The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (2024)

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byAshlyn Edwards on Oct 4, 2019 (updated Sep 16, 2022) 386 comments »

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4.97 from 940 ratings

This Apple Crisp recipe is the best fall dessert! Fresh sliced apples are topped with a buttery cinnamon oat topping that tastes divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

For more delicious Fall Recipes, be sure to check out my Crockpot Pumpkin Dump Cake, Southern Sweet Potato Pie, and The Best Chocolate Pecan Pie.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (1)

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This Apple Crisp Recipe was the first thing on my mind when my family took a little trip to a local apple orchard this past weekend. It wasn’t really the best day to go; it was drizzling, and the temps were in the 50s.

But our kids still had a good time, especially since it was their first time going apple picking. Plus, we came home with a “peck” of apples to put to good use!

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (2)

While there are lots of great recipes for apples that we could have made, apple crisp is always my favorite.

We were lucky enough to pick my favorite kind of apples, Honeycrisp. Their sweet yet tart nature and sturdy composition make an irresistible dessert and the perfect choice for this apple crisp recipe!

Ingredients for The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

  • fresh apples
  • granulated white sugar
  • cinnamon
  • vanilla extract
  • all purpose flour
  • old fashioned oats
  • brown sugar
  • salt
  • butter

How to Make Homemade Apple Crisp – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking dish with butter. Grab a large bowl and combine about 5 cups of sliced apples (this comes to about 2 pounds of apples, or 4 large ones) with some granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (3)

Step 2: Add to baking dish

Pour that yummy goodness into your baking dish. Next make the topping by combiningflour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in some melted butter and stir until well coated and crumbly (I usually put my hands in there to get it mixed up well). Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apples.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (4)

Step 3: Bake

Now pop that dish into your waiting oven for 45-60 minutes, and get ready for heavenly smells to start floating your way! I cook mine until my apples are soft and tender. Once it’s done baking, allow it to cool slightly then serve. It tastes amazing warm with some vanilla ice cream on top!

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for Apple Crisp?

This kind of comes down to preference, or what you have available, but generally you’re going to want a variety of apple that will hold its shape after baking and not turn to total mush. We had a huge bag of Honeycrisp apples (my personal favorite) to use up, so that’s what I used. Granny Smith are usually considered the best apples for apple pie, but Golden Delicious, Braeburn, and Pink Lady apples would all work well for this apple crisp recipe, or for a pie.

Do I need to peel the apples?

My short answer for this is no! But that’s because I don’t like to do more work than I have to, and I don’t mind apple peels, especially once they’re baked. If you would prefer your apple crisp without the peel, though, feel free to remove them!

Does apple crisp need to be refrigerated?

You can store your prepared and baked apple crisp covered tightly on the counter top for up to three days. You do not need to refrigerate it unless you would like to. Due to its crisp, crumbly topping, apple crisp tastes best when served the same day, as the topping can get soggy the longer it sits. Just keep that in mind!

Can you freeze apple crisp?

Yes! Prepare the apple crisp recipe as directed and allow it to cool completely. Cover with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 4 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (5)

More Tips and Notes for the Best Apple Crisp Recipe

  • Slice your apples evenly. I slice my apples using this slicer to speed up the process and remove the core easily. I then slice the apples one more time each with my knife so that the widest part of the slice is roughly 1/2 an inch wide. You can also chop them into big chunks if you would prefer, but just make sure that you chop your apples to a uniform size to ensure even baking in your apple crisp.
  • Prevent over-browning. If your topping is starting to get too brown but your apples still need more time to cook, simply place some aluminum foil loosely over the top of your pan and continue baking.
  • Optional additions: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the topping! I didn’t add any to ours because my son has a nut allergy.
  • Serving: this apple crisp tastes AMAZING with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! You could also top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Yum!

More Awesome Apple recipes

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!

4.97 from 940 ratings

Recipe: The Best Apple Crisp

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 45 minutes mins

Total Time: 55 minutes mins

This Apple Crisp recipe is the best fall dessert ever! Fresh sliced apples are topped with a buttery cinnamon oat topping that tastes divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

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Ingredients

Filling:

  • 5 cups fresh apples, sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a deep dish pie plate or large baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.

  • Combine the sliced apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl and mix until all of the apples are evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

  • In a separate medium size bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until well coated and crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the apples.

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until fruit is soft and the topping is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Slice your apples evenly. I slice my apples using this slicer to speed up the process and remove the core easily. I then slice the apples one more time each with my knife so that the widest part of the slice is roughly 1/2 an inch wide. You can also chop them into big chunks if you would prefer, but just make sure that you chop your apples to a uniform size to ensure even baking in your apple crisp.
  • Prevent over-browning. If your topping is starting to get too brown but your apples still need more time to cook, simply place some aluminum foil loosely over the top of your pan and continue baking.
  • Optional additions: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the topping! I didn’t add any to ours because my son has a nut allergy.
  • Serving: this apple crisp tastes AMAZING with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! You could also top it with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Yum!

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen

Calories: 253kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 130mg, Potassium: 129mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 39g, Vitamin A: 219IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.

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Dessert Fall Fruit Holidays

originally published on Oct 4, 2019 (last updated Sep 16, 2022)

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386 comments on “The Best Apple Crisp Recipe”

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  1. Laura Reply

    We love this apple crisp! I make double the topping 🙂 so good!

  2. Ann Reply

    I made it last night. To be honest, I’ve never made an Apple Crisp before, so I have nothing to compare it too. All I have to say was it was delicious, and everyone loved it. My family asked me to make it again. Thank you for the recipe!

  3. Jessy Reply

    Is it 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup butter? Kinda confused by the instructions

    • Ashlyn Edwards Reply

      Hi, it’s 1/4 cup of butter which is the same as 1/2 of a stick.

  4. Lillian N Reply

    Best Apple Crisp I have ever ever made. I thought I had saved and realized I hadn’t. Almost full on terror thinking I wouldn’t find again!

  5. Cheryl Reply

    Yumlicious!! I made up a new word to describe how yummy and delicious this recipe is! Served warm with vanilla ice cream is the best.

  6. Amber Reply

    I’ve made this many times! Such a hit. Only thing different I do is add lemon juice to the apples at the beginning

  7. Brittany Sage Reply

    Will update.

    Started this but ended up cutting too many apples so I tripled the recipe. I did blend together the topping and apples and then did another set of topping for the top. Kind of nervous. Lol. Will update in about an hour or so.

  8. Marjory Knothe Reply

    Best apple crisp recipe I’ve ever made. I followed ingredient list and baking instructions exactly as written.

  9. Melissa Hanks-Parris Reply

    This is so very good! I always add more cinnamon because I love it but I love the vanilla in the apples and the topping is crunchy as long as you bake it long enough! Definitely delicious and worth making! Thank you!

  10. Susan Chandler Reply

    I have made this 3 times in the last week and a half

  11. Pamela Lipsett Reply

    I just made this apple crisp and we love it! It was very easy to make and double!
    The only other add was chopped pecans.
    It is very yummy! I will definately add to my recipe library!
    Thank you for this!
    🧡

  12. Don Miguel Reply

    Nice recipe. I added some lemon juice to the apples. I’ll make it again and include a bit of flour to solidify some of the liquid that developed at the bottom of the dish. I used Granny Smith Apples and a couple of Galas I had on hand.

  13. Kate Reply

    This sounds delicious! I’d love to make this for our Christmas meal dessert. Have you ever prepped ahead and refrigerated, then popped in the oven later? Hoping that’ll work!

    • Ashlyn Edwards Reply

      Yes, I’ve done that many times. Just wait to add the topping until right before you bake it.

  14. Tanya Torrance Reply

    I made this recipe last week and it is delicious! My best friend said it was the best apple crisp that he ever had. I definitely will be making this again! Thank you!

  15. Maxene Reply

    Very delicious. Preparation was easy.

  16. Bailey Reply

    I’ve made this recipe 4x in 2 weeks and it’s so easy and delicious. We can’t get enough!

  17. Shi Reply

    Made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious!! Such a great recipe!

  18. Taylor Reply

    Best apple crisp out there! Easy and turns out perfect each time.

  19. Renae Reply

    Super easy to follow. And it was amazing. Easy to adjust for the family. I will be checking out more of your recipes1

  20. P. Reply

    Fun to make. Easy to follow instructions. Recipe needed more salt.

    • V. Sudler Reply

      I’ve made this at work for the cafeteria. Huge Hit!!!!

  21. Jerrell Miller Reply

    Is this for an 8×8 or 9×13?

    • Ashlyn Edwards Reply

      I usually use a 9×9, 11×7, or a deep dish pie plate. A 9×13 is a little too big.

  22. Shawnna Reply

    Thank you so much for the recipe and clear instructions. It looks amazing! I will be making it tonight for a Friendsgiving potluck at work.

    If I double the recipe and bake it in a 13×9 dish, do I need to increase the cooking time?
    Thank you!

    • Ashlyn Edwards Reply

      The time should be about the same!

  23. Rebecca Everson Reply

    Best recipe I’ve tried for apple crisp and so easy!!

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp? ›

Like an apple crisp, an apple crumble is a baked fruit dessert with a layer of topping. But unlike the crisp, the crumble topping rarely includes oats or nuts. Instead, a crumble's topping is more like streusel, made with flour, sugar and butter.

What kind of apples are best for apple crisp? ›

The Best Apple Varieties For Apple Crisp
  • Fuji. ...
  • Golden Delicious. ...
  • Honeycrisp. ...
  • Jonagold. ...
  • McIntosh. ...
  • Pick the Right Tool. ...
  • Make Even Cuts. ...
  • Don't Waste. It is fine to use overripe apples in an apple crisp, so go ahead and use those up if you've got them.
Sep 6, 2023

Why do you put lemon juice over the apples when making an apple crisp? ›

The lemon juice will keep the apples from turning brown. Set your prepared apple crisp aside on the counter until ready to bake. Put the apple crisp in the oven to bake just as you are serving dinner. And by the time dinner is over, this warm syrupy dessert will be ready.

Why didn't my apple crisp get crispy? ›

How can I make my apple crisp crispy? If your butter to flour to sugar ratio is off, it will result in a less crispy topping. You want to be careful not to add too much flour or too little. Also, we love adding old fashioned rolled oats to our crumble because it really gives it a nice crunch.

Why is it called Brown Betty? ›

This has led some historians to believe that Betty was the name of the cook and creator of the recipe and that brown was in reference to her skin color.

What's the difference between brown betty and apple crisp? ›

Both are very similar apple desserts, but the difference mainly comes down to the crumble topping: Instead of the flour and oat mixture used in an apple crisp, an apple brown betty uses breadcrumbs for its crumbly, delicious topping.

How do you keep apple crisp crispy? ›

I like to use oats or granola as part of the dry ingredients for my crisps, nuts, too. Then, when you get ready to store the leftovers, don't cover the whole dish with plastic wrap, only cover the cut up sides, leaving the top open so it doesn't turn soft.

How do you make apple crisp not watery? ›

Lemon juice and vanilla extract – both of these are for complexity of flavor in your apple filling. You could leave them out if you don't have them, but they make a noticeable difference in the final product. Cornstarch or arrowroot starch – this is how we get a thick and not watery apple crisp!

How many apples is 3 cups? ›

1 pound of apples will make about 3 cups sliced or cubed. 4 tennis ball-sized apples weigh about a pound.

Why do you soak apples in water? ›

To use this method to prevent apples from turning brown, create a water bath for your apple slices with a ratio of 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of water. Soak the apple slices for 3 to 5 minutes, then drain and rinse them. This simple step should keep your apples from browning for several hours.

What can I use if I don't have lemon juice for apple crisp? ›

What can people use as lemon juice substitutes?
  1. Lime juice.
  2. Apple cider vinegar.
  3. Orange juice.
  4. Grapefruit juice.
  5. Celery juice.
  6. White wine vinegar.
  7. Other tips.
Jul 29, 2021

Can you refrigerate apple crisp before baking? ›

You can prepare the crisp through step 3, then cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months.

What is the secret to crunchy crumble? ›

A pastry chef friend shared the technique. Instead of sprinkling the raw crumbs on top of the fruit, where they absorb the juices and turn a little mushy on their undersides, he spread them out in a pan and baked them separately, until crisp and cookielike.

How do you know when an apple crisp is done? ›

Bake the apple crisp until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp, about 45 minutes. Serve the crisps warm with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream, if desired.

What makes apples crispy? ›

Why are some apples mealy while others are crisp? A. “When apples are mealy, the cells split apart from each other when you bite into the fruit, whereas with crisp fruits the cells rupture and release juice,” said Susan Brown, an expert in apple breeding at Cornell University who has helped develop several varieties.

What is the difference between crumble and crisp? ›

So what's a crumble vs. a crisp? A crumble is just a crisp without oats in the streusel. It may feature nuts, but the streusel topping is usually a simple combination of butter, flour, and sugar that is more clumpy than that of a crisp.

What is the difference between a crumble and a crisp and a cobbler? ›

Cobbler: A fruit dessert made with a top crust of pie dough or biscuit dough but no bottom crust. Crisp/crumble: In Alberta, the terms are mostly interchangeable. Both refer to fruit desserts similar to cobbler but made with a brown sugar streusel topping sometimes containing old-fashioned rolled oats.

Is apple crisp and Apple Pie the same thing? ›

A traditional apple pie features a buttery, flaky crust encasing the apple filling. Apple crisps, on the other hand, have a crunchy, crumbly coating on top (and nothing on the bottom). Check out our recommendations for the best apples to use in apple pie.

What is the top of apple crumble made of? ›

Apple crumble recipe topping is typically made of butter, sugar and flour which gets topped on the cooked fruit filling. To add an extra element of texture and flavour, oats, coconut, nuts and cinnamon can be added to the crumble mix.

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