There’s just something about the smell of apples baking with cinnamon that feels like home. This apple crisp is warm, buttery, and has that golden crumbly topping we all crave. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want comfort without fuss perfect for fall evenings, family dinners, or even when you’re simply craving something sweet and cozy.
The beauty of this recipe? You can make it with fresh apples for that classic flavor, or whip up an apple crisp with canned apple filling when you need a shortcut. Either way, you’ll end up with the best apple crisp recipe to serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍎 Simple & cozy – just a few pantry staples and apples.
- ⏲️ Quick prep – ready for the oven in under 15 minutes.
- 🌿 Flexible – use canned apple filling or fresh apples.
- 🥄 Healthy apple desserts option – swap butter for coconut oil or reduce sugar for a lighter version.
- 👩🍳 Family favorite – perfect for gatherings or a weeknight treat.
Key Ingredients
- Apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully for tart-sweet balance.
- Brown sugar – brings warmth and depth of sweetness.
- Cinnamon & nutmeg – classic cozy spices.
- Oats – old-fashioned oats give the topping that perfect crunch.
- Butter – for richness; swap with coconut oil for a lighter option.
- Flour – helps bind the crumble topping together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the apples – Peel and slice 6 fresh apples (or open 2 cans of apple pie filling). Place in a buttered baking dish.
- Season the fruit – Toss apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Make the crumble topping – In a bowl, mix 1 cup oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp nutmeg. Cut in ½ cup cold butter until crumbly.
- Assemble – Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve – Let it rest 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream.
Practical Tips
- Slice apples evenly so they bake uniformly.
- Add a pinch of salt to the topping for extra flavor.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping flour with almond flour.
FAQ
Can I use canned apple filling?
Yes! Making apple crisp with canned apple filling is a quick, delicious shortcut.
What apples are best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
Is this a healthy apple dessert?
It can be! Reduce sugar, swap butter for coconut oil, and add extra oats for a lighter version.
✨ Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more Apple Pie Biscuits and cozy family favorites!
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with coffee or spiced cider for a fall gathering.
- Enjoy chilled as a sweet breakfast with Greek yogurt.
🥰 Final Thoughts from Emma
This apple crisp is one of those timeless fresh apple recipes that never fails to bring joy. Whether you’re using crisp orchard apples or keeping it simple with canned filling, it’s cozy, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying.
🥧 Your fall isn’t complete without this buttery, golden apple crisp. Tap “Save” to keep it for later!
Cozy Apple Crisp
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 apples peeled and sliced, or use 2 cans apple pie filling
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- lemon juice a squeeze
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup cold butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish.
- Peel and slice 6 apples (or open 2 cans of apple pie filling) and place into the buttered dish.
- Toss apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ½ tsp nutmeg.
- Cut in ½ cup cold butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.