Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Spice Recipe

Introduction

Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that features tender, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. It’s perfect for cozy evenings and makes your kitchen smell irresistible.

Ingredients

• 10 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, sliced ⅛ inch thick, then halved)
• ½ cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups quick cooking oats
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick baker’s spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices, ½ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup flour, granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Gently fold until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer without packing it down too tightly.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, stir together the quick cooking oats, 1 ⅓ cups flour, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
5. Step 5: Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until fully combined and no dry flour remains.
6. Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple layer, covering it completely.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling.
8. Step 8: Let the apple crisp cool on the counter for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to thicken slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping.
• Use a mix of apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage

Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, but mixing in sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add complexity.

How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

Make sure to spread the apple filling evenly without packing it tightly, and bake uncovered so the crisp topping gets golden and crunchy. Letting the dish cool slightly before serving also helps the juices thicken.

Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Spice Recipe

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4.7 from 147 reviews

This classic Apple Crisp recipe features tender, spiced Granny Smith apples baked under a golden, buttery oat topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert, this easy-to-make apple crisp blends warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors with a crisp, crumbly texture that is sure to delight.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 10 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, sliced into ⅛ inch thick slices, then sliced in half)
• ½ cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crisp Topping

• 1 ⅓ cups quick cooking oats
• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar (tightly packed)
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick baker’s spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix apple filling: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Gently fold these ingredients together to evenly coat all apple slices with the sugars and spices.
3. Transfer filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Avoid packing the filling tightly to allow the apples to soften properly during baking.
4. Make crisp topping: In another large mixing bowl, combine quick cooking oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Stir until mixed well.
5. Add butter to topping: Pour the melted unsalted butter into the oat mixture and stir thoroughly until all the butter is absorbed evenly and no dry flour pockets remain, forming the crisp topping.
6. Top apples with crisp: Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apple filling, covering the apples completely for a perfect crunchy finish.
7. Bake crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and bubbly, indicating the apples are cooked and the juices are thickened.
8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the apple crisp cool on the counter for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to set and the juices to thicken before serving.

Notes

• Using Granny Smith apples provides a tart flavor that balances the sweet topping well, but you can mix apple varieties if preferred.
• Do not over-pack the apple filling in the baking dish to allow proper cooking and caramelization.
• The topping can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container until ready to bake.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• To prevent over-browning, if the topping browns too fast during baking, tent with foil for the remaining bake time.

Keywords: Apple Crisp, Dessert, Fall Recipe, Baked Apple Dessert, Oat Topping, Comfort Food