Rustic Apple Crisp Recipe with Spiced Oat Topping (Print Version)
Whip up this simple apple crisp recipe with a buttery, spiced oat topping. A heartwarming dessert, perfect for any time, with all my kitchen-tested tips!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ For the Apple Filling
01 -
6 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ For the Oat Topping
08 -
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
09 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
10 -
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 -
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
12 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Optional Garnishes
13 -
Vanilla bean ice cream
14 -
Whipped cream
15 -
Caramel sauce
# Instructions:
01 -
Peel, core, and slice your apples into roughly ½-inch thick pieces. I aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly, but honestly, a few wonky ones just add character! Toss them in a large bowl with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir until every apple slice is coated. The smell alone at this stage? Divine, like autumn just moved into your kitchen.
02 -
In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Now, here's the fun part: add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender (I just use my fingers, it's more tactile!) to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This is where the magic happens for that crunchy apple crisp recipe topping. Don't overmix, or you'll lose that crumbly texture.
03 -
Pour the apple mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the oat topping all over the apples. I like to make sure there are no bare spots, getting that crunchy goodness everywhere. Sometimes I pile a little extra in the middle, just because. It should look rustic and inviting, not too perfect.
04 -
Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes. You're looking for the apples to be tender and bubbling around the edges, and the topping to be beautifully golden brown and crispy. I usually peek around the 30-minute mark; if the topping is browning too fast, a loose foil tent works wonders.
05 -
Once it's out of the oven, let this glorious apple crisp recipe cool for at least 15-20 minutes. It's tough, I know, because the smells are intoxicating, but this resting time allows the filling to set a bit, preventing a soupy mess. I've burned my tongue more times than I care to admit, diving in too early. Patience, my friend!
06 -
Scoop generous portions of your warm apple crisp into bowls. This is where you get to decide on your favorite add-ons! A dollop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or just plain, it's all fantastic. The combination of warm, spiced apples and that crunchy, buttery topping is just pure bliss.
# Notes:
01 -
Always use cold butter for the topping; it makes all the difference for a crumbly texture.
02 -
For leftovers, reheating in the oven brings back the crispiness better than the microwave.
03 -
Try adding a pinch of ground cloves to the apple filling for an extra layer of warmth.
04 -
Serve warm with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream – it's a classic for a reason!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
9x13-inch baking dish
02 -
large mixing bowls
03 -
pastry blender (optional)
04 -
vegetable peeler
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 18-22g
Total Carbohydrate: 50-55g
Protein: 3-5g