Name: Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 Granny Smith apples; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour (or cornstarch); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup almond flour; ½ cup coconut sugar (or other granulated sugar); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

If you’re looking for that perfect cozy dessert to warm up your kitchen, I’ve got you covered with this Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe. It’s hands-down one of my favorite fall treats—crispy, buttery oat topping paired with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. I love this recipe because it’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and always gets rave reviews when I serve it to friends and family. Stick with me, and I’ll share some tips and tricks that will have you making this delicious apple crisp again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry, making this a convenient go-to dessert.
Perfect Texture: The oat topping bakes up crunchy while the apple filling stays soft and fragrant with cinnamon and vanilla.
Family Favorite: I’ve made this for countless family dinners and potlucks, and it’s always the first to disappear.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you want to swap sugars or add nuts, you can easily make this your own.

This is a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered apple crumble. The bottom layer is soft, golden-brown cooked apple pieces soaked in a syrupy juice, seen where a portion has been scooped out. The top layer is a thick, uneven crumble made with oats and brown sugar, textured and golden with hints of cinnamon. A large metal spoon rests inside the dish, partly submerged in the apple layer, positioned at the bottom right corner. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with part of another white bowl visible on the top right and two silver forks on the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe starts with fresh Granny Smith apples – their tartness balances perfectly with the sweet maple syrup and warm spices. Plus, the combination of almond flour and oats creates a uniquely crumbly topping that’s rich but not heavy.

Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm, ideal for baking without turning mushy.
Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth—feel free to substitute with honey if you prefer.
Arrowroot Flour: A light thickener to give the filling the perfect consistency; cornstarch works great too.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and adds brightness.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: The signature spice that makes this dessert feel like fall in a bowl.
Almond Flour: For a nutty, tender texture in the oat topping.
Coconut Sugar: Provides a rich sweetness with a slight caramel note; you can swap with regular granulated sugar.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors—you’ll want it.
Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed): Key to getting that crumbly, golden topping—don’t skip the cold!
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The star ingredient for that classic crisp texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so I encourage you to experiment! Personal touches can really elevate the dish depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Add Nuts: My family goes crazy when I throw in chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for an extra crunch.
Use Different Apples: I sometimes mix Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, more complex filling.
Swap Sugars: If you’re avoiding refined sugars, try using coconut sugar or even brown sugar to give that caramel note.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is already naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples for the Best Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While that’s warming up, peel, core, and slice 8 Granny Smith apples. I like slicing them about 1/4 inch thick so they cook evenly but don’t turn to mush. Toss these slices in a large bowl with maple syrup, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mixing this well is key—you want every bite to have that lovely cinnamon-spiced sweetness.

Step 2: Transfer to Your Baking Dish

Once your apple mixture is beautifully combined, spread it evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. This size works perfectly to cook all those apples through without crowding them, which can lead to a soggy bottom layer.

Step 3: Whip Up That Dreamy Oat Topping

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This base gives the topping a bit of nuttiness and sweetness. Then add cold, cubed unsalted butter and use either a pastry cutter or two forks to blend it in until the mixture looks crumbly, almost like coarse sand. Stir in the rolled oats last—this is what gives your apple crisp its iconic crunchy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The goal is a golden-brown, crispy topping with bubbling, soft apples underneath. I usually check around the 40-minute mark and if the top is browning too fast, I loosely tent it with foil to avoid burning.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

I always serve this apple crisp warm. You can dig right in by itself, but my absolute favorite way is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Honestly, it’s dessert perfection. You’ll love the way the cold cream melts into the tart, cinnamon apples and crunchy oats!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe

Use Cold Butter: I discovered this trick—cold butter keeps the topping crumbly and prevents it from turning into a greasy mess.
Don’t Overmix Your Topping: Just combine until crumbly; overworking can make it dense and less crisp.
Adjust Baking Time: If your apples are on the smaller side or a bit softer, check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Giving your crisp 10-15 minutes after baking helps the juices thicken and topping set perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe

Three white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with warm apple crisp. The bottom layer shows soft, light brown baked apple slices mixed with darker, crunchy granola pieces speckled with oats. On top of this layer sits a single round scoop of creamy white ice cream, which is starting to melt slightly onto the apple mix below. A silver spoon rests inside the front bowl ready to scoop. The overall colors are warm browns and creamy whites, with the texture contrast between soft apples, crunchy granola, and smooth ice cream clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to dress it up a bit, I usually add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it melts just right over the warm crisp. Fresh whipped cream is another favorite, especially if you like a lighter touch. I also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for an inviting look and aroma.

Side Dishes

While this apple crisp shines on its own, it pairs nicely with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea in the afternoon. For a festive dinner, it’s the go-to dessert after savory dishes like roast chicken or pork tenderloin.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this crisp in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own personal portion, and they look so charming on the table. You could also layer the apple mixture and oat topping in parfait glasses for a pretty presentation, especially if serving with whipped cream or ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple crisp covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find it keeps the topping a bit softer, but still delicious. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation spoiling the texture.

Freezing

Freezing works really well with this recipe! I freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To regain that crisp topping, I reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the topping re-crisps. Microwaving tends to make it soggy, so baking is your best bet.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for the Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor. Just keep an eye on baking time as juicier apples may cook faster.
Is there a dairy-free option for the butter in the topping?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. Use the same amount, and make sure it’s cold to achieve the best crumbly texture.
Can I prepare this apple crisp ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the crisp and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it cold.
How do I know when the apple crisp is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling around the edges. The apples should be soft when pierced with a fork. If the topping is brown but the apples are still firm, you can bake a bit longer at a lower temperature.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats, and this recipe is naturally gluten-free with almond flour as the base for the topping.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp with Oat Topping Recipe is truly a dessert that feels like a warm hug. I love how it fills the house with the smell of cinnamon and baking apples—the kind of aroma that brings everyone together. Once you give this a try, you’ll find yourself going back to it season after season, whether for a family dinner, a holiday treat, or a cozy night in. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress your guests. Trust me, your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!