Classic Apple Crisp Oats

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This comforting fall dessert features tender apples infused with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy oat and almond crumble. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and warm spices is perfectly balanced by a golden, buttery topping with almond flour and rolled oats. Baking creates a bubbling, fragrant dish that’s delightful warm, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Prep is simple and can be partially done ahead, making it a lovely festive treat.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:23:00 GMT
Warm and bubbling Best Apple Crisp, a dessert's sweet aroma fills the kitchen, ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pinterest
Warm and bubbling Best Apple Crisp, a dessert's sweet aroma fills the kitchen, ready to be enjoyed. | krispyrecipes.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 recipe has been a family favorite every Thanksgiving. The combination of tender apples and crunchy oat-almond topping always brings smiles around the table.

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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish spreading evenly.
Step 4:
In a separate medium bowl whisk together the almond flour coconut sugar cinnamon and salt.
Step 5:
Using a pastry cutter or fork cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
Step 6:
Stir in the rolled oats until incorporated.
Step 7:
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Step 8:
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
Step 9:
Let cool slightly Serve warm optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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| krispyrecipes.com

Making this apple crisp brings the whole family together. My kids love helping toss the apples and crumble the topping before baking.

Preparation Tips

Prepare the topping ahead of time and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days for easy assembly on the day of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Variations

Try substituting pears for apples or using vegan butter to make the crisp dairy-free.

Golden, bubbly crust atop a comforting Best Apple Crisp with tender, spiced apple filling, perfect. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbly crust atop a comforting Best Apple Crisp with tender, spiced apple filling, perfect. | krispyrecipes.com

This apple crisp is the perfect cozy dessert for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

What type of apples works best for this crisp?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness.

Can I substitute almond flour for a nut-free option?

Yes, oat flour can replace almond flour to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining a pleasant texture in the topping.

How do I ensure the topping stays crispy after baking?

Using cold butter cut into the dry ingredients and baking until golden helps create a crisp, crumbly topping that retains texture.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

The topping can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance, allowing for easier final assembly and baking later.

What are good alternatives for sweetening the fruit filling?

Maple syrup is used here, but other liquid sweeteners like honey or agave can also complement the cinnamon-spiced apples well.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes, by ensuring use of certified gluten-free rolled oats and cornstarch, the dish can be suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Classic Apple Crisp Oats

Tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a golden oat and almond crumble, ideal served warm with creamy toppings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
50 minutes
Overall Time
70 minutes
Created by Mia Harper

Recipe Type All-American Desserts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Total Portions 6 Serving Size

Dietary Considerations Veggie-Friendly, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

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

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Step 02

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

Step 03

Arrange Fruit Base: Transfer the apple mixture evenly into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Rolled Oats: Stir rolled oats into the crumb mixture until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 07

Assemble Topping: Evenly distribute the oat and almond topping over the prepared apples in the baking dish.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Possible Allergens

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and consult an expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Contains oats; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 524
  • Total Fat: 26 grams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 73 grams
  • Protein Content: 7 grams