Apple Crisp - The Best Classic Recipe! (2024)

With a delicious oatmeal streusel topping, this homemade classic apple crisp recipe is a family favorite dessert. And it is surprisingly simple to make!

Easy apple crisp recipe

This is one of those basic desserts that everyone should try.

It was originally my grandmother’s recipe, and we have been making the traditional apple crisp for holidays and weekend desserts since as long as I can remember.

The recipe is sure to receive glowing reviews from guests, every time you serve it!

Also try these Easy Cinnamon Rolls

Apple crumble or crisp

Fruit crisps and crumbles both include a layer of fruit on the bottom topped with a crumbly streusel made from flour, sugar, and butter.

In the past, crisps would contain oats while fruit crumbles would not. However, in modern times the two words can pretty much be used interchangeably.

In contrast, an apple cobbler has a thicker batter resembling drop biscuits, dumplings, scones, or pie crust. Apple cobblers contain no oats.

Leftover oats? Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Above – watch the video of how to make apple crisp

Apple oatmeal crisp ingredients

To make the recipe, you will need six cups of chopped or sliced apples, ground cinnamon, rolled oats or quick oats, flour, butter or oil, and sugar, unrefined if desired.

What type of apples work best?

Tart and crisp varieties of apple are generally best for baking.

Good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples.

Unlike Red Delicious apples, all of these apple varieties will stay firm instead of becoming mushy when baked.

Optional apple crumble ingredients

Feel free to add a half cup of chopped walnuts, raisins or dried cranberries, almonds, pecans, or shredded coconut before baking.

Adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest is also lovely.

For more flavors, make Peach Crisp or Blueberry Crisp

Vegan apple crisp

Use either the oil option or one of the many vegan butter spreads available in health food stores and regular grocery stores in the US.

Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s should all carry at least one or two vegan butter spreads, such as Melt, Earth Balance, Miyoko’s Creamery, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Country Crock, or low fat Smart Balance Light.

While shortening isn’t as healthy, it will work if this is all you have on hand, and Crisco and Spectrum are both vegan.

Top vegan fruit crisps with Vegan Ice Cream or Coconut Whipped Cream

Gluten free fruit crisp

Oat flour, almond flour, or gluten free all purpose can be used instead of wheat flour.

I haven’t tried sorghum or rice flour yet. If you experiment before we do, be sure to report back with your results.

Certified gluten free oats can be used in this healthy apple crisp for those with Celiac disease or if you’re unsure and want to be on the safe side.

We have not tried but think quinoa flakes should also work.

A low carb and grain free keto fruit crisp is also included in the recipe below.

Recipe serving suggestions

Oat Milk Ice Cream

Keto Ice Cream

Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Banana Ice Cream

Almond Milk Ice Cream

How to make the best apple crisp

Start by chopping or slicing the apples. Peeling them or leaving the apple peels on is entirely your choice.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the apple slices with the sweetener of choice and half teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Spread the cinnamon apples into the bottom of an eight inch square pan. Or double the recipe to fit a nine by thirteen inch pan and feed a larger crowd.

Set this pan aside while you combine the flour, oats, sugar, and remaining cinnamon in a separate mixing bowl.

Stir in the oil, or cut in the butter with a fork, pastry cutter, or whisk, continuing to break up large pieces of topping until small crumbles form. Or an even easier method is to combine everything in a food processor until small crumbs form.

Sprinkle this crispy topping over the cinnamon apple bottom. Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven.

Bake the apple dessert for fifty minutes or until browned and bubbly, with a crispy golden top.

Portion the recipe into individual bowls and serve hot. Or let the pan cool, then loosely cover and refrigerate overnight. This apple recipe may be served hot or cold.

Storage tips

The oat topping on homemade apple crisp recipes will have the best crispy texture the day they are made.

To prevent the dessert from getting soggy, store leftovers in the refrigerator. For the first night, loosely cover the pan so excess moisture can escape.

After a day, it is best to refrigerate leftovers in an airtight covered container.

You can also freeze this baked good. Thaw before serving, and reheat in the microwave or a warm oven if you prefer hot apple crisp instead of cold.

More Healthy Apple Recipes

Applesauce Muffins

Apple Bread

Vegan Carrot Cake

Vegan Apple Pie

Applesauce Cake

Vegan Cinnamon Rolls

Bran Muffins

Overnight Oats – including an apple cinnamon version

Apple Enchiladas