Hey there, friends! 🍏 Ready to make your kitchen smell like fall in the best way possible? This Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is one of my absolute favorite go-to desserts when the weather starts to cool down. The apples get all soft and caramelized, the oat topping turns perfectly golden, and just wait until you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s fall dessert perfection.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both warm and comforting with an irresistible crunchy oat topping, this one’s calling your name! 🍂

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already—yay for no extra grocery trip!
• Perfect for Fall: Apple season brings crisp, sweet, and perfect apples for baking!
• Warm, Comforting Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and buttery oats make this dish cozy and nostalgic.
• Family-Friendly: If you’ve got little ones (or big ones!) at home, this recipe is always a hit.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Apple Base:

• 6 medium apples (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work great too!) (Tip: Peel and core them to make the final result extra soft.)
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg (Optional but highly recommended for that cozy warmth!)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (to brighten and balance the sweetness)

For the Oat Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your crisp bakes up beautifully golden.
2. Prep the apples: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, toss your peeled and sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Spread them out evenly.
3. Make the topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbs form. You want it nice and clumpy!
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, making sure everything’s thoroughly covered. This is where all the crunch magic happens!
5. Bake: Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is a rich golden brown.
6. Cool (just a bit): Let it sit for about 10 minutes after baking—it’ll thicken as it cools slightly. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• Slicing your apples: Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices. Too thick, and they might not cook through; too thin, and they could turn to mush.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: It doesn’t make it taste lemony, but it helps balance the sweetness of the apples and sugars.
• Make-ahead tip: You can prep the apple filling and the topping separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble right before baking. Perfect for a stress-free dessert when hosting!

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra crunch.
• Vegan option: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
• Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or even a dollop of whipped cream. You really can’t go wrong here!
• Add berries: Mix in some fresh or frozen blackberries or raspberries with the apple filling for a fun fruity twist.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to a day ahead, store it in the fridge covered, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. You might need to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover apple crisp can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it with foil or plastic wrap. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to warm it through.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! You can freeze the assembled crisp before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-7 minutes to account for the chill.

Printable Recipe

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until combined.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly.
6. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy! 🍏