Dessert doesn’t get easier than this Apple Crisp with Oats! Quick and easy to make, this warm fall dessert features a crispy oat topping and soft, spiced apple filling. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Love a crisp dessert, but want to make it with a different type of fruit? Try our Pear Crisp and Cranberry Crisp.
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe
When it comes to easy fall desserts, I think it’s safe to say that apple crisp takes the number one spot. It’s similar to apple cobbler, with a layer of spiced apples on the bottom but a crisp topping with oats, instead of the drop biscuits on top. The apple crisp topping is made with oats and just a few other ingredients that are sprinkled over the fruit. Once baked, it adds a rich, crispy surface to the soft and warm baked apples.
This mouth-watering dessert comes together simply by mixing together the apple ingredients then mixing together the topping and layering the two. No need to worry about combining a dough or waiting hours for it to chill. Just mix, dump, and bake!
We love all things apple (and pumpkin too), but this apple dessert ranks very high with our family. It’s also perfect to pull together for those last-minute guests!
What You’ll Need
If you have apples and oats on hand, you likely already have everything you need to make this apple crisp.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
For the Apples
- Apples: Any baking apple will do – see my recommendations below.
- Sugar: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Lemon juice: To balance out the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Used as a thickener for the apple mixture.
- Vanilla: For added flavor.
- Apple pie spice: I use my homemade apple pie spice, but you can also buy it located next to all the other spices.
- Kosher salt: To bring all the flavors together.
For the Apple Crisp Topping
- Old fashioned oats: Adds the crispy texture to the topping.
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Apple pie spice
- Butter: Unsalted butter is our preference.
- Vanilla ice cream: Optional, but recommended for serving.
What Are the Best Apples to Use?
Wondering what are the best apples for apple crisp? Honestly, you can use any variety of baking apples in apple crisp. Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady are personal favorites and all good options. You can even use more than one kind for a little variety in this fall dessert.
How to Make Apple Crisp with Oats
When I say this is one of the easiest desserts to make, I’m being serious! Here’s a brief summary:
(For all the details, scroll below to the complete printable recipe card.)
- Make the apple filling. Toss all of the apple ingredients together to combine, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Make the topping. Stir together all topping ingredients. Evenly sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden.
- Serve and enjoy. Cool for 10 minutes then serve warm with ice cream!
Tips for Success
If this is your first time making apple crisp, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Old-fashioned oats are a must. Instant or quick oats will not give the desired texture so make sure you use old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe.
- Slice apples thinly and evenly. For apples that end up perfectly cooked, be sure to slice them to about 1/4″ thick. All slices should be about the same size for even cooking, as well.
- Use aluminum foil to prevent browning. If you notice the topping beginning to brown before the apples are finished, you can cover it with aluminum foil and return it to the oven to finish baking.
- Add pecans or walnuts. For some extra crunch, you can add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to your apple crisp.
Serving Suggestions
This easy apple crisp should be enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven if possible. You can enjoy it on its own or add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Take it up another notch by drizzling on some caramel sauce for an extra decadent dessert!
How to Store
- Does apple crisp need to be refrigerated? Apple crisp can stay at room temperature for a day but after that, it should be refrigerated. Just pop the pan back in the oven or individual servings in the microwave to heat it back up before serving.
- Can you freeze apple crisp? Yes, you can freeze apple crisp, either before or after baking. You can bake it from frozen or allow it to thaw in the fridge first. Keep in mind that baking it from frozen will require extra time.
More Easy Apple Desserts:
I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 3 medium apples , cored, peeled, and cut into slices 1/4" thick
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter , melted
- vanilla ice cream , for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl toss all of the apple filling ingredients together until combined. Transfer to the baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, stir all the topping ingredients together until combined.
- Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple mixture.
- Place in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes until the apples are tender and crust is golden. (If topping begins to over-brown before the apples are finished, cover with foil and return it to the oven to finish baking.)
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with some vanilla ice cream!
Nutrition
Other Notes
