Warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced, this Classic Apple Crisp is a timeless fall dessert. Tender Golden Delicious apples combine with brown sugar and a buttery oat topping for a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that fills the kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and baked fruit. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistibly comforting finish.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Crisp
- Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together for big, comforting flavor.
- Golden Delicious apples: Naturally sweet and tender when baked.
- Perfect texture: Soft, cinnamon-spiced apple filling beneath a golden, crispy oat topping.
- Great for gatherings: Easily doubled for larger crowds; travels well to potlucks and holidays.
Making a Classic Apple Crisp
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8 x 11-inch or 9 x 9-inch baking dish with butter, shortening, or nonstick spray.
Prepare the apples:
In a large bowl, toss 7 cups thinly sliced Golden Delicious apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. If you prefer, Gala or Honeycrisp apples work well too.
Make the crisp topping:
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup light brown sugar, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, either grated or cut into small cubes. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs — use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers. Keeping the butter very cold helps create a crisp, flaky topping.
Assemble:
Spread the oat topping evenly over the apples in a single layer.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the apple filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Cool slightly:
Let the crisp rest for 10–15 minutes so the juices thicken before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple crisp warm with any of the following:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A dollop of whipped cream.
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in a 325°F oven until heated through.
- Freeze: Apple crisp freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Classic Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apples: (bottom layer)
- 7 cups golden delicious apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
Crisp: (top layer)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, diced or grated
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8 x 11″ or 9 x 9″ baking dish.
Apples: (bottom layer)
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In a large bowl, stir together the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Crisp: (top layer)
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In another bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Grate or cut in the cold butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
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Spread the topping over the apples in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until apples are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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Allow to cool briefly, then serve warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or salted caramel. Enjoy!
Notes
If Golden Delicious aren’t available, Gala or Honeycrisp apples are good alternatives.
Nutrition
Classic Apple Crisp
Save this easy Classic Apple Crisp — made with Golden Delicious apples and a buttery oat topping — to your favorites and enjoy throughout the season.
Wishing you a cozy day and happy baking.
