Classic Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats That Never Fails

When the leaves start to change and crisp air sweeps in, I always find myself craving the comforting flavors of baked apples. One of my absolute favorites is this apple crisp recipe with oats. It’s rustic, cozy, and the perfect dessert for fall gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.

Unlike pie, which can sometimes feel fussy, apple crisp is approachable and stress-free. The juicy apples melt into a soft, cinnamon-spiced filling, while the golden oat topping adds just the right crunch. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge (guilty as charged), this dish never disappoints.

This recipe fits beautifully into both everyday cooking and festive occasions. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to place at the center of your holiday dessert table.

Recipe Card

Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

This apple crisp recipe with oats combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a golden, crunchy oat topping. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for fall nights.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 900 g)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 75 g granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg

• 90 g all-purpose flour

• 100 g rolled oats

• 100 g brown sugar

• 115 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• Pinch salt

Directions

• Start by prepping your apples. Peel, core, and slice them evenly so they bake at the same pace. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly in a buttered baking dish.
• Next, prepare the crisp topping. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter, then rub it in with your fingertips until you get a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apples.
• Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apple filling is bubbling. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

• Mix different apple varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for better flavor balance.
• If your topping browns too quickly, cover with foil halfway through baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition Facts

• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @therecipemasterblog on Instagram and hashtag it with #therecipemaster

Like this recipe?

Follow @therecipemasterblog on Pinterest

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow The Recipe Master on Facebook

What Makes This Apple Crisp Recipe a Keeper

What sets this apple crisp recipe with oats apart is its perfect balance of flavor and texture. The oat topping bakes into a golden, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, spiced apples. Oats add heartiness, making it lighter than a double-crust dessert but still indulgent.

Another reason this recipe shines is its flexibility. You can use any apples you have on hand, mix sweet and tart varieties for depth, or even swap oats with gluten-free options to fit dietary needs. Want less sugar? Reduce it in the filling and let the natural sweetness of the apples shine. Prefer dairy-free? Use coconut oil or vegan butter.

This apple crisp also works year-round. In summer, pair it with berries or peaches. In winter, double the cinnamon for extra warmth. For guidance on choosing the best apples for baking, check out The Old Farmer’s Almanac guide, a trusted source for seasonal produce tips.

Make-Ahead Tips for Effortless Apple Crisp

A little preparation makes baking this apple crisp seamless. Here’s what you can do ahead of time:

• Slice and prep apples: Peel, core, and slice apples up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in a bowl with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Mix the oat topping: Combine oats, flour, sugar, and spices the day before. Store it in an airtight container. Add the butter right before baking.
• Assemble and chill: You can assemble the full crisp a few hours before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Apple Crisp Recipe without Oats

Making a stellar apple crisp recipe with oats is all about small details. Keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose the right apples: A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter ones like Honeycrisp adds dimension.
2. Cut apples evenly: This ensures they bake uniformly, avoiding mushy spots.
3. Don’t skimp on oats: They give the topping its signature crunch and texture.
4. Bake until bubbling: The filling should be visibly bubbling around the edges before removing from the oven.
5. Rest before serving: Let the crisp sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to thicken.
6. Add a scoop: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream takes this dessert from delicious to unforgettable.

For more insights on the science of oats in baking, visit Harvard School of Public Health’s oat guide, which covers their nutrition and versatility.

Variations to Try with Your Apple Crisp Recipe

1. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp with Oats
Swap the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a certified gluten-free blend. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well. This version keeps the same comforting flavor while being suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

2. Vegan Apple Crisp
Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use maple syrup instead of refined sugar for the filling. The result is just as indulgent, with a hint of tropical flavor from the coconut.

3. Nutty Apple Crisp
Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the oat topping. Nuts bring extra crunch and a nutty depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon.

4. Berry-Apple Crisp
Mix fresh or frozen berries with the apple slices. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add tartness and a pop of color, making the crisp extra vibrant.

5. Caramel Apple Crisp
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the oat topping. This transforms the dish into something reminiscent of a caramel apple but baked into a cozy dessert.

6. Breakfast Apple Crisp
Use less sugar in the filling and topping, then serve warm with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream. It makes for a wholesome, hearty breakfast.

FAQs or Troubleshooting

A Final Bite of Comfort

This apple crisp recipe with oats is one of those timeless desserts that feels both nostalgic and exciting every time you make it. It’s simple, flexible, and guaranteed to impress whether it’s served at a holiday table or as a casual treat with friends. The combination of juicy apples and crunchy topping never gets old, and with all the variations you can try, you’ll never run out of reasons to bake it.