If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe. It’s one of those classic treats that never disappoints — tender, juicy apples beneath a crunchy, buttery oat topping spiced perfectly with cinnamon. When I first tried this apple crisp, I was hooked instantly, and I promise, once you make it, it’ll be a staple in your dessert rotation too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: You don’t need to be a baking pro to whip this up, yet the flavors taste like you spent hours.
- Perfect Fall Flavors: Cinnamon and oats add warmth and texture to the sweet, tart apples—classic combo for fall cravings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family dinner or a potluck, this recipe always gets rave reviews and seconds.
- Versatile & Easy: You can easily customize it with different apples or add nuts, and it’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to bring out that perfect balance of sweet, tart, crunchy, and buttery goodness. I always look for crisp, firm apples because they hold their shape and soften just right during baking.
- Fresh Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that ideal tartness and firmness.
- Granulated White Sugar: Adds sweet balance to the tart apples.
- Cinnamon: A must-have spice that pairs perfectly with apples and oats.
- Vanilla Extract: Gives subtle depth and warmth to the apple mixture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps create that crumbly topping consistency.
- Old Fashioned Oats: The heart of the topping, for texture and chewiness.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar brings rich molasses notes and sticky sweetness to the topping.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
- Butter (melted): I use real butter for that buttery richness and to bind all the topping ingredients.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what’s in the pantry. Apple crisp is forgiving, so feel free to get creative and tweak it just the way you like.
- Add Nuts: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch and a little extra nuttiness—my family goes crazy for it.
- Mix Your Apples: Combining tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji creates more complex flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour blends, and make sure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the apple mix gives the crisp a lovely, warming spice twist.
How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray — I like a deep dish pie plate for plenty of filling and topping space. Then, peel and slice your apples evenly. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a big bowl until every slice is coated with that lovely sweet-spiced goodness. This step really helps bring out the apples’ natural flavor and juices while baking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cinnamon Oat Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, old fashioned oats, brown sugar, salt, and a bit more cinnamon — double cinnamon is a game changer, trust me. Pour in the melted butter and stir well until the mixture is crumbly but holds together slightly when pinched. This is the magic layer that bakes into a golden, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the tender apples.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your coated apples to the prepared dish and spread them out evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon oat topping all over the apples, making sure to cover every inch for that signature crisp texture on top. Bake uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crunchy. Let it cool for a few minutes — this helps the juices thicken up so it doesn’t run everywhere when you serve.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
I absolutely love this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top while it’s still warm. The melting ice cream seeps into all the nooks and crannies of that crisp topping, creating a dreamy bite every time. This is one dessert that’s always met with smiles and happy sighs around my table.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: I learned that mixing tart and sweet apples adds depth; too much of one type can make it overly sweet or too tangy.
- Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: Cinnamon enhances both the apple filling and topping — using it twice really amplifies the warmth.
- Use Old-Fashioned Oats: Quick oats or instant ones won’t give you that wonderfully chewy, rustic topping texture.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Bake until bubbling and golden — underbaking leaves the apples too firm, overbaking dries out the topping.
How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always top mine with vanilla ice cream because the cold creaminess melting into the crisp is unbeatable. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts on top for visual appeal and extra crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either if you’re feeling indulgent!
Side Dishes
On the rare occasion I serve this alongside breakfast, it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt or alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. For dessert, keep it simple and hearty—nothing quite complements apple crisp like a cup of spiced cider or mulled wine in the cooler months.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like to bake individual apple crisps in ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick for decoration. It makes serving easy and feels extra special. Another fun trick is layering the apple crisp in clear glass parfait glasses with whipped cream for a rustic, layered dessert that’s both pretty and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. The apple crisp keeps well for up to 3 days, but honestly, it hardly lasts that long at my house! When stored properly, the topping remains nicely crumbly and apples stay juicy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen apple crisp in an airtight container a couple of times. It freezes well, but I recommend thawing it overnight in the fridge and reheating rather than baking frozen. Just know the oat topping might lose a bit of crunch after freezing, but it’s still delicious and comforting.
Reheating
Reheating is best done in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to crisp the topping back up and warm the filling through. Microwaving works if you’re in a hurry but expect the topping to soften and lose some texture. I always prefer warm, crispy topping whenever possible!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen apples for this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe?
Yes! Frozen apples can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent the crisp from becoming soggy. Fresh apples do create the best texture and flavor, but frozen are a good option when out of season.
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What’s the best type of apple to use in this apple crisp?
I personally love mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji. This balance gives you nice contrast in flavors and the apples hold their shape without turning mushy while baking.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The texture is just as delicious and everyone gets to enjoy this cozy dessert.
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How do I make the topping extra crunchy?
Using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats is key. Also, don’t skimp on the butter — it helps the topping crisp up beautifully. Baking until golden brown and not underbaking ensures that perfect crunch.
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Can I prepare the Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like an instant classic the first time you try it. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and spice, soft fruit and crispy topping, all wrapped up in a warm, inviting dish. I love sharing it with friends and family, especially on chilly nights when you just want something comforting and simple. If you want a foolproof dessert that’ll bring smiles and maybe even requests for seconds, give it a try—I promise you’ll keep coming back for more.
Print
Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Crisp recipe features fresh sliced apples coated in cinnamon and vanilla, topped with a buttery, cinnamon oat crumble, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a cozy fall dessert that’s delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 5 cups fresh apples, sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep dish pie plate or large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss well to evenly coat all the apple slices with the mixture. Pour this coated apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven, and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the fruit is soft and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- This Apple Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert with a buttery cinnamon oat topping that pairs perfectly with warm spiced apples.
- Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
- Serving warm both enhances the flavor and makes it perfect for topping with ice cream.
- You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 253 kcal
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
