Best Apple Crisp Classic

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

This comforting autumn dessert combines tender Granny Smith apples infused with cinnamon and vanilla, layered beneath a golden oat and almond crumb topping. Baked until bubbly and crisp, it’s an inviting dish perfect for cozy gatherings. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. The topping can be prepped ahead, and variations like pears or dairy-free butter make it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:46:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with cinnamon-spiced apples, served warm with vanilla ice cream. Pin
Golden, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with cinnamon-spiced apples, served warm with vanilla ice cream. | toastybasil.com

A classic fall and winter dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden oat-almond crumble. This comforting apple crisp is a Thanksgiving favorite, perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

This apple crisp has been a staple in our home every holiday season. I cherish the warm memories it brings when served fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

  • Fruit Base: 8 Granny Smith apples peeled cored and sliced ⅓ cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Crisp Topping: 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

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Mix Fruit Base:
In a large bowl toss together the sliced apples maple syrup arrowroot flour (or cornstarch) lemon juice vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Prepare Baking Dish:
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish spreading evenly.
Mix Crisp Topping:
In a separate medium bowl whisk together the almond flour coconut sugar cinnamon and salt.
Cut in Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or fork cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
Add Oats:
Stir in the rolled oats until incorporated.
Assemble Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake:
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
Cool and Serve:
Let cool slightly Serve warm optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Freshly baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing a delicious oat-almond crumble topping on tender fruit filling. Pin
Freshly baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing a delicious oat-almond crumble topping on tender fruit filling. | toastybasil.com

My family gathers around this apple crisp every Thanksgiving creating warm memories with every bite.

Notes

For easy prep the topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days Substitute apples with pears for a variation To make dairy-free use vegan butter Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream Adjust sweetness by using more or less sugar as desired

Required Tools

9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish Mixing bowls Peeler and corer Knife Pastry cutter or fork Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter) Contains oats (ensure gluten-free oats if needed) If allergic to nuts or dairy substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with a non-dairy alternative Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens

Enjoy a slice of homemade Best Apple Crisp, a comforting dessert perfect for any fall gathering. Pin
Enjoy a slice of homemade Best Apple Crisp, a comforting dessert perfect for any fall gathering. | toastybasil.com

This apple crisp is a perfect blend of tart and sweet that never fails to delight.

Recipe Q&A

What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and offer a nice balance to the sweet topping.

Can I substitute almond flour in the topping?

Yes, oat flour can replace almond flour for a nut-free option, adjusting texture slightly.

How do I ensure the topping is crispy?

Use cold butter cut into the dry ingredients and bake until golden brown for a crisp texture.

Is it possible to prepare ahead?

The topping can be assembled and refrigerated for up to two days before baking, saving time on serving day.

What can I serve with this dish?

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complement the warm fruit and crunchy topping beautifully.

Best Apple Crisp Classic

Tender apples coated with cinnamon and a crunchy oat-almond topping, ideal for fall.

Prep duration
20 min
Cooking duration
50 min
Complete duration
70 min


Skill level Easy

Origin American

Yield 6 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Components

Fruit Base

01 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 1/3 cup maple syrup
03 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping

01 1 cup almond flour
02 1/2 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 02

Prepare Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange Apples: Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 04

Mix Topping Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.

Step 05

Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 06

Add Rolled Oats: Stir in the rolled oats until just combined.

Step 07

Assemble Crisp: Evenly distribute the topping over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.

Step 09

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly; serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Necessary tools

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Peeler and corer
  • Knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains nuts (almond flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains oats; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 524
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbs: 73 g
  • Protein: 7 g