Apple Crisp: A Timeless Comfort Dessert with Chewy Filling & Crispy Topping

Recipe Overview

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (30 minutes prep | 45 minutes baking)

Rating: 4/5 (Based on 3,500 reviews)

Comments: 375 user reviews

Featured In: Baking That’s Simple, but Always Satisfying

Introduction

This iconic apple crisp (or “crumble”) is a classic fall and winter dessert, celebrated for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The unpeeled apple filling adds a satisfying chewiness, while the nutty, buttery oat topping achieves a golden, crispy finish. The tart-sweet balance of apples—enhanced by lemon juice and optional spices—creates a versatile dish: enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream, or repurpose leftovers for a comforting cold breakfast.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

• 6 medium apples (≈3 lbs/1.35 kg), unpeeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks (recommended: mix Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji for balanced sweetness/tartness)

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust for apple sweetness)

• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice (prevents browning, brightens flavor)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional: add nutmeg/allspice for depth)

• 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch (thickens filling)

• Pinch of salt

For the Crispy Oat Topping

• 1½ cups (150g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)

• ½ cup (50g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for vegan)

• ½ cup (70g) chopped walnuts/almonds (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Preheat

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33cm) baking dish or 8 individual ramekins.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

• In a large bowl, toss apple chunks with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cornstarch, and salt until coated. The cornstarch thickens the natural apple juices during baking; adjust sugar/lemon to taste.

• Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared dish, spreading into an even layer.

Step 3: Mix the Crispy Topping

• In a separate bowl, whisk oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

• Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork until coarse crumbs form (some small clumps are ideal for texture). Fold in nuts if using.

Step 4: Bake

• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, ensuring full coverage.

• Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden-brown and the filling bubbles vigorously. Pro Tip: Cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes if the topping browns too quickly.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

• Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken.

• Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days; reheat cold portions in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Pro Tips for Customization

• Apple Variety: Use sweeter apples (e.g., Fuji) with 1 tbsp extra lemon juice for balance; tart Granny Smith pairs well with more sugar.

• Topping Tweaks: Swap oats for quinoa flakes, or add ¼ cup pecan meal for a richer, gluten-free option.

• Meal Prep: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and extend baking time by 5–10 minutes.

• Breakfast Hack: Leftover cold crisp makes a delicious sweet breakfast with yogurt or oatmeal.

Why It Works

The unpeeled apples retain fiber and texture, while the butter and brown sugar in the topping caramelize gently during baking, creating a nutty, crunchy crust. The lemon juice cuts through apple sweetness, ensuring a balanced, bright flavor profile that appeals to all palates.

A timeless dessert that bridges comfort and simplicity—perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings.

— Genevieve Ko