Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe

Every time I make my easy apple crisp recipe, I appreciate the harmony of sliced apples, lemon juice and sugar with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. I mix in old fashioned oats, flour and brown sugar before adding cold butter and salt to create delightful textures and flavors.

I’ve been wanting to share my latest twist on a classic fall dessert, and the Ultimate Apple Crisp really delivers. I mix up 6 cups of sliced apples with a splash of lemon juice, a bit of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Then comes the best part; combining old fashioned rolled oats with all-purpose flour, light brown sugar and cold, cubed unsalted butter creates a crispy, buttery topping that makes this recipe a standout. I first tried this when I was looking for an easy apple crisp with quick oats and couldn’t believe how the flavors danced together.

It kinda reminds me of those best apple desserts and even hints at the warmth of butterscotch pudding. If you’re a fan of apple crisp recipes that are both healthy and simple, this one is perfect for any day you need a tasty fix.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

Ultimate Apple Crisp is my favorite fall treat because it’s filled with sliced apples, a bit of cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and crispy baked oats all put together in roughly 45 minutes. Its one of those recipes that feels homemade, and though it might not be perfect, it always gives my kitchen this amazing cozy vibe. I love how the apples come out soft while the topping stays crunchy, and I can never resist adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when its still a little warm.

I like this recipe because:
1. I love how the mix of sweet apples and warm spices makes me feel comforted.
2. I always enjoy the cool contrast between the soft apples and the crunchy topping.
3. I appreciate that it only takes me under an hour to whip up, which is perfect on busy days.
4. I like that it reminds me of cozy fall days, making me feel nostalgic and happy.

Ingredients

• Apples: provide natural sweetness, fiber, vitamins and a juicy texture that makes the crisp lively.
• Lemon Juice: adds a bright tangy kick that balances out the sweet ingredients and flavors.
• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: deliver healthy carbohydrates, fiber and a satisfying, hearty crunch.
• Light Brown Sugar: brings deep sweetness with a hint of molasses for a rich flavor burst.
• Unsalted Butter: offers creaminess and richness while helping to bind and crisp the topping.
• Ground Cinnamon: infuses warm spice that perfectly enhances the natural taste of apples.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, peeled and cored)
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg until well coated.

3. Spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

4. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of old fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.

5. Add the 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a fork to work the butter into the mix until it looks crumbly.

6. Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples so that every piece get some of that crunchy goodness.

7. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is a nice golden brown and the apples are soft.

8. Once baked, pull the apple crisp out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.

9. Dig in while it’s still warm to enjoy the best of that fall flavor.

10. If you like, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra yummy treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. A 9×9-inch baking dish (lightly greased)
3. A large bowl for tossing the apples with lemon juice, sugar and spices
4. A second bowl for mixing the oats, flour, sugar and salt
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
6. A knife (if you need to slice the apples)
7. A fork or pastry cutter to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients
8. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and spreading mixtures
9. A timer for keeping track of the baking time

FAQ

Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For lemon juice, you can use lime juice or a mild apple cider vinegar as a substitute in equal amounts. Its not exactly the same, but it’ll work fine.
• If you dont have granulated sugar on hand, try using a bit of maple syrup. Just remember that this might add a little extra liquid so adjust the recipe if needed.
• You can swap out the rolled oats for quick oats if you dont mind a slightly different texture in your crisp.
• For the unsalted butter, margarine or even coconut oil can be used in the same quantity and it should still taste great.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is super cold before you cube it up. It helps form those crunchy little bits in your topping and if it’s too soft then it might just dissolve into the mix.
2. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your apples. Mixing a tart apple variety with your usual sweet ones can really amp up the flavor even more.
3. When you’re mixing up the oat topping, be careful not to overwork the butter into the dry ingredients. You want it to stay crumbly so every bite has that great texture.
4. Let your crisp sit for a few minutes after taking it outta the oven. That rest time helps it set up a bit better and keeps it from falling apart when you serve it.