Classic Apple Crisp
A cozy dessert featuring tender sliced apples topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups peeled, cored, and sliced cooking apples Cooking apples hold their shape better.
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup white sugar Use more sugar if apples are very tart.
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour For the filling.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water Creates a saucy filling as the apples bake.
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour For the topping.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Optional Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream For serving.
- Whipped cream Another great topping.
- Chopped nuts Pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Pinch of nutmeg Adds a warm bakery vibe.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into even slices, maintaining some texture after baking.
- Place a foil-lined baking sheet on the bottom oven rack to catch any bubbling drips.
Mixing / Assembling
- In a large bowl, toss together sliced apples, white sugar, 2 tsp flour, and cinnamon.
- Spread the apple mixture into a pie plate.
- Pour the 1/4 cup water evenly over the apples.
Making the Crisp Topping
- In a small bowl, stir together oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms chunky crumbs.
- Crumble the topping evenly over the apples.
Baking
- Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes to jump-start browning and get the filling bubbling.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 45 minutes.
- If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Resting / Finishing
- Let the crisp cool completely on a wire rack to thicken the filling.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with ice cream if desired.
Notes
Apple choice matters. Best to use cooking apples for optimal texture. To prevent a watery filling cut apples evenly and avoid overly juicy varieties.