Classic Apple Crisp Dessert

Featured in: Sweet Memory Desserts

This autumn-inspired dish features tender apples seasoned with cinnamon and baked beneath a crisp oat and almond topping. The blend of maple syrup and vanilla offers natural sweetness and warmth, while the crisp texture adds a comforting crunch. Ideal for cozy gatherings, it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the rich flavors.

Preparation involves slicing apples and combining them with spices and natural sweeteners, then covering with a buttery oat-almond crumble before baking until golden and bubbling. The result is a warm, satisfying treat that is both simple to make and delightful to enjoy.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:25:00 GMT
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling, a comforting dessert with cinnamon-spiced apples. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling, a comforting dessert with cinnamon-spiced apples. | recipesforevers.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.

My family always looks forward to this apple crisp every holiday season. It brings warmth and joy to our gatherings.

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.
Make Topping Dry Mix:
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.
Warm Best Apple Crisp, a Thanksgiving favorite, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Save to Pinterest
Warm Best Apple Crisp, a Thanksgiving favorite, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. | recipesforevers.com

This apple crisp has become a treasured family dessert that we enjoy sharing on chilly evenings together.

Notes

For easy prep the topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days To make dairy-free use vegan butter Delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

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 Substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with non-dairy alternative if allergic

Close-up of baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing the tender apples under a crispy oat crumble topping. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing the tender apples under a crispy oat crumble topping. | recipesforevers.com

This apple crisp is a simple yet indulgent dessert that will brighten any gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What apples work best for this dessert?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith provide the ideal balance of flavor and texture, holding shape well during baking.

Can I substitute almond flour in the topping?

Yes, oat flour can replace almond flour for a nut-free option, though the texture may be slightly different.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure corn starch or arrowroot flour is gluten-free to maintain the diet-friendly quality.

What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free version?

Vegan butter or coconut oil work well as substitutes, providing a similar richness in the oat crumble.

Is it possible to prepare the topping in advance?

Yes, the crumble topping can be assembled and refrigerated up to two days before baking for convenience.

Classic Apple Crisp Dessert

Tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a golden oat-almond crumble, best served warm.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
50 minutes
Complete Duration
70 minutes

Recipe Type Sweet Memory Desserts

Complexity Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary Info Meatless, Without Gluten

What You Need

Fruit Base

01 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 ⅓ 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 ½ cup coconut sugar or other granulated sugar
03 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ 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

Combine Fruit Base: In a large bowl, toss together sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until evenly coated.

Step 03

Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 04

Mix Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt together.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add Oats: Stir rolled oats into the topping mixture until evenly combined.

Step 07

Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 08

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

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Contains oats; ensure gluten-free oats if required.
  • Substitute almond flour and butter for allergen-free alternatives if needed.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 524
  • Total Fat: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 73 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams