Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream 🍎🍨 | Classic Fall Dessert
Nothing says cozy like a bubbling apple crisp fresh from the oven, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This easy, rustic dessert is made with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden oat topping that’s perfectly crisp and buttery.
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
- ✅ Easy to make: No dough or fancy tools—just mix, layer, and bake!
- ✅ Fall flavor perfection: Loaded with cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery oats.
- ✅ Comforting & nostalgic: A warm dessert that tastes like home.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Oat Topping:
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size.
- Mix the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugars, spices, and flour. Pour into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cubed butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Top the apples: Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down with your hands.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
💡 Pro Tips for Apple Crisp Success
- 🍏 Use a mix of apples: Combine tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) varieties for balanced flavor and texture.
- 🧈 Cold butter = crisp topping: Keep your butter cold when mixing into the oat topping to ensure it bakes up golden and crumbly.
- ⏱️ Don’t rush the cool-down: Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes so the juices thicken slightly and the topping stays crunchy.
🔁 Variations & Creative Twists
- 🍐 Pear & Apple Crisp: Substitute half the apples with sliced ripe pears for a softer, fragrant twist.
- 🥧 Maple Pecan Topping: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans to the oat topping and drizzle in 1 tbsp maple syrup for a nutty, rich finish.
- 🌾 Gluten-free version: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats for a delicious alternative.
- 🍒 Berry blend: Add ½ cup of cranberries or raspberries to the apples for a pop of tartness and color.
❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ⏳ Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked crisp (covered) for up to 1 day. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
- 🧊 Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- 🥶 Freezing: Freeze baked crisp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
❓ FAQ
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats provide better crunch. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the topping and pair with a dairy-free ice cream! - What’s the best apple for crisp?
Granny Smith holds its shape and adds tang, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness. A combo is best! - How do I prevent a soggy topping?
Don’t cover the crisp after baking—this helps keep the topping crunchy.
🍽️ The Ultimate Fall Treat
This Warm Apple Crisp is the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your guests feel at home. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream—and you’ve got dessert perfection.
