The Best Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
This classic dessert combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's simpler than pie but just as delicious, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch baking dish
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples about 2.5 pounds, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar can substitute coconut sugar for a healthier option
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Oat Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats not quick oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for gluten-free option
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar can use coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- Peel, core, and slice your apples to about 1/4-inch thickness. Toss the sliced apples immediately with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.
- In the same bowl with the apple slices, add granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces still visible. If using nuts, fold them in now.
- Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping uniformly over the apples, pressing down very lightly.
- Place the dish on a baking sheet (to catch any potential overflow) and bake for 40-45 minutes until the filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the filling set properly.
Notes
- For variety, you can mix in Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples with the Granny Smith for different sweetness and texture profiles.
- Leaving apple peels on can increase the antioxidant content significantly, though the texture will be slightly different.
- This crisp can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- For best results when reheating, use an oven rather than microwave to maintain the crisp topping texture.
- Leaving apple peels on can increase the antioxidant content significantly, though the texture will be slightly different.
- This crisp can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- For best results when reheating, use an oven rather than microwave to maintain the crisp topping texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 120mgFiber: 4gSugar: 29g
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