For a cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall, nothing compares to a classic old-fashioned apple crisp. This timeless treat highlights the best seasonal flavors with tender baked apples and a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced topping. This simple recipe has been a favorite for generations. The soft, juicy apples pair beautifully with the fragrant crumble, and it’s much easier to make than you might think. Once you try it, this nostalgic dessert will earn a permanent spot on your autumn baking list.

Choosing the Best Apples for Apple Crisp

Picking the right apples is key to making a great apple crisp. My go-to combination is sweet Honeycrisp apples paired with tart Granny Smiths. Together, they create a rich, balanced apple flavor. It’s best to avoid softer, mealy varieties like Red Delicious. Thinly sliced apples bake up tender and buttery, perfectly complementing the crisp topping.

 

Ingredients

For the Apples

• Apples, thinly sliced – About 4 cups
• Light brown sugar – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon

For the Topping

• Oat flour or all-purpose flour – ½ cup
• Old-fashioned rolled oats – ¼ cup
• Light brown sugar – 1/3 cup
• Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
• Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
• Kosher salt – ¼ teaspoon
• Melted butter – ¼ cup

 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly butter an 8-, 9-, or 10-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the apple slices in the dish. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ cup brown sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then toss gently to coat.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Add the melted butter and mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake for 30–32 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

 

Extra Tip

If the butter is too firm to blend easily with the dry ingredients, microwave the mixture for 10–15 seconds to soften it. Substituting oat flour for all-purpose flour will make this recipe gluten-free.