Dessert

The BEST Apple Crisp Recipe

BySimon Carel February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

This apple crisp recipe is a warm, comforting dessert that combines tart Granny Smith and sweet Honey Crisp apples with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings.

A round white pie dish holds a fruit crumble with a rough, chunky golden-brown oat and flour topping covering the whole surface. On top, three round scoops of white vanilla ice cream rest in the center, drizzled with light golden caramel sauce. The dish sits on a white marbled surface next to a beige cloth and soft peach-colored flowers. A metal ice cream scoop with some melting ice cream is in the lower left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
4 Honey Crisp apples (peeled and diced)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for apple mixture)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)
Vanilla bean ice cream and salted caramel (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a 12×8 oval baking dish, add the peeled and diced apples.
Step 3: Toss together 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir this mixture into the apples making sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking powder, brown sugar, butter, and sea salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until the mixture is crumbly and combined.
Step 5: Spread the streusel topping evenly in a single layer over the apples in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Step 7: Serve warm, topped with vanilla bean ice cream, salted caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to balance flavor and texture.
For a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
Make sure the butter is cold for the topping to achieve a crisp texture.
If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup.

Storage

Store any leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. The topping may lose some crispness upon reheating, but the flavors remain delicious.

How to Serve

A white scalloped bowl holds a warm apple crumble dessert with chunky baked apple pieces at the bottom, topped by a generous layer of golden brown, crumbly oat streusel. On top, two round scoops of melting vanilla ice cream rest, drizzled with smooth caramel sauce that cascades over the ice cream and crumbs. To the right inside the bowl, a white and gold spoon lies partially in the dessert. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft peach-colored flower petals and blooms scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any firm apples you like, but a mix of tart and sweet apples provides the best flavor and texture balance in the crisp.

Can I prepare the apple crisp ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the crisp and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.