Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Topping
This Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is warm, cozy, and full of cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Tender apples bake underneath a buttery brown sugar oat crumble until bubbling and golden, making it the perfect simple dessert for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or a cozy family dinner.
Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an easy holiday dessert that tastes homemade without a lot of extra work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Warm cinnamon apple filling
- Buttery oat crumble topping
- Perfect for Thanksgiving
- Budget-friendly dessert
- Great for making ahead
- Delicious with vanilla ice cream
- Works for fall, holidays, and family dinners
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract.
Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Make the Crisp Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter.
Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
If the topping begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the apple crisp rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Apple Crisp
Serve the apple crisp warm on its own or top it with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- A light sprinkle of cinnamon
Best Apples for Apple Crisp
Use apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Good choices include:
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Fuji
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
Using a mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor.
FAQ
Can I Make Apple Crisp Ahead?
Yes. You can assemble the apple crisp several hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
For the best topping texture, I would bake it on the same day you plan to serve it.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the baking dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
Can You Freeze Apple Crisp?
Yes. Let the baked apple crisp cool completely.
Cover tightly or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to about 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What to Serve Before Apple Crisp
For a complete Thanksgiving meal, serve this dessert after:
- Easy Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with Butter Gravy
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing with Herbs
- Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon
- Easy Turkey Gravy
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6–8
Method: Baked
Serve this Easy Apple Crisp after a cozy Thanksgiving dinner with my Easy Garlic Herb Turkey Breast with Butter Gravy, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Easy Thanksgiving Stuffing with Herbs, Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon, and Easy Turkey Gravy.
Planning your full holiday menu? See my Easy Budget Thanksgiving Dinner for 4–6 People
for the complete meal, shopping strategy, and cooking timeline.
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