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Cozy Classic Apple Crisp with Buttery Oat Crumble

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This Cozy Classic Apple Crisp features a buttery oat crumble topping over tender, cinnamon-kissed apples. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that comes together in about 20 minutes of prep and bakes to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 45 medium apples; Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated or pre-ground)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick oats)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled; gluten-free 1:1 blend if needed)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (dark brown works too)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. You should have about 6 cups of sliced apples.
  3. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently until every slice is coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. If using nuts, fold them in now.
  5. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Do not press it down.
  6. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the juices are bubbling around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly after 30 minutes, tent loosely with foil.
  7. Let the crisp rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Notes

Keep butter cold for a crumbly topping. Do not skip the cornstarch—it thickens the juices. Use a mix of apple varieties (Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for best texture and flavor. Let the crisp rest 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use cold solid coconut oil or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, apple dessert, fall dessert, oat crumble, easy apple crisp, comfort food, homemade apple crisp