When the weather cools down and apples are in season, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm apple crisp fresh out of the oven.
Unlike apple pie, this dessert is quick, simple, and doesn’t require rolling out dough.
The secret to making it extra delicious? A golden oat topping that’s crunchy, buttery, and perfectly spiced.
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that’s big on flavor, this easy apple crisp recipe with oats is about to become your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
Quick to prepare: No fancy equipment, no pie crust—just chop, mix, and bake.
Perfectly balanced: The juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples pair beautifully with the crispy oat topping.
Crowd-pleaser: This dessert works for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the apple filling:
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6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the oat topping:
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1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, and cornstarch.
This mixture will help the apples bake into a gooey, flavorful filling.
2. Make the oat topping
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Add the cold butter cubes and use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
This is what gives the crisp its crunchy golden topping.
3. Assemble the crisp
Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
4. Bake to perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
5. Serve and enjoy
Let the apple crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
It’s incredible on its own but takes things up a notch with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp with Oats
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Use a mix of apples: Sweet and tart apples together give the best flavor.
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Don’t skip the oats: They’re the star of the crunchy topping.
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Butter matters: Cold butter creates that irresistible crumbly texture.
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Make it ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and oat topping separately, refrigerate, and then assemble before baking.
Variations to Try
Nutty crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
Healthier twist: Use coconut oil instead of butter and cut down on the sugar.
Caramel apple crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
FAQs
1. Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.
3. Can I freeze apple crisp?
Absolutely! Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven before serving.
4. What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a combination of both for balance.
Easy Apple crisp recipe with oats
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Toss apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch. Spread in dish.
- Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over apples.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until topping is golden and filling bubbles. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
This easy apple crisp recipe with oats is a timeless dessert that consistently impresses.
It’s rustic, comforting, and tastes like fall in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for guests or just want a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is quick, cozy, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
