Easy Apple Crisp is the perfect fall dessert. Loaded with sweet apples and topped with a crumb topping. It’s my favorite easy alternative to apple pie!
Truth be told, I am not a huge pie fan. I do love me some Pumpkin Pie and this Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie is also pretty amazing. But more likely than not, I’ll skip the pie crust and go straight for a fruit crisp. Fruit crisps like this Easy Apple Crisp.
There is just something about a crisp that I can’t resist. The sugary buttery topping has something to do with it I’m sure. The sweet cinnamon baked apples underneath don’t hurt either.
This recipe is basically broken up into two different parts: the apples and the crisp.
To make the apples you will need:
For the crisp topping you’ll need:
One of the main reasons that I prefer to make Apple Crisp instead of pie, is the easy of it. You basically make the filling, put it in a pie dish and then top it with the crumble. No need to roll out a bottom crust or lattice a top crust. It’s my easy peasy, no fail fall dessert.
Follow along with these easy step by step photos and instructions:
STEP #1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch pie pan. Then make your filling.
STEP #2: Make the crumble topping. You can use a pastry cutter, a fork or your hands to cut the cold butter into the mixture until crumbs form.
STEP #3: Top your apple mixture with the crisp mixture. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until crisp is browned and edges are bubbly. Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.
This will keep covered on the counter for a few days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds.
One word: crust. Pies have crusts. Crisps don’t. I personally think that that makes fruit crisps a whole lot easier to make and is the reason that I chose to make them more often than I do pies.
That is a common question that is asked. It’s simple really, apple crisp topping will usually have oats in it. An apple crumble topping will not. I personally love the added texture from the oats with fruit crisps so that is what I usually make.
The other ingredients that you will find in the crisp topping is flour, sugar, cinnamon and cold butter. Some recipes will call for melted butter but I like to use cold butter when making crisps. I think it helps make the crisp topping more like a pastry topping.
Hands down my favorite apples to not only eat but cook with are granny smith and honey crisp. Granny smith apples are firm and tart. They are perfect for cooking. Honey crisp, are also firm but they are a lot sweeter than granny smith. They won’t cook down too much so they are still great for cooking. If you can’t decide between the two, you can also do a combo for a bit of sweetness and a bit of tart. Other apple varieties that are good for cooking are: Jonagolds, Melrose, Winesap and Braeburn.
And of course, this apple crisp is great on it’s own, but my personal opinion? It’s even better served hot with a scoop of French Vanilla ice cream.
Looking for more apple recipes? Try these:
Warm up with this Hot Apple Cranberry Cider.
Like cheesecake? Like caramel apples? Try this Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake for the best of both worlds!
For a savory use for apples, this Apple Sausage Stuffing is great for holidays!
Note: This post was originally published in 2018. It was updated with new photos, a modified recipe and nutrition information in 2022.
Amy
November 16, 2018 at 3:00 pmThis is a great Fall dessert option! Love it!
Krista
November 16, 2018 at 9:47 amWhat a great Fall dessert option to have! It sounds and looks great!
Paula
November 15, 2018 at 12:19 pmYummmmm, all that topping!!
Katerina @ diethood .com
November 15, 2018 at 2:46 amOh my, this looks and sounds incredibly delicious!! I can’t wait to try it!
Dee
November 14, 2018 at 10:17 pmI am just drooling over this right now!
Amanda
November 14, 2018 at 6:44 pmMy family can not get enough of this recipe. So tasty!!