Some days you want homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this apple crisp recipe with quick oats comes in — it’s golden, buttery, and cinnamon-scented, and it bakes up in just 30 minutes. No need for fancy techniques or long prep time, just a few pantry staples and fresh apples for a dessert that feels like a warm hug.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I first tried making apple crisp with quick oats on a weekday evening when I was short on time but craving something cozy. I tossed together the topping in minutes, popped it in the oven, and by the time we finished dinner, the whole kitchen smelled like fall. This crisp reminded me of my Buttery Apple Crisp — rich and satisfying — but with the bonus of being incredibly fast to make.
Perfect for Busy Days
Unlike recipes with old-fashioned oats that can take longer to crisp up, quick oats bake faster, giving you that golden top in less time. It’s just like my Golden Cinnamon Crumble Apple Crisp but designed for weeknight convenience.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
This is one of those recipes you can make with kids — they’ll love mixing the topping with their hands. And because it’s ready so fast, you can even whip it up last-minute for unexpected guests, much like my Grandma’s Secret Oat Topping Apple Crisp.
Print
Apple Crisp Recipe with Quick Oats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crisp Recipe with Quick Oats is buttery, golden, and cinnamon-scented — and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! With a sweet apple filling and crumbly oat topping, it’s the perfect last-minute dessert for busy nights.
Ingredients
6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice apples, then toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon flour. Spread in a lightly buttered baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine quick oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle oat topping evenly over apples.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
7. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more flavor depth.
Gluten-free version: use GF flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Apple Crisp with Quick Oats, Easy Apple Crisp, 30-Minute Dessert, Fall Baking
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix.
- Lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds brightness.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling.
- Cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the filling and helps crisp the topping.
- Quick oats – The star of the topping, giving it that soft yet crunchy texture.
- Brown sugar – Adds depth and caramel notes.
- Unsalted butter – Holds the topping together and gives richness.
- Salt – Balances sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples. In a mixing bowl, toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a spoonful of flour. Spread them in a lightly buttered baking dish.
2. Make the Quick Oats Topping
In a separate bowl, combine quick oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
5. Serve
Let it cool slightly before serving. This crisp is delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Quick Oats Apple Crisp
- Cut the apples into even slices for consistent baking.
- Chill the topping before baking for extra crispiness.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Add 1 cup fresh cranberries to the apple mixture for a tangy twist.
Maple Almond Crisp
Replace half the brown sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle slivered almonds over the topping before baking.
Gluten-Free Option
Swap flour for a gluten-free blend and use certified GF quick oats.
Serving Ideas
This crisp pairs beautifully with whipped cream, cinnamon ice cream, or even Greek yogurt for a breakfast treat. If you’re a texture lover, try it alongside my Extra Streusel Apple Crisp for a fun dessert spread.
Nutrition Snapshot
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
FAQ – Quick Oats Apple Crisp
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the baking time will be slightly longer — about 35–40 minutes.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the apple filling and topping separately, then assemble just before baking.
Can I use pear instead of apple?
Absolutely! Pears work well and create a softer filling.
Conclusion
This apple crisp recipe with quick oats is your shortcut to homemade comfort. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, golden dessert that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a little taste of fall.