If you’re the kind of person who goes straight for the crunchy topping on a fruit crisp, this recipe was made for you. This apple crisp with oatmeal is piled high with a thick layer of buttery streusel that bakes to a golden crunch, giving you the best of both worlds — tender, juicy apples underneath and an irresistible crispy topping on top. It’s a cozy fall dessert that’s easy to make but feels indulgent enough for guests.

Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
As much as I adore the apple filling, my heart truly belongs to the topping. I used to quietly scrape extra crumble off my slice of crisp as a kid (sorry, siblings), so creating a version with double the streusel just made sense. Just like my Easy Homemade Apple Crisp with Golden Cinnamon Crumble, it’s a balance of simplicity and flavor — only here, the topping steals the spotlight.
Perfect for Crunch Enthusiasts
That thick, golden layer of oats and brown sugar gives every bite a satisfying texture. It’s a little like the topping from my Grandma’s Secret Oat Topping Apple Crisp, but amplified for those of us who live for the crunch.
Easy to Customize
You can easily add nuts, switch up the spices, or even mix in other fruits with the apples. Much like my Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers, this recipe is a blank canvas for creativity while keeping its core comfort intact.
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Apple Crisp with Oatmeal & Extra Streusel for Crunch Lovers
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crisp with Oatmeal & Extra Streusel is for true crunch lovers — a double layer of buttery oat topping over tender cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for fall baking or anytime you crave a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
6–7 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
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling)
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour in a large bowl. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon for the topping. Add cold butter and mix with fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
4. Spread apples evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle half the streusel over the apples, then top with the remaining streusel for extra crunch.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
6. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use cold butter to keep the topping light and crumbly.
Layering the topping twice ensures a thicker crunch.
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.
For gluten-free, substitute a GF flour blend and certified GF oats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Apple Crisp with Oatmeal, Extra Streusel Apple Crisp, Crunchy Apple Crisp Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need

- Apples – Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix.
- Lemon juice – Brightens flavor and keeps apples from browning.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling just enough.
- Ground cinnamon – Warm spice to complement the apples.
- Nutmeg – Adds depth and aroma.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the filling and forms the topping structure.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – Gives the topping its signature crunch.
- Brown sugar – Caramel-like sweetness that deepens as it bakes.
- Butter – Cold and cubed for the best crumb texture.
- Salt – Balances all the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice 6–7 medium apples into thin wedges. Toss in a large bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour until evenly coated.
2. Make the Double Streusel
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and work them in with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Set aside half of this mixture for layering later.
3. Layer the Crisp
Spread the apple filling evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the streusel topping over the apples, then add the rest of the topping in a thick layer for maximum crunch.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling bubbles up around the edges.
5. Cool and Serve
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. The topping will firm up as it sits, giving you that ideal crunch with every bite.
Pro Tips for the Crunchiest Topping
- Use cold butter and work quickly — warm butter makes the topping dense, not crisp.
- Layering the topping twice ensures extra crunch and coverage.
- If the top is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Recipe Variations
Nut Lovers’ Version
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the streusel mixture for even more texture.
Spiced Streusel
Mix in 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom to the topping for a subtle spice twist.
Mixed Fruit Crisp
Replace 1/3 of the apples with sliced pears, peaches, or berries for a seasonal twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with salted caramel for an extra treat. It’s the dessert equivalent of my Turkey Meatball Pesto Pasta — familiar yet special every time.
Nutrition Snapshot
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 340 |
Carbohydrates | 56g |
Fiber | 5g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 14g |
FAQ – Apple Crisp with Oatmeal & Extra Streusel
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the topping will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give the best crunch.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Conclusion
This Apple Crisp with Oatmeal & Extra Streusel is the ultimate dessert for topping lovers. With a double layer of buttery oats and a tender apple filling, it’s the perfect way to welcome fall — and the crunch will keep you coming back for just one more bite.