Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe

I love experimenting with classic fall flavors. My Easy Apple Crisp Recipe combines fresh sliced apples, a blend of granulated and brown sugars with cinnamon and nutmeg. I add a splash of lemon juice, then finish with oats and butter for a delightfully unexpected twist on a beloved dessert.

I recently discovered the Ultimate Apple Crisp that has quickly become one of my favorite apple desserts. I like how the recipe brings together simple ingredients like 6 cups of sliced apples, a mix of granulated and brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and even a pinch of ground nutmeg with a squeeze of lemon juice to really bring out the apple flavor.

On top, there’s a mix of oats, all-purpose flour and more brown sugar, all bound together with cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces and a sprinkle of salt. I love how every bite has that slight crunch from the crispy baked oats and a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

With this easy apple crisp recipe, you can whip up a delicious dish in just 45 minutes. It’s a great treat to share with family and friends on a quiet evening at home.

Enjoy trying it out!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this apple crisp recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how simple it is to put together. Even though there’s a bunch of ingredients and steps, each part just flows naturally without making me feel stressed. Second, the mix of sweet apples with cinnamon and a touch of lemon really reminds me of fall. It’s like every bite brings in that cozy, homey feeling that I just can’t get enough of. Third, the topping is seriously impressive. I mean, when the butter mixes with rolled oats and brown sugar and then bakes into a crunchy, golden layer, it’s amazing how it gives the whole dish a really satisfying texture. Lastly, I appreciate that the recipe is kinda forgiving. Even if I mess up a little with measurements or timing, it still turns out delicious, which always puts my mind at ease and makes it fun to try again.

Ingredients

• Apples: fresh, juicy, and rich in fiber; they offer ample natural sweetness and nutrition.
• Granulated and brown sugars: add sweetness, help with texture and caramelization; use in moderation.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: warming spices that add flavor depth while boosting an inviting aroma.
• Oats: whole grains supply fiber and some protein, making a crisp and hearty topping.
• Butter: unsalted butter adds rich flavor and a perfectly smooth and tender texture.
• Lemon juice: brightens the flavor with tangy, sour notes and helps keep apples fresh.
• All-purpose flour: gradually thickens the apple mix while forming a light, crumbly topping.
• Overall: ingredients combine for a warm, comforting dessert with bright, balanced flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups sliced apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for the apple mixture)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the topping)
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp flour; toss until the apples are well coated.

3. Pour the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

4. In another bowl mix together 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.

5. Add the cold butter pieces to the topping mixture.

6. Using your fingers or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly.

7. Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apples in the dish.

8. Place the dish into the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious fall treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. A 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Two large mixing bowls (one for the apple mixture and one for the topping)
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the sugars, flours, and spices
5. A fork (or just use your fingers) for mixing the cold butter into the topping
6. Oven mitts to safely remove the dish from the oven
7. A cooling setup (like a rack or a clean surface) to let the dessert cool a bit before serving

FAQ

Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have brown sugar for the topping, you can use an equal amount of coconut sugar. It might give a slight caramel taste
• If you’re out of butter, try using an equal amount of chilled vegan butter or coconut oil. Just be aware that flavor and texture could differ a bit
• For the apple filling, if all-purpose flour isn’t handy, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, though use a little less as it’s denser
• If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of lime juice works well too
• When it comes to the oats in the topping, if you only have quick oats, you can use them in stead of old-fashioned rolled oats, but it might change the crispiness

Pro Tips

1. make sure all your apple slices are pretty much the same thickness so they cook evenly; big chunks might still be a bit underdone.
2. keep your butter super cold before you work it into the topping mix – that helps you get nice, crumbly bits instead of a smooth paste.
3. let the apple mix chill for a few minutes after tossing it with the spices; this gives the flavors time to blend together.
4. if your topping starts to get too dark before the apples are bubbly, try covering the dish with foil for part of the bake so nothing burns.