Simple Apple Crisp: Delicious & Quick Dessert (Print Version)

Whip up a simple apple crisp with a buttery oat topping. A warm, comforting dessert that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Filling Essentials

01 - Apples (6-8 medium, about 6 cups sliced)
02 - All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup)
03 - Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup)
04 - Lemon Juice (1 tbsp)

→ Crumb Topping Goodies

05 - All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
06 - Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
07 - Rolled Oats (1 cup, not instant)
08 - Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup / 1 stick, cold and cubed)

→ Flavor Enhancers & Spices

09 - Cinnamon (1 tsp for filling, 1/2 tsp for topping)
10 - Nutmeg (1/4 tsp for filling, optional)
11 - Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, optional, for topping)

→ Finishing Touch

12 - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples peeled, cored, and sliced. I usually go for about 1/4-inch thick slices, not too thin that they turn to mush, not too thick that they stay crunchy. This is where I often make a mess, apple peels everywhere! Toss them into a big bowl with the 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg (if you’re using it), and that tablespoon of lemon juice. Give it a good stir until everything looks coated. You want those apples embracing all that flavor. Pour this delicious mix into your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. It should look like a lovely, slightly messy mountain of apple goodness.
02 - Now for the best part – the crumbly topping! In another large bowl, combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup rolled oats, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Whisk it all together until it’s evenly mixed. Then, add your cold, cubed butter. This is where you get to use your hands! Squish and rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a coarse, crumbly mixture with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining. I sometimes get impatient and use a pastry blender, but honestly, my fingers work best for that rustic feel. Don't overmix, we're going for crumbles, not dough! This is key for a truly <strong>Simple Apple Crisp</strong>.
03 - Sprinkle that glorious crumb topping evenly over your apple mixture in the baking dish. Don't be shy; cover every apple! I always try to get a nice, even layer, making sure there are no naked apples peeking through. Pop it into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Now, the hardest part: waiting! The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine. I always find myself hovering, peeking through the oven door. Bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling. You should see those juices thick and happy around the edges.
04 - To check if your crisp is ready, gently insert a knife into the apple filling. If it slides in easily, the apples are tender. The topping should also be a beautiful golden-brown and feel firm to the touch, not soggy. If the topping starts to brown too quickly but the apples aren't soft, you can loosely tent the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes. I’ve definitely pulled out a crisp where the edges were a little too dark, but a quick foil save usually prevents that. Trust your nose and your eyes here – they’ll tell you when it’s perfect.
05 - Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! I know, it’s tough. Let the crisp rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This gives the apple juices a chance to settle and thicken, preventing a watery mess when you scoop it. Plus, it’s scorching hot right out of the oven, and a burnt tongue isn't the best way to enjoy it. While it cools, the smells intensify, filling your entire home with that wonderful, comforting aroma. It’s a little bit of patience for a lot more deliciousness, trust me.
06 - Now, finally, it’s time! Scoop generous portions into bowls. My absolute favorite way to eat this crisp is warm, with a big dollop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the top. The contrast of the warm, tender apples and the cold, creamy ice cream is just heavenly. A little whipped cream works too, or even just plain. The crunchy topping, the sweet-tart apples, the warm spices… it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one serving. Enjoy every single bite of your homemade goodness!

# Notes:

01 - Cold butter for the topping is non-negotiable for a truly crumbly texture – I learned that the hard way trying to rush it with soft butter.
02 - Let it rest after baking! Seriously, those 10-15 minutes make all the difference for the juices to thicken up.
03 - Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a slightly different spice profile; it's a game-changer.
04 - My absolute favorite way to eat this is warm, with a big dollop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the top.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - potato peeler
04 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 3g

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