Description

This classic apple crisp features warm, cinnamon-spiced apples under a double-thick, buttery, crunchy topping. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

6 large apples (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss in a large bowl with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice until evenly coated.
Pour apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon for the topping. Stir to blend.
Add cold, cubed butter to the topping mix. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter in until you have pea-sized clumps and some sandy bits.
Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Squeeze some topping together to form larger clusters for extra crunch.
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples. Do not press down.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown and the apples are bubbling at the edges. If topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Let cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken and the topping to crisp.
Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter. Mix tart and sweet apples for best flavor. Squeeze topping into clusters for extra crunch. Let crisp cool uncovered for maximum crunch. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in oven to revive topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 160
Fat: 11
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 5
Protein: 3

Keywords: apple crisp, easy dessert, extra crisp topping, classic apple crisp, fall dessert, comfort food, family recipe, cinnamon apples, oat topping, holiday dessert