Apple Crisp (Easy Fall Dessert)

This Apple Crisp recipe is a cozy family favorite, filled with tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan-oat topping. It’s easy to make and always makes the house smell amazing. Serve it alone or topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Give it a try for your next get-together or whenever you want a comforting treat everyone will love. It’s great for holiday celebrations!

Why You Want to Try Homemade Apple Crisp

• Quick and easy prep – You don’t need fancy tools or lots of time to make this apple dessert. It’s easy to mix up and bake.
• Family-friendly – Both kids and adults love the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy topping.
• Made with everyday ingredients – Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or easy to find when you go grocery shopping.
• Perfect for sharing – It’s a warm, cozy dessert that’s always a hit at family dinners or potlucks which makes it a good option for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredients & Equipment

This mini apple pie recipe should be very easy to shop for because all of the ingredients are all very common. Here’s what you need:

• Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch
• Old-fashioned oats
• Flour
• Salt
• Butter
• Chopped pecans

Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen:

• 9×9 baking dish
• Vegetable peeler
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone spatula
• Medium mixing bowl

Step By Step Instructions

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking time.

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray the 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

FILLING

Step 2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.

Step 3. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 4. Spread the apple mixture in the bottom of the baking dish and spread into an even layer.

TOPPING

Step 5. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 6. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts, if desired.

Step 7. Sprinkle the topping in an even layer over the apple mixture.

BAKE

Step 8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when poked with a fork.

Step 9. Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.

Step 10. Scoop the apple crisp into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired. Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired. Enjoy!

 Variations

• Use different apples – Try Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter twist or mix a few types for more flavor.
• Add berries – Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries..
• Swap the nuts – Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
• Try other spices – Add ginger or cardamom for a different flavor.

Leftovers & Storage

Let the apple crisp cool to room temperature, then cover it with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Slice the apples evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate and keeps the filling tender, not mushy.
• Use cold butter for the topping. Cold butter makes the oat topping extra crumbly and crisp.
• Taste your apples first. If they’re very tart, you can add a bit more sugar and if they’re extra sweet, use a little less sugar.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch. It’s what helps thicken the filling and keeps it from getting watery.
• Let it rest before serving.  If you give your apple crisp about 10 minutes to set up after baking it will be much easier to scoop when you serve it.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a few hours early and keep it in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready. Leftovers reheat well too.

What kind of apples work best?
I love using Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a mix of tart and sweet, but use whatever you have. Just avoid extra-soft apples like Red Delicious because they get mushy.

Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
You can but old-fashioned oats give a better crunch. Instant oats will make the topping a bit softer.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is best for a soft filling but you can leave the skins on for more texture.

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