Apple Crisp

This Apple Crisp recipe layers sweet-tart apples in a warm cinnamon filling under a buttery oat topping. Easy, cozy, and always a crowd favorite.

There’s nothing that says fall quite like a warm, bubbling apple crisp fresh out of the oven. Apples get tossed in cinnamon and a touch of vanilla, then topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble that turns crisp and craggy as it bakes. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the whole house with a cozy, cinnamon-spiced smell before you even get a bite.

This apple crisp recipe is one of my go-to desserts because it’s so simple to throw together, but it always feels special. There’s no pie crust to fuss over, just a handful of pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that everyone will be asking you to make again.

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: A mix of apple varieties gives the best flavor and texture, since some apples soften more than others as they bake. Granny Smith and Braeburn hold their shape well and add tartness, while Honeycrisp and Gala bring natural sweetness and a softer bite. Combining a few of these keeps the filling from turning mushy or one-note.
• Brown sugar: Used in both the filling and the topping for a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar both work.
• Old-fashioned oats: These give the topping its classic crisp texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the topping will be less crunchy.
• Butter: Melted butter binds the topping together and is what makes it turn golden and crisp in the oven.