Perfect Apple Crisp Recipe

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Make a Perfect Apple Crisp with just a few easy steps. Apple crisps are basically a streusel-topped pie without a bottom crust. Super simple to throw together and you can use almost any fruit that is in season.

The secret to a perfect apple crisp is to use great apples. You want to use a combination of sweet and tart apples. Choose apples that stay firm and crisp like a sweet Rome Beauty or a tart Granny Smith and then combine it with a tart Jonathan or a sweet Honey Crisp that will break down a bit when baked.

two plates with apple crisp and white ice cream with the cast iron baking dish next to them with green apples on a wood block

Perfect Apple Crisp

If you’re unsure what apples to use, buy several varieties and use them all to get a great mix of flavors and textures. The U.S. Apple Association has a nice Apple Variety Guide with pictures of the apples and their uses.

If possible, stop by a local farmers market and buy fresh, locally grown apples that were picked when ripe. Of course, once you’ve chosen great apples you’ll need you need a crisp, delicious streusel top. I added sliced almonds, but you can substitute your favorite nut, or omit them if you’re not a nut lover. I also like the added texture that oatmeal gives the topping, but if you don’t, omit that as well.

Ingredients

Apples
Lemon juice
Sugar
Cornstarch
Cinnamon
Brown sugar
Flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Sliced almonds
Butter

Recipe Instructions

Preheat oven to 375º. Spray an 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl or plastic zipper bag, combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Add apples and lemon juice and toss to coat. Put in prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl combine brown sugar, flour, oats, almonds, cinnamon and alt. Add melted butter and mix with a fork or your hands until mixture resembles crumbly wet sand. Sprinkle mixture evenly on top of apples.
Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until apples are tender and topping is golden brown about 45–55 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm from the oven topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I peel apples for apple crisp?

When making an apple crisp the apples should be peeled, cored and thinly sliced.

How do you know when an apple crisp is done?

You will want to bake the apple crisp until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

Do you refrigerate apple crisp?

I prefer to refrigerate my apple crisp. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.

Is apple crisp served warm or cold?

Apple crisps are traditionally served warm. They are extra delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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two plates with apple crisp and white ice cream with the cast iron baking dish next to them

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4.38 from 45 votes

Perfect Apple Crisp

Make a Perfect Apple Crisp with just a few easy steps. Fruit crisps are essentially a streusel-topped pie without a bottom crust. They're easy to throw together and you can use almost any fruit that's in season.

Prep Time15

Cook Time55

Total Time1 10

Course: Pie

Keyword: baking, Dessert, food, recipe

Servings: – 8 Servings

Calories: 300kcal

Author: Barbara Schieving

Ingredients

6 cups apples peeled, cored and thinly sliced (6 – 8 medium apples—use a combination of sweet and tart baking apples)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Crumble Topping:

⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats not quick-cooking
½ cup sliced almonds optional
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup butter melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375º. Spray an 9×9 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl or plastic zipper bag, combine granulated sugar, cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add apples and lemon juice and toss to coat. Put in prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl combine brown sugar, flour, oats, almonds, ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add melted butter and mix with a fork or your hands until mixture resembles crumbly wet sand. Sprinkle mixture evenly on top of apples.
Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until apples are tender and topping is golden brown about 45–55 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm from the oven topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Pinterest pin that reads "Cast Iron Apple Crumble" with photos of a cast iron pan with baked crumble & servings dished onto a plate with ice cream

A hot, homemade Apple Crisp is the perfect fall dessert, especially topped with a rich creamy vanilla ice cream. Remember: If you’ve got great apples, you’ll have a great apple crisp!

Perfect Apple Crisp

Perfect Apple Crisp

Ingredients

Recipe Instructions