This apple crisp has a sweet and crunchy topping, perfectly caramelized apples, and the most delicious buttery and cinnamony flavor! Serve it with vanilla ice cream while still warm for a simple yet incredibly tasty dessert.
Apple crisp is a dessert classic that never disappoints thanks to its incredibly delicious combination of gooey cinnamon apples and crunchy oatmeal chunks. It's just as delicious as traditional apple pie (and some may say it's even better 😃) but doesn't require nearly as much effort to prepare!
All you need is a few simple ingredients and this recipe to make the best apple crisp with deliciously caramelized cinnamon apples and a crunchy oatmeal topping. Don't forget to serve it with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy!
Apple Crisp Ingredients
To make this apple crisp you'll need the following ingredients:
- Apples: To make the perfect apple crisp, I recommend using a combination of tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp and sweeter apples like Braeburn or Jonagold. The reason is that tart apples hold up very well when they are baked while sweet apples fall apart and release juice that thickens beautifully in the oven. I like to use half of each type but feel free to choose a ratio that will yield the final result that you prefer.
- Rolled oats: Rolled oats are a classic ingredient in an apple crisp topping. They taste great and are perfect for adding extra texture and crunch.
- Almond flour: Almond flour is another key ingredient for the topping. Regular flour can be used as a substitute, I just love the flavor of almond flour. Plus, it's a great option for anyone who can't eat gluten.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar is needed for the topping and apple filling. Be sure to use the amount specified in the recipe box as using less may change the texture of the apple crisp.
- Butter: Butter is used for making the perfect crunchy topping. You can use vegan butter as a substitute if you can't eat dairy.
- Cinnamon: I think no words are needed here, no apple crisp without cinnamon. 😀
- Vanilla extract: The same applies to vanilla extract, so be sure to add some!
- Cornstarch: Some recipes don't use cornstarch but I highly recommend adding it to your filling! Cornstarch is perfect for thickening everything when some of the apples fall apart and release juice. The liquid melts beautifully with the brown sugar and cinnamon, making this apple crisp so delicious! So be sure to use it.
- Lemon juice: You'll only need a small amount of lemon juice for making a perfectly textured and flavored apple filling!
How to make apple crisp
Prepare the baking pan and oven. First, preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Then butter a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
Make the apple filling. Next, add the peeled and sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, cornstarch, melted butter, and lemon juice to a bowl. Toss until combined.
Place the apples in the baking dish. Add the apples (and any juice that has formed) to the prepared baking dish in a flat layer. Then set aside.
Prepare the topping. Add the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and vanilla extract to another bowl. Then stir until combined.
Spread the topping over the apples. Spread the topping over the apples, shaping chunks of different sizes with your hands.
Bake and serve. Place the baking dish in the oven using the lower rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling starts bubbling. Remove from the oven and serve while still warm.
Tips & Notes
This apple crisp recipe is very reliable and always turns out great but here are a few additional notes that I'd recommend taking a look at.
- Stick to the ingredient measurements and oven temperature. Making a delicious apple crisp is actually quite simple if you follow the recipe. While it's tempting to make modifications like reducing the sugar or butter or skipping the cornstarch, these changes can lead to very different results. I'm all for experimenting in the kitchen, but for this apple crisp recipe, I recommend sticking closely to the recipe to make sure that you'll love the final result.
- Feel free to reduce or increase the amount of ground cinnamon. This is one of the changes that won't affect the texture of the final dessert. I personally love cinnamon so I used a good amount (though it's not excessive) but if you prefer a lighter cinnamon flavor, feel free to use less.
- Bake the apple crisp until the filling starts bubbling. When the apple filling starts bubbling, it's usually perfect with the right amount of apple pieces in a gooey cinnamon sugar sauce. The topping should also be perfectly browned when the filling is bubbling. If you prefer the filling even softer, you can bake the crisp longer.
Variations
This apple crisp recipe is absolutely delicious and doesn't need any modifications, but here are a few ideas to switch things up if you feel like it.
- Add crunchy nuts to your topping or filling. Walnuts, almonds, and pecan nuts are really delicious options that can be added to the topping or filling for some extra crunch!
- Use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour. Both versions taste great, it's really just a matter of preferences, dietary restrictions, and accessibility. If you prefer all-purpose flour, you can definitely use it!
- Add a pinch of ground nutmeg and/or ground ginger to the apple filling. This adds another layer of flavor to the apple filling and makes it taste extra delicious! I sometimes like to add these two when I feel like it.
How to serve apple crisp
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. This is by far one of the most delicious dessert combinations out there! There's just something magical about warm apple crisp topped with creamy vanilla ice cream that melts into the cinnamony apple filling. I highly recommend it!
- Add some fluffy whipped cream. Whipped cream is not just meant for cake, it's also great with apple crisp! So feel free to add some to your serving.
- Enjoy your apple crisp with greek yogurt for a high protein snack or dessert. This is how my brother actually enjoys leftovers and it's really delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is! Just make sure to buy a brand of oats that explicitly states that they are gluten-free.
I like to use half Granny Smith and half Jonagold or Braeburn. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well and don't fall apart when they are baked while apples like Braeburn become deliciously soft and gooey. Just use a combination you like!
No, that's not needed! It's just an extra step and additional dishes that really aren't necessary. The apples become soft and caramelized while they are in the oven. There is no need to sauté them in a saucepan or bake them before adding the topping. That's what I love about this recipe, it's super simple and makes the best apple crisp!
This really depends on your preferences! I like to peel them but I know people who like them unpeeled. Both methods work, so just pick the one that sounds more delicious to you.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in a microwave or oven.
More simple and delicious dessert recipes
If you love quick and tasty dessert recipes, I recommend trying one of the following recipes.
- Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies
- Avocado Brownies
- Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 ½ pounds apples peeled and sliced or diced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g) (optional) melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup butter (80g) melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
- Next, butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Place all filling ingredients in a bowl and toss until combined. Then add the apple filling to the baking dish in a flat layer.2 ½ pounds apples, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons butter (30g) (optional), 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Next, add all topping ingredients to a bowl. Mix until everything is combined.1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup almond flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅓ cup butter (80g), ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Spread the topping over the apple filling, shaping topping chunks of different sizes with your hands.
- Place the baking dish in the oven using the lower rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling starts bubbling.
- Remove the apple crisp from the oven and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For the apples, I used half Granny Smith and half Jonagold. I recommend using a combination of tart and sweet or semi-sweet apples.
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