Name: Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup all purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); ¼ cup butter (softened)*; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 pinch salt; *If you use unsalted butter then add ¼ teaspoon of salt.; 5 large apples (peeled, cored and thinly sliced); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar*; 1 - 1½ tablespoons corn starch**; *If your apples are sweet you may want to add only a tablespoon of sugar.; **If you want a thicker sauce then add a little corn starch. This recipe did not use any corn starch.

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

If you're craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly delicious, this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend. With tender, cinnamon-kissed apples beneath a buttery, crunchy topping, it’s the perfect way to bring a little cozy magic to your kitchen any time of year. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a festive celebration, this apple crisp delivers sweetness, spice, and everything nice all in one delightful dish.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two side-by-side glass bowls on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains sliced apples. The bowl on the left has plain, pale yellow apple slices with a white spoon resting inside, while the bowl on the right contains apple slices mixed with cinnamon, giving them a warm brown color, and also has a white spoon inside. A light blue cloth is placed near the bottom right corner of both bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role—from the crisp tartness of the apples to the rich, crumbly topping that adds that irresistible crunch you’ll crave.

All purpose flour (½ cup): Provides structure and catch for the buttery crumb topping that makes every bite delightful.
Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Adds warmth and caramel-like sweetness both in the crunchy topping and the apple filling.
Butter, softened (¼ cup): Creates that melt-in-your-mouth crumble texture—make sure it’s soft for easier mixing.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon plus ½ teaspoon): Infuses the entire dish with that classic spicy aroma and flavor that screams fall comfort food.
Salt (a pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially if using unsalted butter.
Large apples (5, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): The star ingredient that delivers both tartness and natural sweetness in every tender slice.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the filling.
Brown sugar for filling (2-3 tablespoons): Adjust according to how sweet your apples are, giving the filling just the right touch of sugary goodness.
Corn starch (1 to 1½ tablespoons, optional): Helps thicken the apple juices if you prefer a saucier crisp, but it’s totally optional depending on your texture preference.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter an 8-inch round or square baking pan. This step ensures your apple crisp will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan, setting the stage for a perfect dessert.

Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping

Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Then, add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles large crumbs. This crumbly texture will bake into a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the tender apples below.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture

As you peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, toss them immediately in a large bowl with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the cinnamon, brown sugar, and corn starch if you want a thicker filling. Gently toss everything to coat the apples evenly without bruising them—this mix will become the luscious, spiced heart of your crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking pan and evenly scatter the crumb topping over the apples. The pan will look full and a little crowded, but don’t worry—once baked, it will settle beautifully. Place in the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until the apples are tender when poked with a toothpick and the topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 15 minutes after baking—this rest time helps the juices thicken slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to balance the warm spices and add that irresistible creaminess.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

A white plate with two scoops of creamy white ice cream sitting on top of a warm apple crumble. The crumble layer is golden brown with soft, cooked apple slices visible underneath, covered in a sticky cinnamon sauce. The plate rests on a stack of two more white plates, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, several whole red apples and a blue cloth add color to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your apple crisp with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for those who prefer a tangy contrast. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even apple cider makes a cozy companion alongside your dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your apple crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars for charming single portions that impress guests. You can also layer warmed apple crisp with yogurt and granola for a decadent breakfast or brunch twist that keeps your taste buds happy from morning to night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any apple crisp left over, it’s perfectly happy to sit at room temperature for a day. After that, cover it well and pop it in the refrigerator where it will keep delicious for up to a week without losing its charm.

Freezing

The topping for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month in a freezer-safe bag or container. For the apple crisp itself, freezing after baking is possible but may slightly affect texture—best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to help revive the topping’s crispness. Microwaving works too for a quick fix, but the topping won’t stay as crunchy. Serve warm for that cozy, just-baked feeling each time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for the crisp?

Absolutely! Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji gives your crisp a wonderful balance of flavor and texture. Just make sure to peel and core them as the recipe suggests.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended in this recipe for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth filling, but if you prefer more texture and nutrition, leaving the skins on is fine. Just slice them thinly to ensure they cook through well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all purpose flour in the crumb topping for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Just be mindful that almond flour will make the topping a bit denser and richer.

What if I don’t have corn starch for thickening?

No worries! If you skip the corn starch, your filling might be a little more liquidy, but as the apple slices soften, it still tastes fantastic. You just might want to serve it with a spoon to catch the juices.

How long can I leave the apple crisp at room temperature?

It’s best to enjoy your apple crisp within a day if left out. Beyond that, refrigerate to keep it fresh and safe to eat up to a week.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a heartwarming dessert that’s as simple to make as it is comforting to eat. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends on a chilly day or anytime you need a taste of homemade goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a go-to favorite that leaves everyone asking for seconds.