The Easiest Apple Crisp Recipe

I love making my Easy Baked Apple Crisp using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, fresh lemon juice, and spiced granulated sugar. Topped with a blend of rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar, this effortless fall favorite brings a burst of seasonal flavor with every bite.

I recently whipped up the easiest apple crisp ever and I gotta say, this recipe is a total game changer. I used 6 medium apples, a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, tossed them with a bit of lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and let them get to know each other before baking.

When it comes to the topping, I mixed together all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, a little bit of cold butter and a pinch of salt to create a crunchy, delightful layer on top. Some of the variations I looked into include recipes with canned apples, applesauce versions and even one that skips the butter for those who are more adventurous.

I love how simple it is to prepare even in advance which makes it a perfect treat for any time of the year so give it a try and see what you think.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, the mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples makes the flavor so balanced and reminds me of fall every time I make it. Second, it’s super easy to put together—the steps are simple enough that even if I’m having a crazy day I can whip it up without too much hassle. Third, the topping is just perfect; it gives a nice crunch and the mix of brown sugar and oats adds a really homey taste that I just can’t get enough of. Finally, I really dig that it can be made vegan or gluten free, so it feels like a treat that everyone can enjoy without having to change the recipe a lot.

Ingredients

• Apples supply fiber and vitamins while adding a mix of tart and sweet flavor.
• Lemon juice adds brightness and mild sourness; enriches flavor and preserves apple color.
• Sugar gives overall recipe sweetness and acts as a tenderizer by breaking down apple cells.
• Oats supply healthy carbohydrates and fiber, creating a chewy texture in the crisp topping.
• Butter brings rich flavor and fat to help bind ingredients; allows a perfect crumbly finish.
• Spices: cinnamon and nutmeg create warmth while providing antioxidants and support digestion.
• Flour binds ingredients into a crisp layer and adds a subtle, delicate sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 medium apples (about 6 cups peeled and sliced, use a mix of sweet and tart like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (you can use maple syrup if you want a vegan option, just adjust a little)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Crisp topping ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (swap with a gluten free flour blend to keep it GF)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup cold butter (or use vegan butter if you want the vegan twist)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples and toss them in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

3. Arrange the apple slices evenly in a greased baking dish.

4. In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten free flour blend), 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

5. Cut in 1/3 cup cold butter (or vegan butter) using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.

6. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples in the dish.

7. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are soft.

8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

9. Enjoy warm on its own or with your favorite scoop of ice cream.

Equipment Needed

1. A working oven set to 350°F
2. A greased baking dish
3. A large mixing bowl for the apples and seasonings
4. A cutting board
5. A sharp knife for peeling, coring, and slicing the apples
6. Measuring cups and spoons for all the ingredients
7. A second bowl for mixing the crisp topping
8. A pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold butter into the topping mixture
9. A spatula or spoon for stirring and scraping the mixtures

FAQ

The Easiest Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of lemon juice, you can use an equal amount of lime juice or even a mild white vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.
• If you dont have granulated sugar, try using honey, agave nectar, or even coconut sugar; just note that you might need to adjust the liquid amounts a bit.
• For the butter in the crisp topping, feel free to swap in vegan butter or even coconut oil if you prefer a dairy-free option.
• You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend or almond flour if you’re looking for a different texture or need a gluten-free version.

Pro Tips

1. When you slice and mix your apples, try to cut them into similar sizes so they all cook evenly even if some pieces might be a bit bigger than others. This helps avoid having whole chunks thats too hard while smaller pieces turn to mush.

2. Make sure you keep the butter really cold before you work it into the crisp topping. The cold butter creates that crumbly texture we all love and using your fingers or a pastry cutter (even two forks) can get the job done but be careful not to over mix it.

3. Dont be afraid to tweak the sugar based on how tart or sweet your apples are. If you’re using mostly tart apples like Granny Smith, you might need a bit more sugar than the 1/2 cup suggested to make sure the flavor is balanced enough.

4. Tossing the apple slices in lemon juice works like magic to keep them from turning brown too soon. It not only helps with look but also keeps the flavor fresh during the baking process.