Quick and Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is loaded with sweet juicy apples in brown sugar and cinnamon sauce and topped with a delicate crunch. It’s simple to put together and the perfect treat especially with a dollop of ice cream.
This Quick and Easy Apple Crisp recipe has 8 servings, and 234 calories unless you dip into a bit of ice cream too. We actually added some frozen yogurt, and it was delish!
I love apples, and I will choose an apple crisp or pie over cake anytime. With my sweet tooth, I set out to make a recipe that didn’t shoot my healthy food choices out of the water.
This is a healthier apple crisp, but it is by no means a diet food.
Growing up we almost always ate school lunches. Chili soup day was the best. We always got a big square of apple crisp as dessert. I would take teeny tiny bites just to make it last as long as I could.
I’ve always loved apples and eat one almost every single day. Sometimes my eyes are hungrier than my stomach at the store so I’ll buy more than what we can eat. That’s when I make up an apple crisp dessert.
This is definitely one of John’s favorite ways to enjoy apples! What I like about this Quick and Easy Apple Crisp great apple pie but you don’t have to fuss with a crust.
How to pick the best apples
The best apples are the ones you like to eat. I will use firmer apples as indicated below. Baking apples after the get a little softer is fine and a great way to use them up. However, when you buy apples, here are the things to look out for.
- Apples need to be firm. Rub your thumb over the peel. If it slides or wrinkles, it’s no longer fresh.
- Don’t buy apples with noticeable dents or bruising.
- Check the top and bottom for any noticeable mold or discoloration.
Don’t have time to make it now? Pin it for later!
How to make an apple crisp
- Start by making the crumble topping.
- Combine the flour, sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together.
- Dice up cold butter and cut it into the topping ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or two forks. I don’t recommend using your hands because the heat will warm the butter. The cold butter is what makes the topping crumble.
- Slice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. I like them thick so they aren’t mushy after they bake. You can peel them for this recipe but that is optional.
- I like using firm apples and often will use Granny Smith with Braeburn apples. Granny Smith is a tart green apple and the Braeburn are a little sweeter but still firm.
- Add the apple cider and lemon juice to the apples first. This will help the other ingredients stick to the apples.
- Sprinkle the apples with the remaining ingredients; sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
- Pour the prepared apples into a prepared baking pan.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
- Bake.
Note: This apple crisp recipe is without oats. You could easily stir some into the crisp topping if that’s what you prefer.
If you like this recipe, here are a few more easy apple recipes that you may enjoy
- Skillet Apple Pie
- Star Bread
- Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
- Swedish Apple Pie
- Apple Kolaches
- Apple Cake with Caramel Frosting
I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe as much as we do. Drop me a comment below, and don’t forget to give it a star rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Your comments and ratings help others decide if this recipe is for them too.
Quick and Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 4 tbsp butter chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
Filling
- 7 apples cored and cut into 1/2″ slices
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and Spray an 8×8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine the topping ingredients. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, two forks or your fingers until crumbly. Set aside.
- Put sliced apples into a large bowl. Pour apple cider and lemon juice over the apples. Sprinkle with the flour, cinnamon, and sugar. Stir to combine and pour into prepared pan.
- Cover apples with topping.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.
Did you have a favorite school lunch or a favorite combination like chili and apple crisp? Share them with the rest of us in the comments below. I’d love you hear your ideas or family traditions!
Some things just go together like chili and apple crisp. Here are a few recipes that were meant to go with this apple crisp recipe!
Did you enjoy this recipe? Don’t forget to pin it for later and follow me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes like this one!
V
Monday 5th of June 2023
I prefer apple crisp with oats. How do i add oats to the topping (do i reduce the flour? About how much oats do i add?) Can't wait to make this
V
Saturday 1st of July 2023
@Julie Menghini, thanks for the recommendation, the ingredients in this topping sound perfect! Planning to make it this holiday weekend, probably tomorrow night. I'll let you know how it turns out :)
Julie Menghini
Monday 5th of June 2023
You can use the topping recipe we used in this recipe: https://hostessatheart.com/pear-crisp/. Let me know what you think. It's amazing.
Patti
Friday 20th of May 2022
I Can't hardly wait to make this! Looks Amazing! I'll use apples the first time, but I'm wondering if the 2nd time I make it, could I switch out apples for cherrys? I'm so glad I found your site!
Julie Menghini
Saturday 21st of May 2022
I Haven't tried this recipe with cherries (yet). If you get a chance, let me know how it comes out. Since cherries will cook down more than apples, you may need to add more. I'm very happy that you stopped by and commented, Patti! Thank you and welcome! Julie
Sally T
Saturday 30th of May 2020
Is there a better smell when you first walk into a house? This is our kind of dessert!
Debbie Spivey
Friday 6th of October 2017
I wish I had this in front of me right now... I'd eat it for breakfast!
Julie Menghini
Friday 6th of October 2017
This would be a great breakfast in my opinion too. Pour on a bit of warmed milk and oh yum!
Agness of Run Agness Run
Thursday 5th of October 2017
This is a great recipe, especially when I have plenty of apples at home. Such a yummy dish, Julie! What kind of sugar do you usually use?
Julie Menghini
Thursday 5th of October 2017
Hi Agness! Thank you for stopping by. We really enjoy this recipe and I'm crazy about apples too! When you ask what kind of sugar I use, do you mean brown sugar? Id that's your question, I tend to use dark brown sugar. It has more molasses in it and the caramel flavors I love. I used to use sugar substitutes but don't feel that the vote is totally in on those. Both for health benefits and taste so now I just try to use a little less than what's usually called for. If that isn't your question, please let me know.