The best apple crisp ever! Made with fresh apples, oats, brown sugar & cinnamon, and no lemon juice. Easy, cozy dessert—perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Jump to:
If you like syrupy, baked fruit desserts, sure not to miss our peach cobbler, peach dump cake, or Cherry Pie Bars recipes. They're some of our best! Don't miss our other tasty dessert recipes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
People love this apple crisp—and we do too! It’s easy to make, perfectly cozy, and so good served warm with vanilla ice cream. We always keep topping on hand for last-minute cravings. Great for two, or a total crowd-pleaser. You really can’t go wrong!
This delicious apple crisp is a cherished adaptation of my dear friend Marsha’s beloved family recipe. Known to her grandchildren as Mimi, Marsha is deeply rooted in her faith, famous for her incredible cooking, and loved for her generous hospitality. When I was a young mom, she took me under her wing—sharing not just her kitchen secrets, but also her life and faith. This recipe is one of the treasured recipes she passed down to me.
Here's What You Need
You just need a few simple ingredients to toss this easy dessert recipe together.
- golden delicious apples - Preferred for their mild taste and soft texture.
- granulated sugar - Just a little to mix with the apples.
- brown sugar - Makes delicious syrup.
- oatmeal - Use quick oats. Thicker, rolled oats need longer cooking time.
- all purpose flour - Just a little.
Gluten Free Tip: Omit flour and substitute same amount of additional oats. - ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- salted butter
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Apple Crisp
1. Prepare Apples. Mix together thinly sliced apples with a little cinnamon and sugar.
Make Ahead Tip: Add a squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice to keep the apples from browning, if you want to make it ahead of time and bake later.
2. Prepare Apple Crisp Topping. Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined.
Make-Ahead Tip: This mixture can be stored in an airtight container to use any time. So handy for those times when you want a little dessert for two.
3. Combine Topping and Butter. I use a pastry cutter to do this. But you can also use a fork.
Pro Tip: Make sure the butter is really cold or it'll be difficult to incorporate. I usually cube the butter and put it in the freezer for a while so it gets really cold.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
4. Put Apple Crisp Together. If you have added a little lemon juice to the apples, you can set the prepared apple crisp aside and bake a little later. Otherwise, pop it in the oven now.
5. Bake for 45 Minutes. You'll know its done when you see the syrup bubbling up along the sides of the baking dish. Test for doneness by inserting the blade of a knife into center. If the apples are done, the knife will pass through them without resistance.
6. Serve. Serve this delicious recipe piping hot right out of the oven, when it is still bubbling and syrupy. Don't for get the vanilla ice cream. The ice cream will melt into the syrupy apples creating the most sublimely irresistible bite.
FAQ's
Different apple varieties have varying tastes and textures that set them apart. They range from mild and soft to firm and tart. The best apple is one that is pleasing to you. Here are two common choices:
Golden Delicious Apples are preferred for their mild taste and soft texture when baked.
Granny Smith have a more tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well when baked.
Apple crisp can be made ahead in part or in whole.
In part: Add a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice to your prepared apples before you top them with apple crisp topping and butter mixture. The lemon juice will keep the apples from turning brown. Set your prepared apple crisp aside on the counter until ready to bake. Put the apple crisp in the oven to bake just as you are serving dinner. And by the time dinner is over, this warm syrupy dessert will be ready.
In whole: Make ahead and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
You do not need to cover this apple crisp recipe while baking. The only time covering might be necessary is if you have chosen an apple that is too firm (like Granny Smith) or used rolled oats instead of quick oats. In this case, just cover it and bake it longer, until bubbly, syrupy, and delicious.
More Delicious Apple Desserts
Did you love this recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back, give it a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!! Follow Seanna's Kitchen and share this recipe with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe to my Newsletter for ALL the latest recipes! We'd love to hear from you!
📖 Recipe
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe (No Lemon Juice)
Equipment
- paring knife
Ingredients
Apples:
- 5 cups golden delicious apples sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Crisp Topping:
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup oatmeal
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup 1 stick salted butter, cold
Instructions
- Pre-heat Oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Apples. Peel, core and cut apples into thin slices. In a medium-sized bowl, combine apple slices, cinnamon and sugar. Stir together to coat the apples evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare Apple Crisp Topping. Combine all dry ingredients. Place all dry ingredients into a medium sized bowl and stir together until combined.
- Combine Apple Crisp Topping and Butter. Cut butter into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the cubed butter into the Apple Crisp Topping until well combined and topping resembles the consistency of small peas. Use your fingers, if necessary, to make sure butter is distributed evenly into the topping.
- Put Apple Crisp Together. Place the prepared apples into a baking dish or cast iron skillet. Top the apples with Apple Crisp Topping and butter mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Bake Apple Crisp for 45 Minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Run a knife through the middle to make sure the apples are soft. The knife should run right through without any resistance.
- Serve. Serve this delicious Apple Crisp warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Video
Mahy says
This apple crisp makes my mouth water. It's too good not to make it asap.
Seanna says
Thanks so much Mahy!
Hayley Dhanecha says
I absolutely love apple crisp/crumble. Here we have it with custard. This looks so tasty and surprisingly easy to make!
Seanna says
Thank you! Sounds great with custard.
Sharon says
This is my kind of simple dessert recipe. I love the oatmeal crumble on top of this apple crisp recipe.
Seanna says
Thank you Sharon. 😊
Jess says
I love how easy this is! With a scoop of ice cream, it is perfect!
Holley says
One of my favorite desserts ever! I can eat a whole bowl of this!
Seanna says
Me too. Love it for breakfast!
Russ B says
My all-time favorite dessert!
Seanna says
Don't I know it! Mine too!