Name: Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided; 1 cup brown sugar; ¾ cup old-fashioned oats; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cold butter

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This easy apple crisp is one of my favorite fall desserts. I love how the warm apples soften into a tender filling while the oat topping turns golden and crunchy. Within minutes of baking, my kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon and brown sugar, and it instantly feels cozy and inviting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple but feels special. The topping has just the right balance of oats, butter, and brown sugar, giving it a comforting crunch over sweet, spiced apples. I don’t need fancy equipment, just a few bowls and a baking dish. I can also make it ahead of time, reheat it later, and it still tastes incredible. Best of all, I can serve it plain, with whipped cream, or topped with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cold butter

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all the ingredients.
I toss the sliced apples with white sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl, then pour them into a 9-inch square baking dish.
In another bowl, I mix the brown sugar, oats, flour, and the remaining cinnamon.
I cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
I spread this topping evenly over the apples and pat it down gently.
I bake for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.
I let it cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake, so I can have it on the table in about 1 hour.

Variations

I sometimes mix apple varieties like Granny Smith and Gala for a sweet-tart balance.
I add a splash of lemon juice to the apples for extra brightness.
I swap some of the flour with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
I drizzle caramel sauce over the top when serving for a richer dessert.
I use quick oats if I want a slightly softer topping instead of a chunky one.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. I can also freeze it for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready, I bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes.

What kind of apples work best?

I like using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Gala. The mix keeps the filling balanced.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

How do I know when it’s done?

I look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling juices around the edges. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, I sometimes cut back the brown sugar in the topping by ¼ cup and it’s still delicious, just less sweet.

Conclusion

This easy apple crisp with oat topping is my go-to dessert when I want something warm, comforting, and simple. I love how versatile it is—I can change the apples, adjust the spices, or add toppings like caramel or whipped cream. Whether I serve it on its own or with ice cream, it’s always a hit.