Classic Apple Crisp
Dessert1h 5m8 servingsEasyAbout this recipe
A timeless, crowd-pleasing apple crisp with a tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a golden, buttery oat topping. This no-fuss recipe is endlessly reliable — perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, soft and crunchy. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate cozy dessert.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to ![350°F]. Lightly cooking spray or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish (or a 2.5–3 quart baking dish) and set aside.
- 2
Peel, core, and slice the apple into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking — too thick and they'll be crunchy, too thin and they'll turn to mush.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated. The cornstarch will thicken the juices as they bake, preventing a watery filling.
- 4
Spread the apple mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you make the topping.
- 5
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and fine salt until combined.
- 6
Add the cold butter cubes to the oat mixture. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients by pressing and rubbing until the mixture resembles coarse, clumpy crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- 7
Scatter the topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish, covering the apples completely. Don't press it down — a loose topping bakes up crispier.
- 8
Bake on the center rack at ![350°F] for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
- 9
Remove from the oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving — the filling will thicken as it cools slightly. Serve warm, scooped into bowls, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
