Easy Apple Crisp

This easy apple crisp recipe says it right in the name. The difference between this recipe and more in-depth recipes, such as this winning apple crisp, is the simple (and short) prep. Simply peel and slice the apples, toss them in sugar and spice, add them to a baking pan and top with a buttery, sweet streusel topping. Once baked, this apple crisp is bubbly and warm and begs for a scoop of ice cream.

Unlike classic apple pie and other apple desserts, our easy recipe for apple crisp feels homey and nostalgic but doesn’t require an entire afternoon of your life. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just need a warm bowl of comfort on a Tuesday night, this apple crisp is an easy recipe that delivers all the cozy without the chaos.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Crisp

• Tart apples: What kinds of apples are tart? Go for Granny Smith, Braeburn or Honeycrisp—anything firm and tangy that won’t turn mushy while baking. Try using a mix of apple varieties for extra flavor and to add more dimension and texture to your recipe for easy apple crisp.
• Sugar: Sugar is the ideal contrast to the tart apples.
• Spices: Cinnamon is mixed with the apples and with ground nutmeg in the topping.
• All-purpose flour: Flour holds all the topping ingredients together and gives the apples underneath some structure. We can also use gluten-free flour to delight our non-wheat-eating pals.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar gives the topping its rich, molasses-kissed flavor. Light brown sugar works best, but dark brown sugar will provide you with an even deeper, almost toffee-like result.
• Quick-cooking oats: Oats add that signature crisp bite to every spoonful. You want the quick-cooking oats; old-fashioned or steel-cut oats will throw off the texture and won’t cook evenly.
• Baking powder: Baking powder helps our crisp become slightly airy instead of dense, keeping each bite light and satisfying.
• Cold butter: Butter makes everything better. Cut it into cubes to create those glorious golden clumps in the topping. Make sure the butter is really cold so it forms small pockets that melt in the oven and create a flaky, crunchy texture.
• Vanilla ice cream (optional, but come on): A la mode is the only way to go. Ice cream melts into the warm crisp and basically becomes a sauce. Go classic with vanilla bean or experiment with cinnamon, maple or butter pecan ice cream for extra flair.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the apples

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Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the peeled, sliced apples in a large bowl. Combine the sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the apples and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.

Editor’s Tip: If you don’t have time or don’t want to peel the apples, you can still make this crisp. However, the peels will add a bit of chew.

Step 2: Make the topping

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In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, nutmeg and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Editor’s Tip: Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry blender or two knives. You can also use a food processor.

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Sprinkle the topping over the apples.

Step 3: Bake the apple crisp

Bake the apple crisp until the apples are tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Serve it warm, with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

Easy Apple Crisp Variations

• Add chopped nuts: A handful of pecans or walnuts in the topping adds crunch and nutty depth. Toast nuts first for even more flavor.
• Mix in different fruit: Replace some apples with pears for an apple-pear crisp. Or, add cranberries, raisins or other dried fruit for more flavor.
• Spice it up: Add ground ginger or cardamom to the topping for a slightly unexpected twist. This is also a great time to pull out the pumpkin pie spice blend.
• Make it gluten-free: Your celiac pals will be so pleased if you use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

How to Store Easy Apple Crisp

To store leftovers of this easy recipe for apple crisp, let it cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the crisp to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh and delicious for three to four days. After that, the topping may lose its crunch, but the flavor still holds up.

Can you freeze easy apple crisp?

Yes, you can freeze this easy apple crisp recipe, either before or after baking. To freeze an assembled, unbaked easy apple crisp, follow the recipe through Step 2, then wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. To freeze a baked apple crisp, let it cool completely, then freeze the whole pan or individual portions. Reheat the crisp in a 350º oven until warmed through.

Easy Apple Crisp Tips

Josh Rink for Taste Recipes

What’s the best way to peel apples?

There is more than one way to skin an apple. The best apple peeler should glide easily over the curves of the apple without taking off your knuckles. If you’re feeling nostalgic, a paring knife works too. Want to skip peeling? You can! Just know the texture will be a little more rustic.

What else can you serve with easy apple crisp?

The perfect thing to serve with this recipe for easy apple crisp is, of course, vanilla ice cream. But don’t stop there. A generous dollop of whipped cream or a little spoonful of tangy crème fraîche adds airy contrast to the rich, spiced filling. Want to turn up the decadence? Drizzle on some caramel sauce or maple syrup and cue the slow clap. Feeling bold (or vaguely New England-ish)? Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for the sweet-salty combo that somehow just works. And if there are leftovers? Warm them up with a splash of heavy cream for a delicious breakfast-dessert hybrid.