Classic Cinnamon Apple Crisp 🍏 | Easy Fall Dessert with Oats & Brown Sugar

A warm apple crisp is one of those timeless desserts that feels like comfort in every bite.

With tender spiced apples bubbling beneath a golden, buttery oat topping, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of cozy and satisfying.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough to share at a gathering. If you’ve ever wanted a go-to apple dessert that never fails, this apple crisp will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

Unlike a traditional pie, apple crisp doesn’t require rolling out dough or fussing with crusts.

Instead, fresh apples are tossed with sugar and cinnamon, then baked under a rustic crumb topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter.

The result is a dessert that’s both comforting and versatile—delicious on its own or elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Choosing the Right Apples

The key to a flavorful apple crisp lies in the fruit. Not all apples bake the same way, so choosing the right variety makes a big difference.

Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the topping, while sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji bring a naturally juicy flavor. For the best results, use a mix of tart and sweet varieties.

This gives your crisp a layered flavor profile and prevents it from becoming overly sweet or mushy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this apple crisp recipe:

For the Apple Filling

5 cups fresh apples, peeled and sliced (about 5–6 medium apples)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup granulated sugar

For the Crumble Topping

⅔ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup all-purpose flour

⅓ cup old-fashioned oats

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a deep pie dish or baking dish to prevent sticking and to add a hint of richness.

2. Mix the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar until coated evenly.

The cinnamon clings to the apples while the sugar draws out their natural juices, creating a light syrup. Transfer this mixture to your prepared dish.

3. Make the Oat Crumble

In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, salt, and cinnamon.

Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. The oats add texture, while the brown sugar caramelizes during baking, giving that signature crisp topping.

4. Assemble and Bake

Spread the oat crumble evenly over the apple mixture. Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender but not mushy.

5. Serve Warm

Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it plain, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

Don’t skip the oats: They give the topping its classic chewy-crunchy texture.

Mix apple types: Combining tart and sweet apples enhances flavor complexity.

Check for doneness: The topping should be golden brown, and the apples should be fork-tender but not falling apart.

Make ahead: Assemble the filling and topping separately, then bake just before serving for the freshest results.

Variations to Try

One of the joys of apple crisp is how adaptable it is. A few ideas to change things up:

Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.

Spice it up: Swap the cinnamon for apple pie spice, or add nutmeg and cloves for deeper warmth.

Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Lower sugar option: Reduce the sugar in the filling and topping slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

What to Serve with Apple Crisp

This crisp is versatile enough to pair with many accompaniments. Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice, but cinnamon ice cream, salted caramel sauce, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate the experience.

For a cozy autumn dessert table, pair it with hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or re-crisp the topping in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Final Thoughts

This easy cinnamon apple crisp with oat topping is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday meal, a dinner party, or just because you crave something warm and sweet, this recipe delivers every time. It’s approachable, endlessly adaptable, and always crowd-pleasing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Cinnamon Apple Crisp

What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?

A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith provides a tangy balance, while Honeycrisp or Fuji adds natural sweetness. Using a blend ensures the filling isn’t overly sour or sugary.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping separately, refrigerate them, and assemble just before baking. Alternatively, bake the crisp a day in advance and reheat in the oven before serving.

How do I keep the topping crispy when storing leftovers?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. This helps restore the crisp texture, unlike microwaving which can make the topping soggy.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.

Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes. You can reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping by about one-third without significantly affecting the texture. Using naturally sweet apples also helps minimize the need for added sugar.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

Apple crisp can be frozen either baked or unbaked. If freezing unbaked, assemble the dish and wrap tightly before freezing. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. If freezing baked crisp, allow it to cool completely, then freeze and reheat in the oven.

What are the best ways to serve apple crisp?

It’s delicious on its own, but pairing it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the flavor and presentation.