
There’s something magical about the scent of baked apples, cinnamon, and butter filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn evening. This Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe is the ultimate cozy dessert golden, crunchy on top, soft and gooey underneath, and bursting with sweet apple flavor. It’s everything you love about apple pie… but without all the fuss of a crust!
This recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to become your go to fall dessert. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a cozy weekend treat, or topped with vanilla ice cream after dinner this apple crisp always steals the show.
How to Make Apple Crisp
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe
- Simple ingredients Mostly pantry staples like oats, flour, butter, and cinnamon.
- No pie crust required All the delicious flavor of pie, minus the effort.
- Perfectly balanced texture Soft, caramelized apples with a buttery, crunchy oat topping.
- Make ahead friendly Easy to prep the night before or freeze for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the apple filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the crisp topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Crisp (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice your apples into 1/4-inch slices.
- Toss them in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a bit of flour.
- Spread evenly in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.
Step 4: Serve Warm
- Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Keep your butter cold this ensures a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Don’t overmix the topping a few buttery chunks make it perfect.
- Double the recipe if you’re serving a crowd; it disappears fast!
Variations to Try
- Apple Berry Crisp: Add 1 cup of blueberries or raspberries.
- Healthy Apple Crisp: Reduce sugar by half and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce before baking for gooey richness.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours.
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave single servings.
- Freezing: Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
- For a brunch twist, pair it with Greek yogurt and honey.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
| Sodium | 85 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Potassium | 190 mg |
| Calcium | 35 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or mixed berries all work beautifully in this crisp recipe.
2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional leaving the skin adds fiber and color, but the texture is softer when peeled.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute almond or oat flour for regular flour.
4. How do I make it less sweet?
Cut sugar by 1/3 or use maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
5. Can I reheat in the air fryer?
Yes, reheat at 325°F for about 5–6 minutes for a perfectly crisp topping.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe brings the warmth and nostalgia of fall straight to your table. With its gooey apple filling, buttery oat topping, and irresistible cinnamon aroma. It’s comfort food at its best.
So grab your apples, preheat the oven, and make this cozy dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell like happiness.
Love this recipe? Save it on Pinterest for your next cozy baking day!

Easy Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 6 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the crisp topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice your apples into 1/4-inch slices.
- Toss them in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a bit of flour.
- Spread evenly in a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.
Step 4: Serve Warm
- Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Apple Choice: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Oats Tip: Old-fashioned oats give the topping a nice crunch — avoid instant oats as they become too soft.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar based on your apple variety. Tart apples need a bit more, while sweeter apples need less.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that cozy fall dessert feel.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the crumble topping in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 280 kcal |Carbohydrates: 46 g |
Fiber: 4 g |
Sugars: 32 g |
Protein: 3 g |
Fat: 10 g |
Saturated Fat: 6 g |
Cholesterol: 25 mg |
Sodium: 85 mg |
Potassium: 190 mg |
Calcium: 35 mg |
Iron: 1.2 mg






