Apple Crisp Recipe from Scratch for the Perfect Comfort Food Dessert

There’s something about apple crisp that feels like comfort and home in dessert form. The warm, soft apples, the buttery, crunchy topping—it’s simple, cozy, and always a hit. While it’s a classic fall treat, I make it year-round because it’s just that good. And the best part? This apple crisp from scratch is easy enough for anyone to make, no fancy skills required!

Here’s what you’ll love about this recipe:

• Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen.
• No tricky steps – No pie crust, no rolling, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
• Easy to customize – Add nuts, caramel, or mix up the apple varieties to make it your own.
• Perfect for Pinterest-worthy baking— It looks as good as it tastes!

I’ll walk you through everything—from picking the best apples to storing leftovers (if there are any!). You’ll get tips on making the topping extra crispy, plus fun ways to switch it up with different flavors.

If you’ve got extra apples sitting around, this is the perfect way to use them. Whether you love tart apples, sweet apples, or a mix of both, this recipe works. If you want your apple crisp super crunchy, I’ve got some tips to help you out!

So grab those apples, and let’s get baking. This apple crisp from scratch is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Making Apple Crisp From Scratch: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Apple crisp is a great alternative to pie if you don’t feel like dealing with making dough. While pie crusts can be a bit tricky, this recipe focuses on an easy crumble topping that’s forgiving. The simplicity is part of the charm. Plus, the crispy, buttery topping pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special, but you don’t need a lot of time or ingredients to make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Apples (about 6 medium-sized, any variety works, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are favorites)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but recommended for extra warmth)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Crisp

Preparing the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Try to keep your slices around the same thickness so they cook evenly. Some people like to leave the peels on, but I think the texture turns out smoother when you remove them.

Once your apples are prepped, toss them in a large bowl with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.

Making the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is mixed. Now comes the fun part—adding the butter. Using your fingers (or a pastry cutter if you prefer), work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms pea-sized clumps. You don’t want the butter to melt too much; that’s what gives the topping its crispy texture.

Assembling the Crisp

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish (an 8×8 inch pan works well) and spread the apples evenly across the bottom. Then sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples. You want to cover them completely, making sure to spread the topping out as evenly as possible.

Baking Your Apple Crisp

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The apples will soften, and the topping should turn golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges start bubbling a little bit and the top is crispy. Be sure to check it after 35 minutes just to make sure it doesn’t get too dark.

Let the apple crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. If you cut into it too soon, it might be too runny. Once it’s set, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The combination of warm apple crisp and cold ice cream is pretty irresistible.

Why Use Different Types of Apples?

Not all apples are the same, and that’s a good thing! When you mix different types, your apple crisp from scratch gets better flavor and texture. Some apples are tart, some are sweet, and some get really soft when baked. Using a mix gives you the best of everything—sweetness, tartness, and just the right amount of softness.

Here’s a breakdown of some great apple choices:

• Granny Smith – Tart and firm, these apples hold their shape and keep the crisp from getting mushy.
• Honeycrisp – Naturally sweet with a little crunch, they add a nice balance to tart apples.
• Braeburn – Firm and slightly sweet, these apples bake well without turning to mush.
• Gala – Sweeter and softer, great for mixing with a firmer apple.
• Fuji – Very sweet and juicy, adding moisture to the filling.

Why Mixing Apples Works Best

If you only use one kind, you might end up with a crisp that’s too tart, too sweet, or too mushy. Mixing apples helps avoid that. For example:

• Granny Smith + Honeycrisp – A perfect balance of tart and sweet.
• Fuji + Braeburn – Sweet with a firmer texture so it doesn’t turn to applesauce.
• Gala + Granny Smith – Softer, but still has enough tartness to keep the flavor interesting.

When making apple crisp from scratch, using at least two types of apples makes a big difference. Try different combos to see what you like best. It’s a simple trick that makes every bite taste better!

Adjustments and Variations

One of the best things about making apple crisp from scratch is how easy it is to switch things up. You can keep it classic or add a few extras to make it your own. Whether you want more crunch, a richer flavor, or extra warmth from spices, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe.

Want More Crunch?

If you love a little crunch in your desserts, try adding:

• Chopped nuts – Pecans or walnuts work great in the crumble topping. They add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with apples.
• Extra oats – If you like a more textured topping, increase the oats by about 1/4 cup.
• Coconut flakes – Not traditional, but if you like coconut, a handful of unsweetened flakes can add a subtle sweetness and chewiness.

Love Caramel?

Caramel and apples are a perfect match. Here’s how to add some to your crisp:

• Caramel drizzle – Pour a little caramel sauce over the apples before adding the crumble topping.
• Salted caramel twist – Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet and salty flavor.
• Caramel chips – Sprinkle caramel baking chips into the apple filling for extra sweetness.

Want More Spice?

Cinnamon and nutmeg are great, but you can mix things up with:

• Ginger – Adds a little kick and warmth.
• Allspice – Gives a deeper, slightly peppery flavor.
• Cloves – A tiny bit goes a long way, but it adds a cozy spiced flavor.

Try a few of these ideas the next time you make apple crisp from scratch. A small change can make a big difference!

Storing and Reheating Apple Crisp

Apple crisp from scratch is just as good the next day—if you store it the right way! It keeps well, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing that delicious flavor and texture.

How to Store Apple Crisp

• At room temperature – Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave it on the counter for up to two days.
• In the fridge – If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it. It stays fresh for about five days when covered properly.
• In the freezer – Want to save it for later? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze it for up to three months.

How to Reheat Apple Crisp

Reheating it the right way makes all the difference. Here’s what works best:

• Microwave – If you’re in a hurry, heat a portion in the microwave for 30–40 seconds. The apples will warm up, but the topping may get soft.
• Oven – For that fresh-baked crispness, heat it at 350°F for 10 minutes. This keeps the topping crunchy instead of soggy.
• Air fryer – Got one? A quick 5-minute reheat at 350°F brings back the crunch better than the microwave.

No matter how you reheat it, apple crisp from scratch still tastes amazing the next day. Just add a scoop of ice cream, and it’s like it came straight out of the oven!

Can You Freeze Apple Crisp?

Yes, you can freeze apple crisp from scratch, and it still tastes amazing when reheated! Whether you’re making a big batch or just want to save leftovers, freezing is a great way to keep it fresh.

How to Freeze Apple Crisp

• Cool it completely – Let the apple crisp cool to room temperature before freezing. If it’s still warm, condensation can make the topping soggy.
• Wrap it well – Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze it whole or in portions – If you want easy single servings, cut it into portions before freezing. Wrap each piece separately for quick reheating.
• Store for up to 3 months – Apple crisp stays fresh in the freezer for about three months. After that, it may lose some texture but will still taste good.

How to Reheat Frozen Apple Crisp

• Thaw overnight – Move it to the fridge and let it thaw slowly. This helps keep the texture from getting mushy.
• Reheat in the oven – Warm it at 350°F for about 15 minutes to bring back the crispy topping.
• Air fryer option – If you have an air fryer, heat a portion at 350°F for 5 minutes for extra crunch.

Freezing apple crisp is a great way to always have a delicious dessert on hand. Just reheat, serve, and enjoy!

Is Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?

The classic apple crisp from scratch isn’t gluten-free, but it’s easy to make it that way! With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the same delicious flavors without the gluten.

How to Make Apple Crisp Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free flour – Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that works as a 1:1 replacement to keep the texture similar.
• Check your oats – Not all oats are gluten-free. Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
• Add a binder if needed – Some gluten-free flours are drier than regular flour. A teaspoon of cornstarch in the apple filling can help hold everything together.

The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still be just as good. Whether you serve it with ice cream or eat it straight from the dish, this gluten-free apple crisp will hit the spot!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp

Can I make apple crisp without oats?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have oats or prefer not to use them, just increase the amount of flour in the topping to 1 1/2 cups. The result will be more like a traditional crumble or streusel.

What kind of apples are best for apple crisp?
You can use any apples you like, but Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are the most popular. They strike a great balance between sweetness and tartness, and they hold their shape well during baking.

Can I use less sugar?
If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount without much impact. You might want to use sweeter apples, like Fuji or Gala, to balance the reduced sweetness.

How do I prevent a soggy topping?
A soggy topping can happen if the apples release too much liquid. To avoid this, make sure you don’t slice the apples too thinly, and don’t overmix the crumble topping. Also, baking the crisp uncovered helps the topping stay crispy.

Final Thoughts

Making apple crisp from scratch is simple, delicious, and totally worth it. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a warm, cozy dessert that tastes amazing every time. Whether you love tart apples, sweet apples, or a mix of both, this recipe works.

Here’s what we covered:

• Apple choices matter – Mixing different types gives the best flavor and texture.
• Customizing is easy – Add nuts, caramel, or extra spices to make it your own.
• Storage and reheating – Keep it fresh and crispy, even if you make it ahead.
• Freezing works – Apple crisp freezes well for a quick dessert later.

This is the kind of recipe that looks Pinterest-perfect but doesn’t take all day to make. It’s simple enough for beginners but still a favorite for experienced bakers. The buttery crumble, soft apples, and cinnamon-filled kitchen make it feel like fall, no matter the season.

You can serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it on its own. Either way, it’s always a hit. If you try different apple combinations or fun add-ins, you’ll find new ways to make it even better.

If you are making it for a holiday, a family dinner, or just because you have extra apples, this homemade apple crisp will impress! Enjoy every bite!