Apple crisp with oats baked until golden, served warm with ice cream.

Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oats

Posted: Emily Adams

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There’s nothing more comforting than a warm dish of Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oats. With tender spiced apples and a golden, buttery oat topping, this easy apple dessert is perfect for cozy fall evenings, family gatherings, or a quick treat when you’re craving something sweet. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute desserts. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that irresistible finishing touch!

Table of Contents

5 Reasons Why You’ll Love It

  1. Warm and cozy fall flavors
  2. Crispy golden oat topping
  3. Easy pantry-friendly ingredients
  4. Perfect for family gatherings
  5. Delicious with ice cream or caramel

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 8

Ingredients List

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Apple peeler and corer
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into thin, even slices. Place them in a large bowl.
  3. Add lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are well coated, then spread them evenly in the baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until mixture is crumbly.
  5. Sprinkle oat topping evenly over the apples.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. The edges should be bubbling slightly.
  7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Apple crisp with oats baked until golden, served warm with ice cream.

Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oats

16ea77d91a73c1f5997bc368fe60d07ac6e4399fe6c0115485c8f891e7e10c94?s=30&d=mm&r=gEmily Adams
A warm and cozy apple dessert with spiced apples and a buttery oat topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or quick weeknight treats.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Apple peeler and corer
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 6 medium apples peeled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Peel, core, and slice apples into thin, even slices. Place them in a large bowl.
  • Add lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are well coated, then spread them evenly in the baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until mixture is crumbly.
  • Sprinkle oat topping evenly over the apples.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. The edges should be bubbling slightly.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Best enjoyed warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

You can add chopped nuts or cranberries to the topping for extra flavor. This crisp also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 3gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 4gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Apple Dessert, Easy Baking, Fall Recipes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Variations to Try

  • Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for extra crunch.
  • Mix in cranberries or pears with the apples for a festive twist.

Storage Tips

  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm for the best texture.
  • You can also freeze baked apple crisp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Tips

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • Double the topping if you love extra crunch.
  • For meal prep, slice apples ahead of time and store in lemon water to prevent browning.
  • Serve with caramel drizzle for a bakery-style finish.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 square (1/8 of recipe)
  • Calories: 285
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 30g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

FAQs

can i use canned apple filling?

Yes, you can use canned apple filling to save time. Reduce the sugar slightly since canned filling is sweeter.

can i make this gluten free?

Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure oats are certified gluten free.

what apples are best for apple crisp?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best because they hold shape while baking.

how do i make the topping extra crunchy?

Use slightly less butter and add chopped nuts or extra oats for more crunch.

Closing Notes

Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oats is the ultimate easy dessert to bring warmth and comfort to your table. Whether it’s a fall family dinner or a quick sweet fix, this recipe never disappoints. Keep it simple or dress it up with ice cream and caramel either way, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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