Easy Apple Crisp

Fall flavors abound in this easy, classic dessert. This easy apple crisp comes together quickly and is sure to be a family favorite.

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One of our favorite family activities in the fall is going apple picking. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors together, in the fresh, crisp, fall air and sunshine. The bonus is you get fresh apples, right off the tree!

When you have a load of apples, of course, you have to make applesauce and eat tons of apples fresh. But, let’s not forget the classic apple crisp. Loads of fresh apples, combined with cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar come together to create a symphony of delicious fall flavor.

What kind of apples should I use for apple desserts?

You can actually use any apple for any reason or recipe. However, some lend themselves better to baking or fresh eating due to the amount of natural sweetness that they have. 

I like to use a mix of Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples for this recipe, as they blend well together in my opinion, but mix it up and try any of these apples:

• Cortland
• Braeburn
• Empire
• Fuji
• Gala
• Golden Delicious
• Pink Lady

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

This easy desert is about to become your favorite fall dessert. With all the delicious apples available during apple season, juicy apple slices and a yummy crunchy topping, it might dethrone homemade apple pie as the best fall dessert for all your gatherings.

Ingredients you need:

• All purpose flour
• Old fashioned oats
• Brown Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Salted butter, room temperature
• Apples
• Lemon juice
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Making your easy apple crisp:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking pan.
2. Mix together the crumb topping and cool it in the fridge.
3. Peel, core, and dice the apples and place them in a pan.
4. Melt butter, and add lemon juice, flour, vanilla, and brown sugar to mix with the diced apples.
5. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the top of the apples and bake.

How do I store apple crisp?

This is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven for 15 minutes at 350. You can also use the microwave to reheat it, or just enjoy it cold.

Can I freeze this apple crisp? 

Yes, you can freeze leftover apple crisp in a freezer-safe airtight container after it has cooled down. You can then place your apple crisp in the freezer for up to three months. If you would like to freeze the whole apple crisp, cool it down and wrap it tightly with two layers of plastic wrap. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it. 

Do I need to peel the apples?

Whether or not you peel the apples for your apple crisp is entirely up to you and your preference. The apple crisp will be delicious either way, however, just know that if you don’t peel the apples for your crisp the skin can pull away from the apples and change the texture of your apple filling a little bit. If you decide to leave the peels on, make sure that you wash your apples thoroughly. 

How should I slice my apples?

You can slice your apples any way that you like, including dicing them in small squares. The most important thing is to make sure that all of the apple pieces are approximately the same size so that they cook evenly, and you don’t end up with any crunchy bites in your apple crisp. 

What is the difference between a cobbler, a crumble, and a crisp?

You may be wondering what the difference is between all of these amazing classic fall dessert recipes so let’s find out!

Cobbler – A cobbler traditionally has a scone, biscuit, or pie crust type of topping over the fruit filling. 

Crumbles – A crumble has a topping that is made of sugar, butter, and flour that is “crumbled” over the top of the fruit filling before baking. 

Crisps – A crisp has oats or nuts in the topping that is sprinkled over the fruit filling to give a “crisp” texture in contrast to the soft fruit filling. 

Tips and Variations

Can I double the recipe?

Need this recipe to feed a crowd? Yes, you can double the recipe and make this in a 13×9 pan instead of an 8×8 or 9×9. 

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make this easy apple crisp recipe ahead of time. If you are planning to serve this as dessert at a dinner party or for the holidays you can make it a day ahead of time. Just refrigerate it overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees before you are ready to serve it. Note, you probably don’t want to make this more than 24 hours ahead of time, unless you are freezing it, because the crisp topping may become soggy. 

Can I make individual servings with this recipe?

Yes, you can make individual servings of this recipe by baking your apple crisps in ramekins. Just scoop the apple filling into the individual ramekins and spoon the crumble on top, and then bake as usual. Consider placing your ramekins with individual apple crisps on a baking sheet to make them easier to move in and out of the oven. 

What can I serve with apple crisps?

If you are looking for something to serve on top of or alongside your apple crisps consider vanilla ice cream, a warm drizzle of caramel sauce, or both! There is something magical about cold vanilla ice cream served on top of or alongside a delicious apple crisp! Whipped cream, homemade or store-bought would also make an excellent topping for this warm apple crumble. 

Crumble Variations

If you would like to add a little something extra to your crumble topping, consider adding in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. If you really want to make it fancy, put some candied pecans or walnuts on top of your apple crumble. 

Other recipes you’ll enjoy

• Stewed Cinnamon Apples
• Almond Apple Pie
• Apple Pecan Pie Bars
• Maple Bacon Apple Cake
• Caramel Apple Mini Fruit Pies
• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

This delicious apple crisp recipe is easy to make, and a great way to use an abundance of fresh fall apples. This apple dessert is perfect for a weeknight dessert, and it may even make its way to your holiday dessert table this year for Thanksgiving or Christmas.