Apple Crisp Recipe With Oats

Homemade apple crisp with golden oatmeal crumble topping in white baking dish

This apple crisp recipe with oats creates the perfect fall dessert that fills your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas. I discovered this homemade apple crisp easy recipe during a chilly October evening when my family craved something sweet and satisfying.

The secret lies in the oatmeal apple crisp recipe that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a golden, buttery apple crisp with oatmeal crumble topping. This apple oatmeal dessert recipes delivers restaurant-quality results using simple pantry ingredients.

What makes this the best apple crisp recipe ever is how the oats create texture while absorbing all those delicious apple juices. You get crispy edges and tender centers in every bite.

Ingredients

Fresh ingredients for apple crisp recipe including sliced apples, rolled oats, brown sugar, and spices

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6 large apples (see best apples to use for apple crisp below)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Oatmeal Crumble Topping:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

This apple crisp topping recipe creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The oats provide heartiness while the butter ensures that golden, crispy finish we all love.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and core your apples, then slice them into thin, even pieces about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking throughout your apple crisp made with oatmeal.

Place sliced apples in a large bowl. Add granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until apples are well coated.

The lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness to balance the sweetness.

Hands slicing fresh apples into uniform pieces for homemade apple crisp recipe

Step 3: Make the Oatmeal Crumble

In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients.

Keep mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some larger butter pieces. These butter chunks create the signature crispy texture in your buttery apple crisp.

Step 4: Assemble Your Apple Crisp

Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oatmeal crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering completely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The edges should be bubbling slightly.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly.

Golden brown apple crisp with oatmeal topping being removed from oven, juices bubbling

Pro Tips and Variations

Choosing the Best Apple For Apple Crisp

The best apples to use for apple crisp are firm varieties that hold their shape during baking:

  • Granny Smith: Tart flavor balances sweetness perfectly
  • Honeycrisp: Sweet with excellent texture retention
  • Braeburn: Complex flavor with good baking qualities
  • Jonagold: Sweet-tart balance with firm flesh

Mix two apple varieties for more complex flavors in your fall apple crisp recipes.

Making It a Healthy Apple Crisp

Transform this into a healthy apple crisp with these simple swaps:

  • Replace half the butter with coconut oil
  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose
  • Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup and add extra cinnamon
  • Add chopped nuts for protein and healthy fats

Texture Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Apple Crisp Easy Results

  • Keep butter cold when making the crumble
  • Don’t overmix the topping mixture
  • Use old-fashioned oats, not quick oats
  • Let the crisp rest before serving for better texture

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This apple crumble recipe easy stores beautifully. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds.

You can assemble this oatmeal apple crisp recipe up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings

Serve your apple crisp with oatmeal crumble warm with:

  • Vanilla ice cream for temperature contrast
  • Fresh whipped cream for lightness
  • Caramel sauce for extra indulgence
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth

Creative Serving Ideas

Try these unique approaches to your apple crisp with crumble topping:

Breakfast Style: Serve smaller portions with Greek yogurt and honey for a morning treat.

Holiday Presentation: Add a dollop of spiced whipped cream and a cinnamon stick garnish.

Individual Portions: Bake in ramekins for elegant dinner party desserts.

Beverage Pairings

This buttery apple crisp pairs wonderfully with:

  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Spiced chai tea
  • Cold milk for kids
  • Dessert wine for special occasions

Conclusion

This apple crisp recipe with oats delivers everything you want in a fall dessert. The combination of tender, spiced apples and crispy oatmeal topping creates comfort food at its finest. What makes this homemade apple crisp easy is how forgiving the recipe is. Even beginning bakers can achieve professional results with basic techniques and quality ingredients.

The oatmeal adds nutritional value while creating that signature texture that makes apple crisp so satisfying. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of fruit, spice, and crunch. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to weekend dessert, this quick apple crisp recipe becomes a reliable favorite that everyone requests again and again.

The best part? Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while it bakes, creating anticipation that makes the first bite even more rewarding.

FAQs

Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble your oatmeal apple crisp easy recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed. You might need an extra 5 minutes of baking time if starting from cold.

What if I don’t have old-fashioned oats?

Quick oats work in a pinch for this apple oatmeal dessert recipes, but they create a softer texture. Old-fashioned oats provide the ideal chewy, crispy contrast that makes this the best apple crisp recipe ever.

How do I know when my apple crisp is done?

Your apple crisp with oatmeal crumble is ready when the topping turns golden brown and the apple juices bubble around the edges. A fork should pierce the apples easily.

Can I freeze leftover apple crisp?

Absolutely! This apple crumble recipe easy freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Why did my topping turn out soggy?

Soggy topping usually happens when the butter gets too warm during mixing or if the crisp isn’t baked long enough. Keep butter cold and bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping by up to 1/4 cup each for a less sweet version. The natural apple sweetness will still shine through in your healthy apple crisp variation.

Homemade apple crisp with golden oatmeal crumble topping in white baking dish
John

Apple Crisp with Oats

This Apple Crisp with Oats is a classic fall dessert made with tender baked apples topped with a buttery oat crumble. Warm, comforting, and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 6 medium apples peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
Oat Topping
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fingers to work the butter into the mixture until crumbly.
  4. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
  5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping. You can also mix in a little maple syrup with the apples for added sweetness.
Nutrition Information
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 185mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 38g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Vitamin C: 8% DV

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