Introduction

Ultimate Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert that perfectly balances tender, spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. It’s simple to make and ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.

A white bowl filled with a warm apple crumble dessert, showing three main layers: at the bottom, soft cooked apple slices in a light caramel sauce with a shiny texture; on top of the apples, a golden crumbly oat topping that looks crunchy and unevenly spread; sitting in the center on top of the crumble is a single round scoop of smooth white vanilla ice cream. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds Fuji or Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 pound cold unsalted butter, diced

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with orange juice, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: To prepare the crisp topping, mash together the flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, kosher salt, rolled oats, and diced cold butter until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
Step 4: Place the apple mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan and evenly spread the crisp topping over the apples.
Step 5: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for a balanced flavor.
For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping.
Substitute orange juice with apple cider for a deeper fruit flavor.
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in the topping.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. The crisp topping may lose some crunch after refrigeration but will still be delicious.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a warm apple crumble dessert with three distinct layers: the bottom layer is baked apple slices showing a soft, shiny golden-brown texture, the middle layer is a crumbly, golden oat topping that looks crunchy and uneven, and the top layer features a single smooth, round scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream placed in the center. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is inviting and rustic with a mix of soft and crunchy textures. 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 for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety. Tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance the sweetness, but mixing in sweeter apples such as Fuji or Honeycrisp adds depth to the flavor.

Is it possible to prepare the crisp topping ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the crisp topping a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the butter from drying out.