When the leaves start turning and the air smells like fall, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm homemade apple crisp. This recipe gives you that perfect balance: tender cinnamon-kissed apples on the bottom, and a buttery golden crumble on top that stays crisp with every bite. Best of all, it’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to serve at your next holiday gathering.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
Apple crisp is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rustic, cozy, and brings back memories of baking with family. Just like my Fall Harvest Ground Turkey Chili captures autumn in savory form, this dessert embodies the sweet side of the season.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
We’re talking basic pantry staples here — apples, oats, cinnamon, flour, sugar, and butter — but they come together to make something extraordinary. It’s the same philosophy behind my Greek Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps: uncomplicated, fresh ingredients, prepared right.
Quick and Crowd-Pleasing
This crisp bakes in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute guests. You can even prep the apples ahead, just like I do with my Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers for easy make-ahead meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apples – Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix for sweet-tart balance.
- Lemon juice – Keeps apples bright and adds a touch of acidity.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling without overpowering it.
- Ground cinnamon – Essential for that warm fall flavor.
- Nutmeg – A pinch adds depth.
- All-purpose flour – For both filling and topping structure.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – The base of our crumble.
- Brown sugar – Gives the topping a caramel-like sweetness.
- Butter – Cold, cubed, and unsalted for the crispiest topping.
- Salt – Balances sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice 6 large apples into thin wedges. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour until evenly coated.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Crumble
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work them in with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Assemble the Crisp
Spread the apple filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover every bit so you get a perfect crunch in every bite.
4. Bake Until Golden
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
5. Rest Before Serving
Let the crisp sit for at least 10 minutes before serving — it allows the filling to thicken and makes scooping easier.
Print
Easy Homemade Apple Crisp with Golden Cinnamon Crumble
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Homemade Apple Crisp features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery golden oat crumble. Ready in under an hour, it’s a cozy dessert perfect for fall and beyond.
Ingredients
6 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, 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 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons flour. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine oats, 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon for the topping. Add cold butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds to the topping for a nutty crunch.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to crisp the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Easy Apple Crisp, Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe, Cinnamon Oat Topping Dessert
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crisp
- Use a mix of apple varieties for the best depth of flavor.
- Work quickly when mixing the topping to keep the butter cold — that’s what makes it crunchy.
- If the topping browns too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-Free Option
Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are gluten-free certified.
Nutty Cinnamon Crumble
Stir 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds into the topping for a nutty crunch.
Berry Twist
Add 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the apple mixture for a fruity variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a decadent touch, drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Just like my Turkey Meatball Pesto Pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Nutrition Snapshot
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 11g |
FAQ – Easy Homemade Apple Crisp
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give a better crunch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the crisp, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze unbaked apple crisp tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Apple Crisp with Golden Cinnamon Crumble is the kind of dessert that never fails to impress. With its perfectly spiced apples and irresistible buttery topping, it’s a fall favorite you’ll make again and again. It’s easy, comforting, and oh-so delicious — the perfect ending to any meal.