Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Cinnamon Crisp is simple to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples. The contrast between the tender, caramelized apples and the crunchy oat topping makes every bite satisfying. Plus, you can easily customize it to be gluten-free, vegan, or lower in sugar while still enjoying the same delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, cold and cubed (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is 40-45 minutes.
Variations
- Apple Pear Crisp: Replace half of the apples with pears for a unique twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
1. What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their firm texture and balanced sweetness.
2. Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes, freeze the assembled crisp before baking. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
4. How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Use cold butter and don’t overmix the topping for a crumbly texture.
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce the sugar in the filling or swap it for maple syrup or honey.
6. Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Try nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for extra warmth.
7. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the topping will have a softer texture.
8. How do I prevent my crisp from getting soggy?
Use firm apples and avoid adding excess liquid.
9. Can I serve this with ice cream?
Yes! Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly with warm apple crisp.
10. How do I know when my crisp is done?
The topping should be golden brown, and a fork should easily pierce the apples.
Conclusion
Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a simple, comforting dessert that highlights the best of fall flavors. With its warm cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy oat topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it warm with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent treat!

Apple Cinnamon Crisp
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cinnamon Crisp is the perfect fall dessert, featuring tender, spiced apples with a crispy oat topping. Easy to make and customizable, this comforting treat is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Serve it warm with ice cream or caramel drizzle for an indulgent finish!
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, cold and cubed (or coconut oil for a vegan version)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- Apple Pear Crisp: Replace half the apples with pears for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American