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This easy apple crisp is the traditional oven-baked version: tender apples layered in an 8×8- or 9×9-inch baking dish under a buttery cinnamon oat topping with the texture of a crumbly sugar cookie. A splash of apple cider adds even more apple flavor, and the crisp is ready in about 40 minutes.
Choose the method that fits your day: Make this classic baking-dish version when you want the old-fashioned recipe, try my 35-minute cast iron skillet apple crisp for a stovetop-to-oven dessert, or use my slow cooker apple crisp when you want a hands-off option. This is the one I come back to when we have fresh apples from the orchard and want dessert without making pie dough.
A Note from Kasey
There is something special about making a warm apple dessert from scratch during apple season. Ella and I have always loved spending time in the kitchen together, and this crisp reminds me of the apple crisp my mother-in-law made so well.
After a few visits to our local orchard, The Apple Barn, we had more apples than we could snack on—exactly the excuse we needed to make this easy version. The splash of apple cider and buttery oat topping make it feel nostalgic without requiring pie dough.
It is the kind of dessert I like to bring to the table while it is still warm, with vanilla ice cream starting to melt into the golden topping.
Warmly,
Kasey ❤️
- Distinctive topping: The egg-bound oat mixture bakes into buttery, sugar-cookie-like crumbles.
- Extra apple flavor: Apple cider adds even more fruit flavor, while water works when that is what you have.
- Made for sharing: The recipe serves six for a family dessert or small fall gathering.
Table of Contents
What Is Apple Crisp?
Apple crisp is a baked fruit dessert covered with a crumbly topping. In the United States, crisp toppings commonly include oats, while crumble toppings are often made with flour, butter, and sugar; the names can vary by region.
This version uses old-fashioned oats, egg, and melted butter to create a topping with crisp edges and sugar-cookie-like crumbles, plus apple cider or water around the fruit.
Ingredient Notes
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Apples – Choose firm baking apples that soften without disappearing into the filling. Granny Smith gives the crisp a tart edge, while Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Gala are sweeter options.
- Apple cider or water – Cider deepens the apple flavor, while water keeps the ingredient list flexible. I prefer cider in this recipe.
- Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon – These dry ingredients form the base of the crumbly topping. Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice can add a warmer spice profile if desired.
- Egg – The egg binds the dry mixture into moist crumbles. Mix only until the topping looks crumbly rather than smooth.
- Old-fashioned oats – Oats give the topping its classic crisp texture.
- Butter – Melted butter is poured over the assembled topping before baking, helping it brown and crisp.
Variations
- Use water instead of cider: This substitution is built into the original recipe.
- Adjust the warm spices: Add a small amount of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice with the cinnamon.
How to Make Apple Crisp
- Prepare the apples: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8- or 9×9-inch baking dish. Peel and slice the apples, arrange them evenly in the dish, and pour the apple cider or water over them.
- Make the topping: Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon together. Add the egg and mix just until moist crumbles form.
- Assemble: Spread the crumbly topping evenly over the apples. Drizzle the melted butter over the topping.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if you like.
Kasey’s Tips
- Keep the topping crumbly: Mix in the egg only until the dry ingredients form moist crumbles. A smooth batter will not produce the same texture.
- Use firm apples: Choose apples that hold some shape as they bake so the filling stays tender rather than turning into applesauce.
- Use cider for deeper flavor: Water works, but apple cider reinforces the fruit flavor without adding another complicated step.
- Spread the topping evenly: Cover the apples from edge to edge so every serving gets fruit and golden oat topping.
How to Store
To Store: Let the apple crisp cool, then cover the dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Microwave an individual serving in short intervals until warm, or cover the baking dish and reheat at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla ice cream: Add a scoop while the crisp is warm so it melts into the topping.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle caramel over the apples and ice cream for a richer dessert.
- Whipped cream: Add a spoonful when you want a lighter topping.
- Warm on its own: The apple-cider filling and buttery oat topping are flavorful enough to serve without anything extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Firm baking apples are best because they become tender while keeping some shape. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Gala give the filling a sweeter flavor.
The apple crisp is done when the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Use the visual and texture cues along with the recipe’s baking time.
Yes. Water works in place of apple cider, but cider gives the dessert a deeper apple flavor.
Both are baked apple desserts with crumbly toppings. In the United States, apple crisp commonly includes oats, while apple crumble often uses a flour-butter-sugar topping, although the names vary by region.
Have you made this apple crisp? Tell me which apples you used and whether you served it with ice cream in the comments!
Easy Apple Desserts
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Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Quick & Easy Dessert Recipes
Caramel Apple Tart
Quick & Easy Dessert Recipes
Apple Fritters
Quick & Easy Dessert Recipes
Easy Apple Dumplings
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Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Apples peeled and sliced
- ½ cup Apple Cider or Water I used Cider
- ½ cup flour
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Cinnamon nutmeg, (other spices if desired—e.g. clove, all spice)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup butter
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Peel and slice the apples, then add them to the baking dish. Pour the apple cider or water over the apples.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the egg and mix well until it forms a crumbly dough. Spread the dough mixture evenly over the apples.
- Pour the melted butter over the topping to help it brown and crisp.
- Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Top with vanilla ice cream and enjoy while warm!
Video
Notes
- Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples work well for a tart flavor, but Honeycrisp or Gala will make it sweeter.
- Crisp Topping: Don’t overmix the topping—it should be crumbly, not smooth.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Now, THIS is my favorite apple crisp recipe! It’s so good! It’s easy to make on a weeknight or weekend. It ALWAYS turns out perfect!
Another solid recipe Kasey!
Made it with apples from my farm.
Was perfect.
This looks so delicious and the instructions are straightforward. I will get some apples from the farmer’s market this weekend and give it a try – thank you for the recipe.
Ooh, this sounds so good (and easy!). It makes me want to go apple picking!
Its looks greate
Reminds me of my grandmother’s pie 🙂
It really is an old-fashioned recipe with a warm feel. Perfect for this time if year!
The Apple Crisp looks so good i crave for it right now thank you for sharing the recipe 🙂
Thank you!!
That looks too delicious! I can’t wait to try it out 🙂
Let me know what you think if you do, Becca!
Ooh, looks awesome!
Thanks, Penelope!
just in time for apple picking season, thanks for reposting i’m going to try this one today
There are a lot of different apples that would go in this. One of my favorites is the Golden Delicious. Yummy!
Yum! Def need to bake this soon.
Good plan!
Kasey, I tried this recipe for the first time this weekend…the perfect dessert for a crisp cool fall day (even in Florida)! Thanks so much!!