Apple Crisp with Oat Topping | The Kitchens Aid

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Introduction

Hey friend! 🍏 If you’re in the mood for a cozy dessert that fills your home with the warm scent of fall spices but is easy enough to whip up any time of year, this Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is for you. This one has been a family favorite for years—we’ve
served it for everything from weeknight treats to holiday gatherings. With tender, juicy apples cuddled under a sweet and crunchy oat topping, it’s like a hug in dessert form.

Haven’t made an apple crisp before? Don’t worry—you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through step-by-step. Let’s dive right into this crisp, buttery, cinnamon-kissed heaven, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: No pie crust required here! Just toss the filling, mix the topping, and bake. It’s that easy.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert or something a little fancier for guests, this crisp is adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Got different apples? Add them! Prefer extra crunch in the topping? Double the oats. This recipe works with your preferences!

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

Apples: I love using a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Use whatever you have on hand, but always opt for varieties that hold their shape while baking.
Brown Sugar: This gives the topping a cozy caramel flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar.
Old-Fashioned Oats: The star of our crunchy, crumbly topping. Quick oats will work, but old-fashioned oats provide the best hearty texture.
Butter: You want cold, cubed butter for pressing into the topping until it’s perfectly crumbly.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: A sprinkle of these warm spices is what really makes this crisp feel extra comforting.
Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness of the apples.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples. A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works beautifully here because you get both tartness and sweetness. Toss the apple slices in a bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Spread the filling
evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Now, add your cold butter cubes, and using a pastry cutter (or just your fingers!), crumble everything together until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It should be crumbly but still hold some chunks. Sprinkle this lovely crumb topping evenly over your apples.

Step 3: Bake

Pop your apple crisp in a 350°F oven for about 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown, and the apples are bubbly and soft. You’ll want to let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—it’ll be easier to dish up and just the right amount of warm.

A cozy bowl of apple crisp with oat topping

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

Get Crumble Crazy: You can always make extra topping and freeze it for future crisps. Just sprinkle it over your apples straight from the freezer!
Avoid Soggy Topping: Make sure to use cold butter and try not to over-mix your topping. You want those little butter chunks—they melt and create that perfect crisp texture!
Make It Ahead: You can bake the crisp earlier in the day and reheat it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes just before serving.

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

Here’s how you can make this Apple Crisp your own:

Go nuts: Need a little extra crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping!
Raisin Love: Toss in some golden raisins or even dried cranberries with your apples for more texture and flavor.
Serve It Up: You can’t go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or for something a little lighter, try some freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?: A: Absolutely! Swap out the flour in both the filling and the topping for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Q: How should I store leftovers?: A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish back in the oven at a low heat to re-crisp the topping.
Q: Does Apple Crisp freeze well?: A: Yes! You can freeze the crisp before or after baking. If freezing it unbaked, just bake straight from frozen—add an extra 10-15 minutes to your baking time. For baked crisps, reheat at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.