Easy Apple Crisp
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This quick and easy apple crisp recipe is full of juicy apples, cinnamon, sugar and the best part of all is the amazing oatmeal streusel on top! A scoop of this topped with vanilla ice cream is the ultimate fall dessert that’s so easy.
I love fall time! The brisk autumn air, crispy leaves and of course, apple desserts! My favorite is definitely this easy crisp recipe. My mom made this exact recipe when I was growing up with fresh apples from our apple tree on the farm. I remember coming into the house after school and smelling this delicious apple crisp and digging right in with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream or caramel sauce on top!
I’ve made Apple Pie before but, I’ll be honest I have never made apple crisp before and I wonder why I haven’t. It’s not hard and I love it. I think it was because it was one of those treats that mom always made so I just let her continue to make it.
Ingredients Needed
- Peel, core and slice the apples.
- Put sliced apples in a 9×13 pan.
- Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Apply a liberal amount of cinnamon. This is one of the best parts!
- Mix the remaining ingredients for the crispy topping. Pat down on top of apples and sugar.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
What is the difference between a Crisp, Crumble, Brown Betty and Cobbler?
- Crisp and Crumble: These are very similar. Some say a crisp doesn’t have oats, some do – both are delicious, that’s what I know! ?
- Brown Betty: Uses a crumbly topping and often has the topping above and below the fruit – similar to a pie but made with a buttery crumble topping.
- Cobbler: A cobbler is most often topped with a dough or biscuit topping and when it bakes up forms puffy golden pillows on top looking like a cobblestone street, hence the name cobbler!
Expert Tips!
- What kind of apples? We love to use Granny Smith apples in our crisp. They have a tart, sour flavor and crisp texture. They are a great all around baking apple for your fall desserts. Other options are Gala, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious.
- To Peel or not to Peel? Yes! If you don’t peel the apple it will make for a tougher texture because the skin doesn’t break down when you bake it.
- Slice Apples – Make sure to slice the apples thinly so they become fully tender. We recommend this Johnny Apple Peeler that cores, peels and slices your apples!
- Leftovers – This is best enjoyed fresh in my opinion, but will last a few days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The longer it sits the softer the topping becomes.
- Freezer Friendly – Prepare and bake the apple crisp as directed. Cool completely, then cover with a double layer of aluminum foil and slip into a resealable bag. We like to bake it in a disposable pan for easy clean up. When ready to enjoy thaw overnight in the refrigerator then warm up in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
More Apple Desserts
- Nothing says fall like a traditional Apple Pie topped with ice cream!
- Tender, moist Crumb Apple Zucchini Bread is an easy quick bread.
- Mix up your apple pie with a crumb topping!
- Enjoy a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples.
- For a really easy dessert make my Apple Poke Cake with Dulce de Leche!
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is so easy and a great spring dessert!
Try it and love it? Rate it, please! Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day!
If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 8 cups granny smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 Tablepsoon corn starch
Topping
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- vanilla ice cream for serving.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 inch pan and set aside.
- Prepare the topping by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Place in refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Peel and thinly slice the apples. Place apples in a large mixing bowl with cinnamon, brown sugar and cornstarch. Toss to combine.
- Dump the apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into even layer. Remove the topping from the refrigerator and evenly drop by spoonful on top of the apple mixture in baking dish.
- Place apple crisp in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown, the apples are tender and juices are bubbling around the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips
- What kind of apples? We love to use Granny Smith apples in our crisp. They have a tart, sour flavor and crisp texture. They are a great all around baking apple for your fall desserts. Other options are Gala, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious.
- To Peel or not to Peel? Yes! If you don’t peel the apple it will make for a tougher texture because the skin doesn’t break down when you bake it.
- Slice Apples – Make sure to slice the apples thinly so they become fully tender. We recommend this Johnny Apple Peeler that cores, peels and slices your apples!
- Leftovers – This is best enjoyed fresh in my opinion, but will last a few days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The longer it sits the softer the topping becomes.
- Freezer Friendly – Prepare and bake the apple crisp as directed. Cool completely, then cover with a double layer of aluminum foil and slip into a resealable bag. We like to bake it in a disposable pan for easy clean up. When ready to enjoy thaw overnight in the refrigerator then warm up in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Annette says
Food I miss the detail about whether you use quick oats or long cooking oats?
Julie says
I used old-fashioned rolled oats.
Melissa says
Made s this tonight and tastes amazing
Julie says
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
Jackie Childress says
I made this tonight for my family, it looks and smells fabulous!
Julie says
Awesome! Hope you enjoyed it!
Marilyn says
Great treat … love the recipe, my friends loved it. Marilyn
Julie says
I’m glad it was a hit!
Amira Walker says
Should salted or unsalted butter be used for this recipe?
Julie Evink says
I used salted butter.