Go Back
Close-up of a golden-brown apple crisp with a perfectly crunchy oat topping, showcasing the delicious texture and inviting warmth of this easy apple dessert recipe.

Perfect Crunchy Apple Crisp

This apple crisp recipe guarantees a perfectly crunchy topping and tender, flavorful apple filling. It's an easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any occasion and sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. The secret lies in using cold butter and the right ratio of oats to flour in the topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 medium apples Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats not instant
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Equipment

  • 9-inch square baking dish
  • Large bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Pastry blender or fingertips
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler
  • Core
  • Knife
  • Oven
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat all the apples evenly.
  3. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender (or your fingertips) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some pea-sized pieces of butter should remain.
  6. Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
  7. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apple filling.
  8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
  9. Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best crunchy topping, ensure the butter is very cold and avoid overmixing. Experiment with different apple varieties or add spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a caramel drizzle for an extra touch of indulgence. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.