Name: Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch 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 on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to adore this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—the sweet cinnamon-spiced apples paired with that buttery oat topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight treat or a festive holiday gathering, you’ll find that this recipe is both simple and incredibly satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it on your first try!

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Most of the items you probably already have in your pantry, making it super accessible.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Tart Granny Smith apples with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, plus the sweetness from maple syrup.
Oat Crunch Topping: Adds that incredible texture that makes every bite satisfying and keeps folks coming back for more.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a holiday feast, this recipe fits right in.

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

To make this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe truly shine, you want to start with fresh, crisp apples and quality pantry staples—the kind that work together to create a comforting dessert that tastes like homemade happiness.

Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, these apples hold their shape beautifully and balance the sweetness perfectly.
Maple syrup: I love this natural sweetener here—it adds depth compared to regular sugar.
Arrowroot flour (or cornstarch): This is your secret weapon to thickening the apple filling without messing with flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: It brightens up the apple mixture and prevents the slices from browning.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, cozy scent that you’ll want to breathe in.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice here that ties the whole apple filling and topping together.
Almond flour: Brings a nice nutty richness to the oat crunch topping.
Coconut sugar (or other granulated sugar): I use coconut sugar for a subtle caramel flavor, but brown sugar is a great substitute.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Cold butter ensures your topping turns out crumbly and crisp, not greasy.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: This is what makes the “oat crunch” topping truly special—texture and flavor that sing.

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

One thing I love about this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences—I’ve experimented plenty and found a few favorites I think you’ll enjoy too.

Adding nuts: Sometimes I toss in chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for an extra crunch and a bit of contrast to the oats.
Mixing apple varieties: While Granny Smith is my go-to, I’ve also mixed in Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter bite without losing that nice tartness.
Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour.
Vegan adaptation: Swap the butter with vegan butter, and you still get that rich, crumbly topping everyone loves.

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Care

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While it heats up, peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples into even pieces—not too thin or thick—about ¼-inch slices are perfect. I learned that slicing consistently helps the apples cook evenly and avoids some parts being mushy while others stay firm.

Step 2: Toss the Filling Ingredients

In a big bowl, mix your apple slices with maple syrup, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), fresh lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Make sure to toss gently but thoroughly, coating every slice well. This mix will create that luscious apple base that thickens as it bakes. I used to skip the arrowroot and end up with a watery filling—no thanks!

Step 3: Spread the Apples in Your Dish

Transfer that beautiful apple mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. A shallow dish helps the apples cook through nicely and the topping crisp up perfectly.

Step 4: Make the Oat Crunch Topping

Now for the star part! Whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Then, using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in your cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks crumbly—that little bit of butter magic gives you the perfect crispiness. Stir in the rolled oats last; they provide that signature oat crunch texture you’ll love.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle your oat topping evenly over the apples, then pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender. Your kitchen will smell incredible—just a heads-up!

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Scoop out a generous portion while still warm. I’ve found serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe to delicious new heights. Trust me, your family will go crazy for it.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe

Cold Butter is Key: Always use cold, cubed butter to get those perfect crunchy, crumbly topping clusters.
Even Apple Slices: Slicing your apples evenly ensures they bake uniformly without some lapsing in texture.
Use Arrowroot or Cornstarch: This thickens the filling beautifully without making it gloopy or overly sweet.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: It keeps your apples vibrant and fresh-tasting after baking.

How to Serve Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch 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

I usually keep it simple with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream right on top—that melting scoop against the warm apple crisp is pure magic. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra-special touch. Whipped cream also works wonderfully if you want something lighter but still indulgent.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially on chilly evenings. It also works well alongside a simple cheese platter for an informal gathering or when you want to balance sweet and savory tastes in your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this apple crisp in individual ramekins for dinner parties; it’s so inviting when everyone gets their own warm portion. For holiday occasions, dusting a little powdered sugar over the top and adding a cinnamon stick as a garnish can make it extra festive and photo-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors deepen overnight—just pop it back into the oven to warm, and the oat crunch comes back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze this apple crisp before baking or after it’s fully cooked. Before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want it, bake it straight from frozen—just add an extra 15-20 minutes to bake time. If frozen after baking, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the topping crisp—it tends to get soggy that way.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness and hold their shape well, mixing in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add complexity to the flavor. Just make sure to choose apples that won’t turn mushy when baked.
Is there a way to make this apple crisp gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour. Just double-check your ingredient labels to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and keep it in the fridge, then bake it fresh the next day. This is perfect if you want to save time on busy days.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crisp topping and warm filling.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oat Crunch Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years. It brings that nostalgic comfort food vibe we all crave, without any fuss or complicated steps. I love sharing it with friends because I know it will make their day just a little sweeter and cozier. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised at how simple ingredients turn into something unforgettable!