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There’s just something magical about autumn, isn’t there? I find myself dreaming of crisp air, cozy sweaters, and, of course, the comforting aroma of baked apples wafting from my kitchen. This easy apple crisp recipe with oats is my absolute favorite way to embrace those feelings. It’s a classic for a reason, blending perfectly tender, spiced apples with an irresistibly crunchy, chewy oat topping.

I promise you, this isn’t just another apple crisp. It’s the kind of warm, sweet, and slightly tart treat that makes every bite feel like a hug. It’s incredibly simple to put together, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion. I know you’ll love sharing this comforting dish with your family and friends.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

I developed this Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats with busy home cooks in mind, and I know you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together, delivering incredible flavor every time.

Effortlessly Simple: This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and minimal steps, making it perfect even for beginner bakers or those short on time.
Perfect Crunch and Chew: The oat topping achieves that ideal balance of buttery crispness and satisfying chew, a texture I adore with the soft apple filling.
Beautifully Balanced Flavor: I’ve carefully crafted the filling to be perfectly sweet and tart, ensuring the apples shine without being overly sugary.
Customizable Comfort: I’ll share how easily you can adapt this recipe with different apples, spices, or even add-ins, making it uniquely yours.

How to Make This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

Are you ready to make a truly delicious and comforting apple crisp? I’m excited to guide you through each step.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes baking so much easier, and I find these particularly helpful for this recipe:

8×8 baking dish
Large mixing bowls
Pastry cutter (or two forks)
Vegetable peeler
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful apple crisp:

6 golden delicious apples (peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced))
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup old fashioned oats (quick oats can be used, but it may have a slightly different texture)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (diced into small cubes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, bubbly apple crisp ready to enjoy in no time.

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, add chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp of the cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then transfer to prepared baking dish.
In a separate mixing bowl, add topping ingredients (brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter).
Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the oat mixture, using a slight downward twisting motion, until mixture resembled pea-sized crumbs. Alternatively, you can use two forks or even your hands to cut butter into the mixture.
Spread topping over apples in baking dish, and gently pat to even it out. Bake 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy! I love to top mine with some vanilla bean ice cream, or whipped cream.

Maya Anderson

The Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

There’s just something magical about autumn, isn’t there? This easy apple crisp recipe with oats is a classic for a reason, blending perfectly tender, spiced apples with an irresistibly crunchy, chewy oat topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 301

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

6 golden delicious apples peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced)
2 tablespoon granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup old fashioned oats quick oats can be used, but it may have a slightly different texture
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter diced into small cubes

Equipment

8×8 baking dish
Large mixing bowls
pastry cutter
vegetable peeler
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Butter an 8×8 baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, add chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp of the cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then transfer to prepared baking dish.
In a separate mixing bowl, add topping ingredients (brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter).
Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the oat mixture, using a slight downward twisting motion, until mixture resembled pea-sized crumbs. Alternatively, you can use two forks or even your hands to cut butter into the mixture.
Spread topping over apples in baking dish, and gently pat to even it out. Bake 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm and enjoy! I love to top mine with some vanilla bean ice cream, or whipped cream.

Notes

To prevent a watery filling, combine apples with sugar and lemon juice right before baking, or add 1 tablespoon of flour/cornstarch to very juicy apples. Pre-cooking apples slightly can also reduce moisture. For a crunchy topping, use very cold butter diced into small cubes and cut it into the oat mixture without overmixing. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances sweetness, while brown sugar provides a deeper caramel-like flavor and chewier texture to the topping. If the topping is soggy, ensure butter is properly cut in, check moisture levels, or bake longer. If apples are undercooked, ensure uniform piece size and correct oven temperature; cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly. Adjust sweetness or tartness by varying apple types or sugar/lemon juice. For variations, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins, or 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or sliced pears to the filling. You can also enhance the topping with 1/4 tsp nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, or 2 Tbsp shredded coconut. For gluten-free, use certified GF oats and a 1:1 GF flour blend; for vegan, use plant-based butter substitute. This crisp can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, or frozen unbaked for up to 3 months (bake from frozen for 60-75 minutes at 350°F). Store baked leftovers at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions. Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream, whipped cream, warm caramel sauce, other ice cream flavors (cinnamon, butter pecan, coffee), Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp with Oats

I’ve made my fair share of apple crisps, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I think will help you achieve perfection every time.

Avoiding a Watery Apple Crisp Filling

A watery filling can be a real disappointment, but it’s often easy to prevent. Sometimes, apples with a very high water content can release too much liquid during baking. To combat this, I make sure the apples are combined with the sugar and lemon juice right before baking so they don’t sit and release too much juice prematurely.

If I notice my apples are particularly juicy, or if I’m using a variety known for high moisture, I sometimes add a tiny bit more flour or cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon) to the apple mixture. This helps thicken the juices into a lovely, syrupy consistency instead of a thin, watery one. Pre-cooking your apples slightly on the stovetop for a few minutes can also reduce excess moisture before they go into the oven.

The Magic of Lemon Juice and Brown Sugar

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. I always include lemon juice in my apple filling. It’s not just for flavor; the acidity brightens the apples, preventing them from browning too quickly and adding a lovely tart counterpoint to the sweetness. It truly balances the whole dish.

Brown sugar is my go-to for the topping. Unlike granulated sugar, brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture, a deeper, more complex caramel-like flavor, and contributes to that beautiful golden-brown color and slightly chewier texture that I absolutely love. It helps the topping become perfectly rich and caramelized as it bakes.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

One of the things I adore about this apple crisp is how versatile it is! You can easily make it your own with a few simple additions or changes.

Category	Variation Idea
Add-ins for Your Filling	Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Stir in 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and chew. Mix in 1/2 cup fresh blueberries or sliced pears with the apples for a different fruit combination.
Topping Twists	Enhance the spice profile with 1/4 tsp nutmeg, a pinch of allspice, or a touch of ground ginger or cardamom. Sprinkle in 2 Tbsp shredded coconut for a tropical hint before baking.
Making it Gluten-Free or Vegan	For a certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats option, use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats and a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan crisp, substitute the cold unsalted butter with your favorite plant-based butter substitute, ensuring it’s cold and diced.

Make Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

This apple crisp is fantastic fresh from the oven, but I also love that I can prepare it ahead of time or enjoy leftovers later.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire apple crisp (apples and topping) in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Freezing Unbaked Apple Crisp

This is a fantastic option for meal prep! To freeze, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe baking dish. Cover it tightly with a double layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, remove the frozen crisp from the freezer, unwrap it, and bake it directly from frozen at 350°F. It will take longer, usually around 60-75 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), you can store baked apple crisp covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Your Apple Crisp

To bring your apple crisp back to its delicious best, I recommend reheating it in the oven. Place the crisp in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping has re-crisped slightly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though the topping won’t be as crisp.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Crisp with Oats

While this apple crisp is utterly delightful on its own, I find that a little something extra takes it from delicious to absolutely divine!

My go-to is always a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the cold, creamy contrast with the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping is heavenly. A dollop of freshly whipped cream is another classic choice that never disappoints. But don’t stop there! I also love drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top, or trying different ice cream flavors like cinnamon, butter pecan, or even a rich coffee ice cream. For a touch of tangy brightness, a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be surprisingly wonderful. Don’t be afraid to get creative and find your favorite combination!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about baking, and these are some of the most common ones I hear about apple crisp.

What’s the difference between an apple crisp and an apple crumble?

The main distinction lies in the topping! An apple crisp, like this recipe, features a topping that typically includes oats, which bake up to be delightfully crispy and chewy. An apple crumble, on the other hand, usually has a streusel-like topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, but without oats, resulting in a more uniform, cake-like crumb.

Can I use frozen apples?

Yes, you can use frozen apples in a pinch! I recommend thawing them first and draining any excess liquid very thoroughly. Frozen apples tend to release more moisture, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to your apple filling mixture to ensure it thickens properly and isn’t watery.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

I understand that many of you have specific dietary needs. For guidance on making this recipe gluten-free or vegan, please refer to the “Delicious Variations & Customizations” section above. There, I’ve outlined clear suggestions for adapting the ingredients to fit those dietary requirements.

Conclusion

I hope this easy apple crisp recipe with oats brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. There’s something truly special about creating a dessert that feels both comforting and simple, and I truly believe this recipe delivers on both fronts. I love how the tender, spiced apples pair with that perfectly crunchy, oat-filled topping.

I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below with your favorite apple crisp toppings, ask any questions you might have, or share your results on social media using #whatwillcookapplecrisp. Happy baking, my friends!