There is something magical about the smell of cinnamon on a crisp autumn evening. It fills your kitchen with such warmth and comfort. This Easy Apple Crisp is the perfect way to welcome the cooler weather.
It delivers all the flavors of a classic pie without the stress. You get tender, sweet fruit and a buttery, crunchy topping in every bite. It is exactly what your family needs after a long day.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it uses simple pantry staples. You likely have everything in your kitchen right now. It is much faster than rolling out a traditional pie crust.
Your kids will love helping you mix the crunchy topping. It is the ultimate cozy night in treat for busy families. This dish is perfect for chilly fall weeknights when you want something special.
Simple Method
You start by slicing tart apples and tossing them with sugar. The topping comes together quickly in just one bowl. You simply rub the butter into the oats and flour.
Everything bakes together until the fruit is bubbly and tender. It is a very forgiving recipe for beginners. Even if you have never baked, you can master this dish easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are mostly basic staples that create a wonderful texture.
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Transfer apple mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dessert warm right out of the oven. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must. The cold cream melts into the warm cinnamon juices perfectly.
It is a wonderful way to end a Sunday family dinner. Set the table, light a candle, and enjoy this with your favorite people. You can also add a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. To get that crunchy topping back, reheat it in the oven.
A quick ten minutes at 350°F does the trick beautifully. You can also freeze the unbaked crisp for a later date. This makes it a great make-ahead option for holiday entertaining.
Recipe Tips
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best tart flavor.
- Don’t slice the apples too thin or they might get mushy.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted.
- Press the topping down slightly to create larger crunchy clumps.
- Add a handful of fresh cranberries for a festive holiday twist.
- Avoid over-mixing the topping to keep it light and crumbly.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a half cup of chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this allergy-friendly.
- Swap the white sugar for maple syrup in the apple filling.
- In the summer, try adding a few fresh blackberries to the mix.
Common Questions
What are the best apples for a crisp?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully because they hold their shape. They provide a nice tartness that balances the sweet topping.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can, but old-fashioned oats provide a better chewy texture. Quick oats will make the topping a bit softer.
How do I know when it is done baking?
Look for golden brown peaks on the topping and bubbling fruit juices. You can also poke an apple with a fork to ensure it is tender.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every warm bite comfort you. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup old -fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all -purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon sal t
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon.
- Transfer apple mixture into a greased 9x9 inch baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
