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Apple Crisp

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Updated Sep 11, 2024
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Autumn is time for apple focused recipes. And gooey, golden brown, bubbly apple crisp is a delectable dessert that combines all the fabulous flavors of fall. With plenty of tender, juicy apples nestled under a layer of sweet, crunchy oat topping, it’s easy to see why apple crisp is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. From potlucks to family dinners, holiday meals to chilly autumn afternoons at home, apple crisp makes any occasion more delicious.

Inspired by Betty’s classic Dutch apple pie, this easy apple crisp recipe is oh so simple (and fun) to assemble—and it fills the entire house with the incredible aroma of apples and cinnamon as it bakes to perfection. Good thing it’s served warm because you won’t want to wait to have a taste! But before you dig in, remember that a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of homemade whipped cream takes this already amazing dish to the next level.

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.

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 and 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!

More About This Recipe

  • Looking for more dessert inspiration? Try these extra-special Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert recipes for your next special occasion or holiday celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Delicious Apple Crisp Toppings?

Apple crisp is incredible all on its own, but adding tasty toppings take this dessert over the top. The crumbly streusel topping in this recipe combines rich, golden butter with sweet brown sugar, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and oats for just the right amount of crunch. (Though, if the oat topping is your favorite part, you may want to give Betty’s Apple Crisp with Oats a try.)

It’s part of a popular family of fruit desserts that includes all kinds of crisps (like this perfect-for-fall Apple Pumpkin Crisp) and cobbler recipes. These amazing treats are hard to beat, but believe it or not, they’re easy to top. Adding a drizzle of caramel or a generous scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream to your fresh from the oven apple crisp takes this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness. Or whip up something extra special and serve with Betty’s homemade whipped cream.

Do I Have to Peel the Apples?

It all comes down to preference. Many prefer to use peeled apples in their apple crisp because it creates a slightly softer, more uniform consistency. Leaving the skin on your apples can create a tougher texture that some people may actually prefer. Whether you choose to make your apple crisp with the skins on or off, make sure to cut your apples to a uniform size so they cook as evenly as possible.

What Is the Easiest Way to Peel Apples for Apple Crisp?

There are plenty of kitchen tools out there that can make quick work for peeling, coring, and slicing apples. However, they aren’t necessary to bake up a perfect apple crisp. A vegetable peeler or paring knife will do the trick. Make sure to grab a cutting board as well to protect your countertops. Holding the apple in your hand, or pressed down against your cutting board, bring the peeler downward in straight, consistent strokes. Repeat until your apple is fully peeled, then you’re ready to slice.

Apple Crisp

  • Prep Time 20 min
  • Total 50 min
  • Servings 6
  • Ingredients 8
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Ingredients

  • 4 medium tart cooking apples, sliced (4 cups)
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Cream or Ice cream, if desired
Make With
Gold Medal Flour

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Heat oven to 375°F. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish or baking pan with shortening.
  • Step 
    2
    Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients except cream until well mixed; sprinkle over apples.
  • Step 
    3
    Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with cream.

Nutrition

320 Calories
11g Total Fat
2g Protein
52g Total Carbohydrate
36g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
320
Calories from Fat
100
Total Fat
11g
17%
Saturated Fat
5g
26%
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
25mg
9%
Sodium
80mg
3%
Potassium
230mg
7%
Total Carbohydrate
52g
17%
Dietary Fiber
3g
11%
Sugars
36g
Protein
2g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
8%
8%
Vitamin C
2%
2%
Calcium
4%
4%
Iron
8%
8%
Exchanges:
1 Starch; 1 Fruit; 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
3 1/2
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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