When you’re craving an easy fall dessert, it’s hard to beat a warm apple crisp straight from the oven. These 15 Best Apple Crisp Recipes include classic apple crisps with buttery oat toppings, caramel and maple versions, cranberry and pear combinations, slow cooker apple crisp, gluten-free options and a few fun twists on the traditional favorite.
I love apple pie, but sometimes I just don’t feel like making pie crust. That’s when apple crisp wins.
You still get warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and plenty of buttery goodness on top, but everything is much easier to put together. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the crisp is still warm, and you’ve created one of the best desserts of fall.
If you’ve been apple picking—or simply bought one too many bags of apples at the market—this is a very good place to start.
What Is Apple Crisp?
Apple crisp is a baked fruit dessert made with apples and a crumbly topping.
In the United States, that topping usually includes oats, flour, brown sugar and butter, which bake into a golden, crispy layer over the soft apples.
That’s what generally distinguishes a crisp from an apple crumble. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but traditionally a crumble topping is more likely to be made without oats.
And unlike apple cobbler, there’s no biscuit or cake-like topping involved.
Whatever you call it, warm apples underneath a buttery topping is always a good idea!
What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?
Firm apples with a good balance of sweetness and acidity work best because you want them to become tender without completely turning to mush.
Good choices include:
- Granny Smith: Tart and very firm.
- Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart, juicy and flavorful.
- Braeburn: Firm with great baking flavor.
- Pink Lady: Crisp and nicely balanced between sweet and tart.
- Jonagold: Juicy with plenty of apple flavor.
- Golden Delicious: Sweeter and softer, but delicious when combined with a firmer apple.
I especially like using two kinds of apples in a crisp—one tart and one sweeter variety. King Arthur also recommends using a combination of apples for especially good results.
Classic Apple Crisp Recipes
These are the recipes to start with if you’re looking for that familiar combination of warm cinnamon apples and a buttery crisp topping.
1. Apple Crisp — RecipeGirl
My Apple Crisp is about as simple as fall dessert gets. Thinly sliced apples are tossed with fresh lemon juice and topped with a mixture of quick-cooking oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and melted butter. It bakes in about 30 minutes, and I don’t even want to pretend that vanilla ice cream is optional here. Serve it warm enough that the ice cream begins melting right into the crisp. This is the recipe I’d start with if you’re looking for a straightforward, old-fashioned apple crisp without a lot of extra ingredients.
2. Classic Apple Crisp — King Arthur Baking
King Arthur’s Classic Apple Crisp is loaded with apples and has a traditional oat-and-brown-sugar topping. You can keep it very simple or add optional ingredients like boiled cider and nuts to give it even more flavor. This recipe has hundreds of reader reviews and is a particularly good choice when you’ve come home from the orchard with a lot of apples to use.
3. Easy Apple Crisp — Inspired Taste
This Easy Apple Crisp pairs spiced apples with an oat topping made with melted butter, flour and old-fashioned oats. One thing that makes this recipe a little different is a hint of fresh orange in the filling, which brightens all of those warm fall flavors. It has a beautifully golden topping and is great with either vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
4. Irish Apple Crisp — RecipeGirl
In this Irish apple crisp, the apples are tossed in a bit of Irish whiskey with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Then they’re placed in a baking dish with all of those delicious juices scraped on top with an oat topping.
5. Apple Crisp without Oats — Reluctant Entertainer
This version of apple crisp—made without oats—lets the apples shine. This recipe is a mix of tart green apples and sweet red ones creates the perfect balance, all tucked beneath a buttery, nutty topping that bakes into a golden, irresistible crunch.
Extra-Special Apple Crisps
Sometimes a classic is all you need. Other times you want caramel, nuts or a topping that feels a little more indulgent.
6. Caramel Apple Crisp — The Salty Marshmallow
This easy Apple Crisp recipe calls for using granny smith apples, apple cider, and gooey caramels! It’s topped with the best cinnamon sugar layer for even more warmth and sweetness.
7. Skillet Apple Crisp — The Pioneer Woman
This Apple Crisp is baked right in a cast-iron skillet. Granny Smith apples are briefly cooked with butter, brown sugar, vanilla and lemon before the crumb topping is added and the entire skillet goes into the oven. It has that wonderfully rustic, straight-from-the-skillet look that makes it especially nice for casual entertaining.
8. Maple Apple Crisp — Healthy Seasonal Recipes
This Apple Crisp is made with two varieties of apples to amp up the juicy flavor and then topped with pecans (or walnuts) and rolled oats to really take it to the next level! To make it healthy, it is sweetened naturally with maple syrup, which means it’s made without refined sugar.
9. Oatmeal Cookie Apple Crisp — Bakerita
This Apple Crisp has a simple spiced apple filling, topped with a super easy oatmeal cookie crumble topping!
Apple Crisps with Cranberries, Pears & Blueberries
Apples don’t have to do all the work. Cranberries add tartness and beautiful color, while pears bring another layer of sweetness and soft texture.
10. Apple Cranberry Crisp with Maple Whipped Cream — RecipeGirl
My Apple Cranberry Crisp combines Granny Smith apples with fresh cranberries and a buttery oat topping flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. The apples and cranberries are both fairly tart, so the brown sugar and buttery topping balance them beautifully. And instead of ordinary whipped cream, this one gets maple-sweetened whipped cream on top. It’s especially good later in the fall when cranberries come into season and would make a great Thanksgiving dessert.
11. Pear, Apple and Cranberry Crisp — Ina Garten
Ina Garten’s Pear, Apple and Cranberry Crisp is packed with fall fruit. Bosc pears, apples and dried cranberries are flavored with orange and lemon zest, cinnamon and nutmeg, then covered with an oat crumble. This is a great choice when you’re serving a crowd and want something a little more interesting than plain apple crisp.
12. Blueberry Apple Crisp — RecipeGirl
I’ve added blueberries to this apple crisp, and it happens to be the best idea ever. Blueberries and apples are a match made in baking heaven. It’s truly delicious!
Special-Diet and Easy Apple Crisps
Apple crisp is also easy to adapt for different needs, and there are some very good versions that happen to be vegan, gluten-free or made in the slow cooker.
13. Gluten-Free Apple Crisp — Mama Knows Gluten Free
This is an easy recipe for apple crisp. The sweet flavor of baked cinnamon apples with a brown sugar oat crumble topping. This gluten-free dessert recipe also has a dairy-free and vegan option.
14. Vegan Apple Crisp — Minimalist Baker
The best vegan apple crisp, naturally sweetened and made in 1 bowl! Tender, caramelized apples under a crispy pecan-oat topping. Fall dessert perfection.
15. Crock Pot Apple Crisp — Noble Pig
Crockpot apple crisp keeps the oven free while tender apples cook underneath a crisp oat topping. A simple trick prevents condensation from softening the topping, so it stays crisp instead of turning soggy.
What Is the Difference Between Apple Crisp, Apple Crumble and Apple Cobbler?
These names get mixed up quite a bit, but traditionally there are some differences.
Apple crisp usually has a streusel-like topping that includes oats.
Apple crumble generally has a buttery flour-and-sugar topping without oats.
Apple cobbler is topped with biscuit dough, batter or another soft baked topping instead of streusel.
Then there’s Apple Brown Betty, which traditionally uses a crumb topping and no oats. RecipeBoy’s Apple Brown Betty is a good example of how closely related these desserts can be—the recipe specifically notes that oats aren’t traditional in a Betty.
In real life, though, the terms crisp and crumble are often used interchangeably.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Crisp
- Use firm apples. Soft apples can break down too much and turn the filling into applesauce.
- Mix apple varieties. Try combining a tart Granny Smith with a sweeter Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious.
- Slice the apples evenly. They’ll cook at the same rate, so you don’t end up with some crunchy pieces and some mushy ones.
- Don’t skimp on the topping. We’re making apple crisp, after all. The contrast between the soft fruit and crispy topping is the whole point.
- Bake until the fruit is bubbling. A browned topping doesn’t necessarily mean the filling underneath is finished.
- Let it rest before serving. Giving the crisp 15 to 30 minutes to cool allows the juices to thicken a little. King Arthur specifically recommends allowing its crisp to cool before serving so the filling has time to firm.
- Serve it warm. Warm apple crisp plus cold vanilla ice cream is one of fall’s best combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is apple crisp easier than apple pie?
Definitely! You don’t have to roll out a crust. And the topping is literally sprinkled on top!
Do You Have to Peel Apples for Apple Crisp?
I prefer peeled apples for most apple crisp recipes because the filling has a softer, more uniform texture. But you don’t absolutely have to peel them. If you like the texture of the peel—or simply don’t feel like peeling a pile of apples—you can leave it on unless the individual recipe tells you otherwise. Just remember that some apple varieties have thicker skins than others.
How Do You Keep Apple Crisp from Getting Watery?
Start with firm baking apples rather than very soft or extremely juicy varieties. Some recipes also add flour, cornstarch or another thickener to the apple filling. Most importantly, bake the crisp long enough for the fruit juices to bubble and thicken. And don’t serve it the instant it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest gives the filling time to settle.
Can You Make Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can bake apple crisp earlier in the day and warm it gently before serving. Some recipes also allow you to prepare the topping ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. The Kitchn even recommends making extra crisp topping and keeping it in the freezer so your next apple crisp is even easier. For holiday dinners, that’s exactly the kind of shortcut I appreciate.
How to Store Apple Crisp
Let leftover apple crisp cool, then cover and refrigerate it. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or put the baking dish back into a low oven until heated through. If you’re hoping to restore some of the crispness to the topping, the oven is usually the better choice. Most apple crisps can be frozen, although the topping may lose a little crispness after thawing. Follow the freezing instructions in the individual recipe for the best results.
Can I make apple crisp without oats?
Yes. Use a recipe designed with a flour-and-butter crumble topping instead. Technically you may be wandering into apple-crumble territory, but it will still be delicious.
Are Granny Smith apples good for apple crisp?
Yes. Their firm texture and tart flavor make them excellent for baking, especially when paired with a sweeter topping.
Can I use Honeycrisp apples?
Absolutely. Honeycrisp apples are flavorful and hold up well when baked. They’re especially good combined with Granny Smith apples.
What should I serve with apple crisp?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic answer. Whipped cream is also good, and I especially love the maple whipped cream served with my Apple Cranberry Crisp. Caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either!
More Apple Recipes for Fall
If you still have apples left after making a crisp, there are plenty of other ways to use them. Start with my 50 Best Apple Recipes for Fall, which brings all of my favorite apple ideas together in one place.
Then check out my Best Apple Dessert Recipes, Best Apple Cake Recipes, Best Apple Breakfast Recipes, Best Apple Salad Recipes and Best Apple Bread Recipes.
Between all of those collections, you should have no trouble working your way through an apple-picking haul!
