If you’re craving a comforting dessert that’s bursting with warm, cozy flavors, the Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe is your new best friend. This apple crisp brings together tart Granny Smith apples and a perfectly crunchy topping made from oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Every bite offers a delightful contrast between tender baked fruit and a buttery, crumbly crust that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this recipe promises a nostalgic taste of home with a lovely, textured twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that irresistible aroma.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness keeps the crisp from becoming overly sweet and adds a wonderful firmness after baking.
- Light brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes that deepen the flavor and help caramelize the topping.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the crisp topping and helps thicken the apple filling.
- Ground cinnamon: The signature warm spice that perfectly complements the apples and oats.
- Quick oats: Give the topping its signature chewy, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with soft apples.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cubed butter creates a tender, crumbly topping with pockets of rich flavor throughout.
How to Make Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Proper greasing ensures your apple crisp will slide out easily and helps develop a golden crust along the edges.
Step 2: Toss the apples
In a large bowl, mix the peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cinnamon. This not only flavors the apples but also thickens their juices during baking, so the filling is luscious without being runny.
Step 3: Make the crisp topping
Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in another bowl. Cut the cold, cubed butter into this mixture using your fingers or a fork until you have pea-sized pieces. This technique creates that iconic crumbly texture once baked.
Step 4: Assemble the layers
Press 3 cups of the crisp topping firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish to form a sturdy base. Then spread the apple mixture evenly over this crust and gently press it down. Top everything with the remaining oat mixture for a double layer of crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apple filling bubbles up and the topping cooks to a golden brown, releasing that heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Allow the apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, so each spoonful holds together beautifully. Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the perfect finish.
How to Serve Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your apple crisp by adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a touch of elegance and sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm apples and enhances the comforting flavors. For a brunch twist, serve alongside cinnamon-spiced coffee or hot apple cider.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming individual serving idea, bake the crisp in small ramekins or mason jars. This personal touch not only looks adorable but also makes serving at gatherings easier and mess-free. Add fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your apple crisp with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days while maintaining its texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the apple crisp either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap for the best results, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the crisp topping’s delightful texture. Serve warm and fresh to bring back that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use apples other than Granny Smith for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness and firmness, you can mix in sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. Just be mindful of how soft the apples get when baked.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is traditional for apple crisp to avoid a tougher texture, but if you prefer extra rustic charm and more fiber, leaving the skins on works fine too. Just be sure to wash the apples well.
Can I make the topping gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well. The crisp will still be delicious and have that wonderful oat texture.
Why is the butter kept cold for the topping?
Cold butter creates pockets in the crisp as it melts during baking, resulting in a tender, crumbly texture rather than a dense or greasy one. It’s the key to that perfect topping in the Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe.
How do I prevent the apple filling from being too watery?
Coating the apples with flour before baking helps absorb excess juices. Using tart apples and not over-macerating them will also keep the filling from becoming soggy while maintaining a juicy bite.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe is pure comfort in a dish — an inviting blend of tart apples, warm spices, and a buttery oat topping that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this treat as much as I do; it’s a timeless dessert that never goes out of style and always brings smiles to the table.
Print
Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Apple Crisp recipe featuring tart Granny Smith apples baked under a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat topping. This comforting dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and served best warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 10 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced Granny Smith apples with 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gently toss to evenly coat all apple slices in the sugar and spice mixture. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups quick oats, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups packed light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter pieces. Using your hands or a fork, incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
- Assemble Crisp: Evenly spread 3 cups of the oat topping mixture over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to form a base layer. Pour the apple mixture evenly over this base and gently press down with a spatula to compact the fruit. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat topping mixture over the apples to cover completely.
- Bake: Place the assembled apple crisp uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the apple filling is bubbly and the oat topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and optimal texture.
- Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a crumbly topping texture.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
