Apple Crisp Recipe (With Video and Step-by-Step)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 25 mins

Servings:

8

Apple crisp is one of the defining desserts of fall. It's an easy, delicious way to end any meal. Under the simple butter, sugar, flour, and oat topping is an apple filling scented with cinnamon. Baking an apple crisp is much simpler than making an apple pie—all you need to do is scatter the topping over the fruit in the baking dish and pop it in the oven. Let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. We think a scoop of vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel ice cream on top of each portion is perfection—or a dollop of whipped cream.

portion of apple crisp on plate and baking dish of apple crisp — Julia Hartbeck

The Best Apples for Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a more forgiving dessert than apple pie, and there is a broad range of apples that work well in this dish. You can use one variety or a mix of apples. Our test kitchen prefers baking Rome or Cortland apples for crisp, but we’ve also tried and liked this recipe when made with other common varieties like Empire, Gala, or Braeburn.

Why you need to peel the apples: While we leave the skins on fruits like peaches for baked desserts, for apple crisp, the fruit must be peeled and cored (the same applies to apple pie). The skin is too hard when left on and doesn't melt nicely into the rest of the filling.

The Best Oats for Apple Crisp Topping

Our recipe calls for old-fashioned oats for the topping. The recipe specifies that you should not use quick-cooking oats or instant oats. Using quick-cooking oats or instant oats will result in a mushy topping—not the crunchy, chunky topping that you want for your apple crisp.

Directions

Ingredients for apple crisp — Julia Hartbeck

Preheat oven and mix crumb topping:

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Cut butter into flour, using a pastry blender or two knives, until the mixture has the texture of a coarse meal.

Julia Hartbeck
Add oats to topping and freeze:

Add oats, and use your hands to toss and squeeze mixture until large, moist clumps form. Transfer to the freezer to chill while you prepare apples.

Julia Hartbeck
Mix apples:

In another large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar.

Julia Hartbeck
Assemble crisp and bake:

Transfer to a shallow 2-quart baking dish, and sprinkle with topping mixture. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until golden and bubbling, 55 to 65 minutes.

Julia Hartbeck
Cool and serve:

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Crisp is best served warm.

Julia Hartbeck

How to Store Apple Crisp

Once the crisp has cooled completely, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. If there is only a small amount of crisp left, transfer it to a small airtight container for storing.

Reheating

Some people enjoy apple crisp cold, but we always reheat the leftovers. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the dessert for 10-20 minutes until the topping is crunchy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?

The difference between apple crumble and apple crisp is that the crisp topping includes oats and flour, whereas a crumble topping is made with flour but no oats. An apple crumble tends to have a more clumpy topping than a crisp. Some crumbles will also include nuts, unlike an apple crisp.
How do I thicken apple crisp filling?

You can thicken an apple crisp filling by adding cornstarch. If the apples are very juicy, toss them with a teaspoon or two of cornstarch. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices in the apple crisp filling as it bakes.
What happens if I put too much butter in my apple crisp?

If you put too much butter in your apple crisp, the topping will be greasy. If you don’t use enough butter, it will be dry and floury. Following the recipe and using the right amount of butter for the apple crisp will ensure it comes out golden brown and delicious.
Can I peel and slice the apples ahead of time for apple crisp?

Yes, you can peel and slice the apples ahead of time for apple crisp. Peel and slice the apples and toss them with lemon juice, then pack them tightly in freezer bags and refrigerate them for up to one day. If you are cooking multiple apple crisps for an event or party, preparing the peeled apples ahead can save you a lot of time.
Is apple crisp easier to make than apple pie?

Yes, apple crisp is easier to make than apple pie. There is no pie crust to make, roll out, or fit into the pie plate when you make an apple crisp. Unlike a pie, an apple crisp doesn't have a bottom crust to get soggy; the apple filling cooks beneath a simple topping of butter, flour, oats, and sugar that comes together quickly. An apple crisp is a great recipe for a beginner to make.

6 More Easy Fruit Crisp Recipes to Try

Updated by

Victoria Spencer

Apple Crisp

The Best Apples for Apple Crisp

The Best Oats for Apple Crisp Topping

Directions

Preheat oven and mix crumb topping:

Add oats to topping and freeze:

Mix apples:

Assemble crisp and bake:

Cool and serve:

How to Store Apple Crisp

Reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

6 More Easy Fruit Crisp Recipes to Try

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