Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Spice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top apples with crisp: Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apple filling, covering the apples completely for a perfect crunchy finish.
- 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.
- 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
