Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats and Vanilla Ice Cream

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Make this easy apple crisp recipe with oats and warm spices. A cozy fall dessert topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce—perfect for any occasion!

If you’re looking for the ultimate apple crisp recipe, you’ve just found it. This cozy dessert has everything you love about fall in one dish: tender, spiced apples, a golden oat topping, and the perfect excuse to top it all off with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

Whether you call it apple crisp, apple crumble, or just the best way to use up fall apples, this dessert is a homemade apple crisp that feels as nostalgic as grandma’s kitchen but is easy enough for beginner bakers. The best part? You only need pantry staples and about an hour from start to finish.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

• Simple ingredients – Just apples, oats, butter, sugar, and spices.
• Beginner-friendly – No pie crust or fancy equipment required.
• Versatile – Works with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite apples.
• Perfect fall dessert – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead, bake later.

This is one of those easy apple crisp recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket for holiday apple desserts, Thanksgiving, or any chilly weeknight when you want a cozy fall dessert that tastes like a warm hug.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for this Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

Here’s what makes this classic apple crisp so delicious! Full measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For the Apple Crisp Filling:

• Apples – A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the perfect tart-sweet balance.
• Sugar – A blend of white sugar and brown sugar enhances sweetness.
• Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for cozy fall flavor.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the filling and keeps apples from browning.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the juices so your crisp isn’t runny.

For the Apple Crisp Topping:

• Old-fashioned oats – For that crunchy, golden crisp layer.
• Flour – Helps bind the topping together.
• Brown sugar & white sugar – Sweetens and caramelizes.
• Butter – Cold and cubed, cut into the mixture for a crumbly texture.
• Chopped nuts (optional) – Walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Optional for Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (duh!)
• Caramel sauce (optional, but highly recommended)

How to Make an Easy Apple Crisp at Home

Follow these simple steps to make the best apple crisp at home.

Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or something similar.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugars, spices, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Spread into the baking dish.

Make the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, stir oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work the butter into the mixture until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using.

Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.

Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to settle. Scoop into bowls, add vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave single portions.
• Freeze: Assemble unbaked crisp, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

Apple crisps are so good, especially during the fall. Here are some of my favorite tips for making sure yours turns out delicious, too:

• Use firm apples – Granny Smith hold their shape, while Honeycrisp add sweetness. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious.
• Slice evenly – Thin, even slices bake more consistently.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch – It thickens the apple juices.
• Cold butter is key – It creates a crumbly topping that turns golden brown.
• Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Variations and Swaps on the Classic Apple Crips

• Nut-free apple crisp – Omit nuts for a simple topping.
• Gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend, like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure.
• Apple crisp with pecans – Adds a nutty crunch.
• Apple crisp with walnuts – Another classic option.
• Extra cozy – Add cloves or ginger to the spice mix.
• Healthier apple crisp – Reduce sugar slightly and top with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream.

What to Serve with Apple Crisp

The best apple crisp deserves some love on the side. Here are ideas:

• Classic: A big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Gourmet: Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup.
• Festive: Pair with hot chocolate or warm apple cider.
• Holiday spread: Serve alongside pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving or as a cozy Christmas dessert. It pairs nicely with an apple cider mocktail, classic White Russian or a spiked hot cocoa, too.

Frequently Asked Questions about Making an Apple Crisp

What apples are best for apple crisp?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are best, but mixing with sweet varieties like Honeycrisp gives a balanced flavor.

Can I make apple crisp without oats?
Yes! Just swap the oats for more flour and sugar for a streusel-style topping.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake an extra 10 minutes.

How do I know when apple crisp is done?
The topping should be golden brown, and the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.

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Final Thoughts on Making a Classic Apple Crisp at Home

This easy apple crisp recipe is proof that simple desserts can be the best ones. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a classic apple crisp that’s as perfect for holiday parties as it is for a lazy Sunday dinner.

Whether you serve it plain, with vanilla ice cream, or drizzled with caramel, this is a homemade apple crisp that will quickly become one of your favorite recipes. Cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, it’s everything a fall dessert should be.

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