The Best Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This apple crisp recipe is a breeze to make and will fill your home with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples. You’ll love how simple it is—you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and crunchy, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. And the best part? It tastes just like your grandma’s classic dessert, but with a modern twist.
Recipe

Nothing beats the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple crisp. This classic dessert combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- For added texture, you can mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Equipment:
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Apple crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a crunchy topping. This homemade version provides a balance of flavor and nutrition.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 36g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my apple crisp warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts into the crispy topping perfectly. If I don’t have ice cream, I’ll whip up some fresh cream with a hint of cinnamon for a light, fluffy topping. Both options make it feel like dessert heaven.
Ice Cream Pairings
A warm slice of apple crisp is even better when you add a cool scoop of ice cream—it’s like a cozy hug with a chilly twist. My go-to is vanilla bean; its creamy, rich flavor perfectly balances the spiced apples and buttery topping. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll opt for caramel swirl ice cream—its sweet, gooey ribbons take the dessert to another level. Sometimes, I’ll even drizzle extra caramel on top for an indulgent treat. No matter which you choose, the combo of warm and cold, crunchy and creamy, is pure magic. Trust me, it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Whipped Cream Options
Though whipped cream might seem simple, it’s a game-changer when paired with apple crisp, adding a light, fluffy contrast to the warm, spiced dessert. I love experimenting with flavor combinations, like mixing vanilla extract or cinnamon into the cream for a cozy twist. For a tangy kick, I’ll fold in a dollop of Greek yogurt or mascarpone. Toppings variety also makes a difference—sprinkle some toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel for extra richness. Homemade whipped cream is my go-to, but store-bought works in a pinch. Either way, it’s the perfect finishing touch to this classic treat.