A Historical Bite of Apple Crisp
Apple crisp has long been a cherished dessert in American kitchens, first appearing in cookbooks around the 1920s. Unlike traditional pies, crisps required fewer ingredients and were considered more economical during the Great Depression. Oats, often included in the topping, were praised for their affordability and nutrition. Over the decades, this rustic dessert became a staple of fall gatherings, known for its warm spiced apples, buttery oat crumble, and irresistible aroma. Today, apple crisp remains a cozy classic enjoyed year-round.
Easy Apple Crisp with Oats – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This easy apple crisp with oats is warm, golden, and irresistibly buttery—a dessert that perfectly captures the comfort of fall. With tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crisp oat topping, it’s a simple yet show-stopping recipe that’s ideal for Thanksgiving, weeknight baking, or cozy weekend treats. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this apple crisp is the ultimate balance of sweet, spiced, and crunchy goodness.
Ingredients
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6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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1 cup old-fashioned oats
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Toss apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
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In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
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Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
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Bake for 40–45 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
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Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For gluten-free apple crisp, use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
Substitute pears or mixed berries for a fruity variation.
❓ FAQ Section (Extended for Engagement)
1. Can I make apple crisp without oats?
Yes! Replace the oats with extra flour and add a bit more butter for a crumbly streusel-like topping.
2. What apples are best for apple crisp?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are great options. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor balance.
3. Can apple crisp be frozen?
Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly.
