Best Apple Crisp Recipe

Apple Crisp Ingredients

With just a few ingredients (many you may already have on hand) you can create a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. Here’s what you need to make your apple crisp.
Apples: The undisputed star of the show! Velvety, tender apples are what makes this crisp so craveable. We recommend a slightly tart, firm variety like Granny Smith for a perfect texture and just the right amount of sweetness.

Oats: Adding that all important element of crunch, oats are your star ingredient to put the “crisp” in apple crisp.

Butter: The rich flavor of butter adds depth to the dish, and helps it bake to that perfect golden brown finish. Avoid margarine, as the dairy in the butter is what really lends the decadent taste to your apple crisp. And make sure to use unsalted butter so you have more control over the final flavor.

Brown sugar: Sweet and rich, brown sugar gives your apple crisp notes of subtle, almost caramel-like flavor.

Spices: What could be better than apples and cinnamon? Add a little nutmeg too and you have an absolutely classic fall flavor combination.

Spices: What could be better than apples and cinnamon? Add a little nutmeg too and you have an absolutely classic fall flavor combination.

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?

With so many varieties of apples, which type should you choose for a perfect apple crisp? For this recipe, you’ll want to go with a crisp, tartly sweet variety. This will ensure the apples maintain their texture when they bake and that they won’t be too juicy—because no one likes a soggy apple crisp! Because of this, we strongly recommend a Granny Smith apple, or one of the other varieties provided.
Granny Smith: A go-to pick for pies, crisps, and cobblers. Granny Smith apples have a uniquely tart, bright flavor that works well in sweet desserts as it offers a nice, acidic balance to all the heavier, sugary ingredients.

Empire: A cross between Red Delicious and a McIntosh, Empire apples give an ideal balance of sweet and tart, with a crisp texture and vibrant red skin.

Honeycrisp: Honey sweet with just a touch of tartness, Honey Crisp apples have an extra crunchy texture that makes them ideal for recipes of all kinds.

Braeburn: With a rich, almost creamy flavor and crisp bite, you can’t go wrong with this classic apple variety. Braeburn apples have a good balance of sweet and tartness and pear-like notes.

Cortland: Similar in flavor to a Honeycrisp, with a slightly softer bite, Cortland apples are another great pick for apple crisp.

How to Make Apple Crisp

Making this apple crisp recipe is easy as can be. It has all the incredible flavors of a classic apple pie with no dough to roll. These simple, step-by-step directions will guarantee you get perfectly bubbly apples and a golden brown crispy crumble top every single time.
Prep the apples: Start by peeling and slicing your apples. We recommend using an apple slicer to make sure all your pieces are the same sizer. Once your apples are prepped, spread them in a baking dish in an even layer.

Make the topping: Mix your dry ingredients and butter to create that sweet, crumbly, craveable topping. Be careful not to overmix. It’s okay if your mixture still has some small, visible chunks of butter or brown sugar–it’ll all come together in the oven later.

Top and bake: Sprinkle your topping mixture evenly over your prepared apples and pop it in the oven.

The only difficult part of this recipe will be waiting while it bakes! Take a look at the full detailed directions below. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a brand new maker, this apple crisp can’t miss!

How to Store & Reheat Apple Crisp

Though this dish isn’t likely to leave you with a lot of leftovers, it’s important to know how to store and reheat your apple crisp. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be able to enjoy your leftover apple crisp as much as that first helping.
Storing: Once your apple crisp has cooled completely, cover your baking dish tightly with foil or parchment paper, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Covered apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheating: Though you are welcome to enjoy your leftover apple crisp directly from the fridge, good things come to those who wait! Heat your oven to 350 degrees and bake the uncovered crisp in a baking dish for 10 - 20 minutes until warm. If the topping begins to get too brown for your liking, just tent with parchment paper. Once warmed through, your apple crisp should be restored to its just-baked splendor and ready to eat.

Freezing: If you’d like to enjoy your apple crisp later, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just place it in the refrigerator to thaw before reheating.

However you enjoy your leftover apple crisp, just don’t forget the whipped cream!