Classic Apple Crisp with Oats – A Cozy Farmhouse Favorite

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the house on a crisp fall afternoon. My earliest memories of autumn involve helping my mom peel apples from the orchard harvest while she shared stories about my grandmother’s kitchen. This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats is our family’s treasured dessert—a warm, rustic treat that celebrates the season and the simple pleasure of farmhouse baking.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats

This isn’t just another apple dessert—it’s the dessert that defines fall and winter comfort. It’s simple, hearty, and loaded with tender, spiced apples beneath a buttery oat topping that turns golden and crunchy in the oven.

• 🍎 Comfort food at its finest – soft, juicy apples and crisp topping
• 🥣 No mixer needed – just bowls, a spoon, and a baking dish
• 🍂 Perfect for fall & winter – cozy, warm, and spiced
• 🥄 6 satisfying servings – easy to double for gatherings
• 🧈 Real ingredients – apples, oats, brown sugar, butter

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the apple filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For the oat topping:

• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or deep pie dish with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges. Toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Add the sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apple slices are evenly coated, then pour them into the baking dish.

3. Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.

5. Cool & Serve

Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, or mix them with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice – it brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning.
• Cut apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Cold butter is key to that crumbly, crunchy topping.
• Make it in advance – the flavor deepens overnight!

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
• Nutty version: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
• Add cranberries: Stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture.
• Maple twist: Replace half the brown sugar in the topping with maple syrup.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter in the topping.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Assemble the crisp up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
• Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual servings.
• Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled crisp for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats is delightful on its own, but even better paired with:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
• A cup of hot spiced cider or chai tea

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less crisp.

What’s the best apple for crisp?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a blend of both.

How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?
Use cold butter and bake until the topping is deeply golden. Avoid over-mixing.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes.

Conclusion

This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats is the kind of dessert that makes you slow down, breathe in the scent of cinnamon and warm apples, and feel utterly at home. Whether you’re gathering around the fireplace or bringing dessert to a holiday potluck, this crisp will be the soul-satisfying finish everyone remembers.

Bake it once, and it will become your go-to cozy dessert for chilly evenings and fall celebrations. If you make it, share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your farmhouse twist!

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