com/2011/10/blogiversary-eat-your-books-giveaway.html
For the apples part, you have "2 tablespoons cup flour"…what is that supposed to be? I'm guessing just 2 Tbsp? Thanks!
Thank you Danielle, I fixed it. 2 tbsp it is.
Can't wait to hear what you did with the recipe.
Enjoy, Donna!
Oops, looks like my last post was lost. Please confirm the amount of apples needed for this recipe. I have 4 apples, amounting to half a pound. You say 2 pounds (4-5 apples), but those must be enormous apples if they weigh 2 pounds, no? Please clarify. Thanks for the recipe inspiration! I hope to make this for a dinner party I'm attending on Saturday.
Yes, my apples were ginormous. 2 pounds total are perfect. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
The recipe says 8×8 pan, but your picture shows something like a 9×13….which works best?
The photo is of a double recipe. Use the 8×8 pan for best results. Enjoy!
This recipe is amazing! My family gobbled it up! I'm wondering if anyone tried to reduce the sugar? The same so good but I feel guiltype eating all that sugar although I don't want to sacrifice the taste!
I had some honey crisp apples I needed to use. Found your recipe and since I have had good results with many of your recipes gave it a shot. My husband has RAVED over it. More so than any recipe this year. He ate leftovers today and told me I needed to make sure I remember this recipe and if I could rate your recipe online to give it a top rating. Thanks for this great recipe.
Apple is my fave, so this honey crisp apple crisp was wonderful for my tastebuds! I think this is such a wonderful desert.