Warm, bubbling apples nestled under a blanket of golden, crunchy oat topping – Easy Apple Crisp is the cozy dessert your fall evenings crave. Whether you’re curled up with a book or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish brings comfort in every bite. It takes everything you love about apple pie and simplifies it, no crust fuss required.

The balance of tender cinnamon-spiced apples with the buttery, crumbly topping is irresistible. Plus, it comes together with pantry staples and just a few fresh apples, making it ideal for a last-minute dessert or a cozy weekend baking project with the kids.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Crisp
- Quick and effortless to make
- Perfectly spiced and not overly sweet
- Uses simple ingredients you already have
- Delicious both warm or cold
- A nostalgic dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl
What Apples Are Best for Apple Crisp?
Look for firm, tart-sweet varieties that hold their shape while baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both work beautifully. Avoid apples that turn mushy like Red Delicious – they don’t give that satisfying bite that makes apple crisp so good.
Ingredients for the Easy Apple Crisp
Every ingredient in this recipe brings a layer of flavor and texture to the final dish. Here’s why each one matters:
- Apples: The heart of the dessert. Go for tart-sweet apples for contrast and texture.
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: For sweetening and depth. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses warmth.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The cozy spices that make this crisp smell like autumn.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple juices and gives body to the topping.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: For that classic, hearty crisp topping.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the topping into golden clusters.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
How To Make the Easy Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly. Toss them in a mixture of granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little flour. This helps the juices thicken and flavor seep in.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create a crumbly mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Spread the seasoned apples into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, pressing slightly for some chunkier bits.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up at the edges.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let it cool for 10 minutes so the filling can thicken slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

How to Serve and Store Easy Apple Crisp
This recipe serves 6-8 people comfortably, making it great for families or small gatherings. Serve it warm for the ultimate comfort dessert, or enjoy it chilled from the fridge for a firmer bite.
To store: Cover the cooled crisp with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
To freeze: Freeze unbaked for a future dessert. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes.
What to Serve With Apple Crisp?
Vanilla Ice Cream
The classic partner – nothing beats warm apple crisp with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream.
Whipped Cream
For a lighter finish, a big swirl of homemade or canned whipped cream adds fluff and sweetness.
Caramel Drizzle
Take it up a notch with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Try it New England-style with a slice of sharp cheddar – it adds a savory contrast that’s unexpectedly delicious.
Hot Toddy or Spiced Cider
Pair it with a cozy drink for a full fall dessert experience.
Greek Yogurt
For breakfast-style indulgence, serve a scoop alongside plain or vanilla Greek yogurt.
Toasted Pecans or Walnuts
Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top for added crunch and nutty richness.
Want More Dessert Ideas?
If you love this Easy Apple Crisp, you’ll adore these comforting, fruit-forward bakes too:
- Magic Lemon Cobbler for a tart-meets-sweet dessert that forms its own layers.
- Easy Apple Crisp Bars for a handheld, lunchbox-ready version of the classic.
- Custard Peach Pie with a silky filling and golden crust.
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls if you’re looking for a fruity dessert with a crispy shell.
- Cherry Dr Pepper Cake for a bold, unexpected twist on cherry desserts.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic with vanilla ice cream or spice things up with cheddar? Did you try adding nuts or caramel?
I love seeing your variations and helping make each crisp uniquely yours. Got a question? Drop it below – let’s bake better together.
Explore more warm, nostalgic treats and seasonal favorites over on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest.
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Easy Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving something cozy, sweet, and simple? This Easy Apple Crisp is the dessert for you! Juicy apples baked to perfection under a golden, buttery oat topping – this classic dish is a go-to when you need a quick dessert with big flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings, weeknight treats, or even a comforting breakfast the next day. It’s a crowd-pleaser that uses everyday ingredients and comes together fast. Whether you’re hunting for easy recipe ideas, comforting fall desserts, or warm fruit bakes, this apple crisp covers it all!
Ingredients
6 cups apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, diced
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon flour.
3. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. In another bowl, mix oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and salt.
5. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture is crumbly.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden and filling is bubbling.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep your butter cold before cutting it in – this gives the crisp topping its signature texture.
Mixing apple varieties adds a depth of flavor and prevents your filling from being too sweet or too tart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy recipe, fall dessert, apple crisp, quick dessert, comfort food, food ideas
