Name: Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp work well); 2 tbsp lemon juice; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup (100 g) old-fashioned rolled oats; ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed; ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt

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Few things say comfort like the aroma of Apple Crisp with Oat Topping baking in the oven. This timeless treat combines tart-sweet apples softened with a touch of spice and lemon juice, all tucked under a cozy, golden oat crumble that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it to share at a holiday feast or just curling up with a warm bowl on a rainy evening, every bite promises sweet nostalgia. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top? Perfection. This is a dessert that truly feels like a hug from the inside out.

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is wonderfully straightforward — most are pantry staples, but each serves a special purpose to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. A mix of tart and sweet apples brings depth, while oats and brown sugar form that perfectly rugged topping we all love.

Apples (6 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced): Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic for tartness, sweetness, and texture — you can mix and match based on what you have.
Lemon juice (2 tbsp): Brightens the apple flavor and keeps them from browning while you prep.
Granulated sugar (½ cup/100g): Adds sweetness and helps draw out the apples’ juices.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp for filling, ¾ cup/95g for topping): Thickens the apple juices and gives structure to the crumble.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp for filling, ½ tsp for topping): Warm, fragrant spice that gives the dessert classic fall flavor.
Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with apples.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup/100g): The star of the topping, giving it chew and toasty crunch.
Brown sugar (¾ cup/150g, packed): Brings depth and a hint of molasses to the crisp topping.
Unsalted butter (½ cup/115g, cold and cubed): Essential for a rich, crumbly, golden topping — use it cold for best results.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the topping and brings out all the delicious flavors.

How to Make Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — a crucial step for an evenly baked dessert. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure you can scoop out every delicious bite.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss your freshly sliced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The lemon juice will keep your apples crisp and colorful while the sugar and spices meld everything into a cozy apple medley. Spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure the layer is uniform for even baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Oat Topping

In a second bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Next, add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or a sturdy fork to cut it into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs where some buttery pea-sized bits remain; these will melt into golden, crisp pockets as the dessert bakes.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Evenly scatter the oat topping over the apples, covering them completely for that irresistible crunchy lid. Slide your dish into the center rack of the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender (test them with a fork) and the topping is beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm

Once baked, allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This short rest helps the juices settle a bit so you get the perfect balance of saucy fruit and crumbly topping in every spoonful. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or enjoy as is.

How to Serve Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Garnishes

Take your Apple Crisp with Oat Topping from delicious to downright dreamy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts luxuriously into every nook. A swirl of caramel sauce, a cloud of homemade whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds flavor and flair — simple touches that impress both guests and your tastebuds.

Side Dishes

Apple crisp is undeniably a star on its own, but it also shines as part of a dessert spread. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea contrasts beautifully with the sweet warmth of the crisp, or serve alongside tangy Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter twist that still feels indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For playful flair, portion your Apple Crisp with Oat Topping into individual ramekins before baking for single-serve treats. Or, serve it family-style but dress each bowl with a different topping — vanilla gelato, maple whipped cream, or a dash of sea salt — letting everyone customize their own dessert adventure. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is just as delicious the next day — simply cover your baking dish tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors will meld even more, making every bite richer and more comforting with time.

Freezing

If you’d like to make this crisp ahead or save leftovers for another week, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly (or transfer to an airtight container), and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen, adding extra time as needed for a piping hot result.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a serving (or the entire dish) in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crisp on top — about 15 minutes for individual portions. For a quick fix, the microwave works too, though you’ll lose a bit of the topping’s crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp give a perfect tart-sweet balance, you can mix in or substitute with Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples based on your preference or what’s in season.

Is it possible to make Apple Crisp with Oat Topping gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend in both the filling and topping — just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well!

How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

For added crunch, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to your oat topping, or sprinkle raw turbinado sugar over the top before baking for a sweet, crackly finish.

Can I prepare Apple Crisp with Oat Topping ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything up to a day in advance (keep the topping separate until ready to bake for maximum crunch), then refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Warm your leftovers in the oven or microwave and top with a scoop of ice cream or yogurt for a delicious twist — the flavors deepen overnight, so it might taste even better the next day!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about baking up a big dish of Apple Crisp with Oat Topping and sharing it with those you love — or simply treating yourself. No matter the season or the occasion, one bite and you’ll savor its cozy, comforting charm. Give it a try and make it your own; you’ll want to come back to this recipe again and again!