Some things are simply too good to be true. A warm apple crisp from the oven, cinnamon apples mixed with a crisp buttery oat topping and just a drizzle of brown sugar can bring back all sorts of happy memories.

I present to you this easy apple crisp recipe, made when you stumble across a few apples in the kitchen. It is easy, doesn't require you to spend hours in the kitchen, doesn't require pie crust making skills, and even doesn't require any fancy decorating skills, just throw all your ingredients in the dish and bake.

You could serve it up warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or maybe a drizzle of whipped cream, or even not dress it up at all. Whatever you decide, this easy apple crisp is a good thing!

What's so Great About This Apple Crisp Recipe?

This easy apple crisp recipe is easy to throw together.

This apple crisp topping is so easy to make that you don't have to make a pie crust.

The oats in the top of the crisp are so buttery, and perfectly crisp for you to eat.

Cinnamon and the brown sugar in the recipe brings all the sweet and spicy flavor to the apples.

Apple crisp is great for fall, Thanksgiving, and even just an easy dessert to make for the family.

You can make it ahead of time and then just throw in the oven when ready.

Ingredients

Apple Crisp Filling

6 Medium sized apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)

2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar

2 Tablespoons Brown sugar

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 Tbsp all purpose flour

1 tsp Lemon Juice

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Crisp Topping

1 cup Oats Old-fashioned rolled oats

¾ cup all purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

½ cup butter melted

How to Make Easy Apple Crisp

1. Prepare Your Apples

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then take your apples and cut them up, and toss them with granulated sugar, the two tablespoons of brown sugar, then cinnamon, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

Now, take your flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, and mix that all together in a separate bowl while you're waiting. Add in the already melted butter and stir that up to finish making your apple crisp topping.

Finally take the dish you're going to use for the crisp and lightly grease the dish.

Now layer on the apple mixture, then top it off with the crisp topping on your apples, evenly coating your apples.

2. Bake The Easy Apple Crisp

Pop the apple crisp into the oven, and bake away for 40-50 minutes or until the apples are thoroughly cooked, the edges are nice and bubbly, and the top is a lovely golden color and crisp. If you notice the edges of the topping starting to brown a bit to fast, tuck the dish under some foil for the remainder of the cooking.

Once you've finished cooking, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, giving it time to cool off just a bit before you start passing it out. It takes up a while for the apples to thoroughly heat through, so you might wanna just wait before your little ones pounce on you with hot serving dishes in hand.

3. Serve Your Easy Apple Crisp

Apple crisp makes sense when eaten warm. It may even taste better that way, especially when you put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. As the scoop of creamy cold ice cream slowly slides down the side of the plate onto the warm cinnamon apples and crisp topping, you just might find it difficult to stop eating. But you could even just dress it up however you'd like. Some people like to add a drizzle of whipped cream, a bit of caramel sauce, or maybe a light dusting of powdered sugar on top.

What Apples To Use For Apple Crisp

Apples can easily be substituted for a myriad of different fruits for just about any baked dessert in general.

The apple crisp itself is a great example of that, where you can really use various types of apples for the best flavor. You can use what ever kind suits your fancy or what apples you happen to have on hand. If you're looking for the best apples for apple crisp, consider trying

Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, or Pink Lady apples. You could even cut up a variety of different apple flavors to really bring that sweet and tart flavor to the apple crisp.

Should I Peel My Apples For Apple Crisp

I always peel the apples for my apple crisp. You could choose to leave the skin on as well, but just keep in mind that the apple crisp may turn out a little bit more firm when using unpeeled apples. 

Thinner apple slices with peel may lead to a mushier apple crisp. I prefer to peel my apples, but you might like to leave yours on for added texture.

How to Serve Apple Crisp

Apple crisp should always be served warm. My preference is always to serve it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

However, if serving room temperature, you could try serving it with:

Whipped Cream

Caramel Drizzle

A touch of powdered sugar on top

A touch of greek yogurt

Chopped nuts on top (pecans or walnuts)

Can You Make Apple Crisp Ahead Of Time

Apple crisp can definitely be made ahead of time.

If you're really pressed for time and don't feel like you'll have time to make a dessert for dinner, throw together an easy apple crisp ahead of time for later. Just keep in mind that for best results, the timing should be close to the time you're ready to serve the apple crisp. If you are baking ahead of time, make sure the crisp is stored in an airtight container. The oats in the topping will turn to mush if not stored properly. The next time you're short on time, or even for hosting a dinner party, try baking this apple crisp ahead of time!

How to Store Apple Crisp

After it has cooled down, you should store the apple crisp in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. It should keep in the fridge for several days. When it comes time to serve, simply heat individual portions in the microwave.

You can also re-heat the whole apple crisp in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Apple for Apple Crisp?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples are great. You can even mix up sweet and tart apple flavors to create a more interesting flavor for the apple crisp!

Why Is My Apple Crisp Watery?

As you bake the apple crisp, the apples will give off a little bit of their juices as part of the natural baking process. If you notice the filling is particularly runny, try cutting your apples into thicker slices or a mix sweet and tart apples. The flour is there to absorb the extra liquid, so you can always try adding more flour to the mixture to thicken it up a bit.

Can I Make Apple Crisp Without Oats?

Sure. Instead of the oats, you can make a quick topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of butter together. But I highly recommend using the oats!

Can I Freeze Apple Crisp?

You can freeze apple crisp either before or after baking. Just make sure it's thoroughly cooled before wrapping up and freezing.

Can I Use Apples With the Skin On?

Actually yes, you can use the skin on! If you don't want the hassle of peeling the apples, then wash the apples thoroughly, and you're ready to begin!

Looking for more delicious ways to use apples? Check out these 20 Easy Desserts With Apples You'll Want to Make This Fall.

Final Thoughts

This easy apple crisp recipe makes all the sense in the world. It's the perfect dessert to me. It's a warm comfort food that is simple to make and can be made for any time of the year. The easy crisp topping just adds a nice touch without all the extra work of making a pie crust. 

If you happen to use this simple apple crisp recipe more than once, that's totally fine with me. The real question is, who's going to help me eat this apple crisp with a big scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for dessert?

Do you have a bag of apples in your kitchen that you can't seem to think of what to do with? Don't spend too much time thinking - there are so many easy desserts with apples that you're sure to find one you want to make!

From simple warm apple crisps and buttery cobblers to cakes, hand pies, and caramel apple delights, these easy apple desserts are perfect for fall baking, dinner parties, or family gatherings.

These easy apple dessert recipes are all simple enough for anyone to make - so you can let the apples do most of the work!

1. Easy Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is simple to make and has a wonderful aroma of cinnamon and apples filling the house. Warm, spiced apples bake in a buttery oat topping until bubbly and delicious.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this easy dessert with apples is sure to be a hit.

Best for: Weeknight desserts, family dinners, and Thanksgiving.

2. Easy Apple Cobbler

If you'd rather make a baked apple dessert without a pie crust, look no further than apple cobbler.

Sweet, baked apples hide beneath a slightly crisp topping with warm hints of cinnamon. It's simple to whip up and will leave your kitchen smelling wonderful.

Best for: Fall dinners and for feeding crowds.

3. Easy Apple Crumble

Apple crumble is similar to apple crisp, but often uses different types of ingredients in the crumbly topping (such as flour, butter, and sugar).

Apple crumble is quick and simple to make, and is great for using up a few apples when you just can't bear to waste them.

Best for: Easy homemade desserts!

4. Easy Apple Pie

Apple pie may be a classic favorite, but that doesn't mean it's complicated. A flaky, buttery pie crust filled with sweet, spiced apples is always a winner.

If you're making a dessert for Thanksgiving, you simply can't go wrong with apple pie.

Best for: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and classic holidays.

5. Baked Apples

Looking for an absolutely easy dessert with apples? You can't get much easier than baked apples!

Core the apples and simply stuff them with a mixture of spices, sugars, butter, and/or nuts before baking. They're warm, delicious, and perfect when you just want a little bit of apple dessert without having to make a whole pie.

Best for: Quick desserts and smaller gatherings.

6. Easy Apple Turnovers

Apple turnovers give you all of the flavor of a classic apple pie, but in a much more portable, handheld size. Flaky pastry surrounds a spiced apple filling, and can be dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a light glaze.

They're great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Best for: Parties, brunches, and easy grab-and-go treats.

7. Apple Hand Pies

Hand pies are similar to turnovers, but tend to be slightly smaller in size. Each little hand pie is filled with a mixture of spiced apples before being baked to a golden brown. They can be served plain or drizzled with a simple glaze.

Best for: Parties, potlucks, or as lunchbox treats.

8. Easy Apple Tart

An apple tart requires less effort than a pie, but still looks impressive enough to serve to guests. Thin slices of apples are placed on top of a pastry dough and baked to a tender, caramelized finish. A little bit of cinnamon or sugar will bring it all together.

They even look nice when the slices of apple are arranged in overlapping rows before being baked.

Best for: Dinner parties and special occasions.

9. Easy Apple Galette

A galette is basically a freeform pie. While a traditional pie requires the careful crimping of a pie crust, a galette only requires placing the filling in the center of a large piece of pastry dough before folding the edges in to form a pie.

It's a casual, no-fuss dessert that looks nice enough to serve to guests, but still lets you avoid the tedious task of making a perfect pie crust.

Best for: Serving to company, or for weekend desserts.

10. Easy Apple Dumplings

This is the kind of homemade dessert that turns an ordinary dinner into something special.

Best for: Family dinners and cozy fall evenings.

11. Easy Apple Cake

An apple cake is perfect when you want something slightly lighter than a pie or crisp.

Chopped or sliced apples are simply mixed with a cake batter for a moist, spiced dessert that would pair well with cold milk or a cup of coffee. Served warm with a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkling of powdered sugar, this easy apple dessert is sure to be a hit.

Best for: Afternoon treats, brunch, and fall gatherings.

12. Apple Coffee Cake

Apple coffee cake is great when you want something that pairs well with a cup of coffee.

A cake is topped or layered with spiced apples, and has a buttery, crumbly topping. Despite the name, apple coffee cake doesn't actually require coffee to be enjoyed - though it is especially good with it.

Best for: Brunches, coffee gatherings, and afternoon snacks.

13. Apple Pie Bars

Instead of making a whole pie, why not try making apple pie bars?

Apple pie bars combine a buttery crust, a sweet apple filling, and a crumbly or pastry-like top. They're a great variation when you want something different from a traditional pie, and they're also a lot more convenient to serve at parties since they're cut into bars.

Best for: Potlucks, bake sales, and parties.

14. Apple Cheesecake Bars

Apple cheesecake bars combine two classic desserts into one. Creamy, rich cheesecake is combined with warm spiced apples for a cheesecake bar that still has all of the flavors you love.

They're a step up from a simple apple crisp, but even easier to portion out for parties or family gatherings.

Best for: Holiday dessert tables, or special occasions.

15. Easy Apple Dump Cake

Dump cakes are incredibly easy to make, which is probably why they're so popular.

Apple filling is simply dumped into a baking dish before being topped off with a cake mix and butter. They bake into a warm, spiced dessert with a soft apple filling and buttery cake topping.

Best for: Busy weeknights, or when you need something easy.

16. Caramel Apple Cheesecake

If you love caramel apples, you're sure to love this caramel apple cheesecake dessert.

A creamy cheesecake filling complements warm spiced apples and rich caramel sauce. It has the sweet, gooey flavor of a caramel apple, but with the added richness of a cheesecake.

The addition of rich caramel sauce drizzled over the top also gives this dessert the appearance of a far more complicated dessert than it actually is.

Best for: Holidays, and Thanksgiving desserts.

17. Apple Bread Pudding

Did you know that you can make a dessert with leftover bread?

That's right! This easy apple bread pudding uses up day-old bread, which soaks up a sweet custard mixture. Apples, spices, and warm cinnamon also fill this comforting dessert.

Best for: Using up day-old bread, and feeding a crowd.

18. Easy Apple Fritters

Apple fritters are a fun twist on a traditional dessert. They're light, fluffy, and have just the right amount of crispiness. Pieces of apples are mixed into a simple batter before being dropped into hot oil (or baked, depending on your preference). A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze will finish it off nicely.

Best for: Weekend desserts, brunches, and parties.

19. Caramel Apple Dessert

You don't have to make an entire cake or pie to make a dessert with apples. This simple caramel apple dessert can be made by mixing chopped apples with cinnamon, caramel sauce, cookies, cake pieces, whipped cream, or a creamy filling.

It's also easy to customize to whatever you have on hand!

Best for: Quick desserts, and casual gatherings.

20. Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake

Here's a fun way to combine two of your favorites - cinnamon rolls and apples. These warm, gooey rolls bake up with spiced apples to create a sweet dessert that is super easy to serve.

It's simple, comforting, and perfect for a cozy fall dessert. Simply finish it off with a drizzle of icing or glaze and serve it warm.

Best for: Weekends, brunches, and fall desserts.

What Are the Best Apples for Desserts?

Not all apples are created equal. In fact, certain types of apples hold up better for baking than others. For apple dessert recipes, it's best to use apples that have a good balance of sweet and tart flavors, and that hold their shape well when baked.

Granny Smith

Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, making them a great choice for pies, crisps, and cobblers.

Honeycrisp

Honeycrisp apples have a sweet-tart flavor, and hold their shape well when baked.

Pink Lady

Pink Lady apples have a balanced sweet-tart flavor, and hold up well when baked.

Fuji

Fuji apples have a naturally sweet flavor, and can be used when you'd like a sweeter dessert.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious apples are tender when baked, and have a mild sweetness that works well in cakes, pies, and other baked desserts.

You can also mix different types of apples, if you'd like a more complex flavor. Mixing a tart apple with a sweeter apple can also help balance out the flavors in your dessert.

Easy Apple Desserts for Fall Gatherings

When you're making a dessert for a fall gathering, you don't always have to go for the most complicated recipe. For a classic dessert, go with apple crisp or apple pie. If you're looking to feed a crowd, apple dump cake or apple bread pudding can both be excellent choices.

Looking for something that's easy to pick up and eat? Try making apple turnovers or apple hand pies. Want something that looks just a little fancier? An apple tart or apple galette is a great choice.

These fall apple desserts are especially useful for Thanksgiving, potlucks, family dinners, and other autumn gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest dessert to make with apples?

Apple crisp is one of the easiest desserts with apples to make. It requires a simple filling and an easy crumbly topping, and there's no need to make a complicated pastry crust.

What can I make with lots of apples?

If you have lots of apples, you can make apple crisp, apple cobbler, apple pie, apple cake, baked apples, apple bread pudding, or apple dump cake. You can also prepare and freeze some apples for later baking.

What can I make with apples besides apple pie?

There are many options besides apple pie. Apple crisp, apple crumble, apple cobbler, baked apples, apple cake, apple turnovers, apple bars, apple fritters, and apple cheesecake are all delicious alternatives.

Which apples are best for baking?

Firm apples with a good balance of sweetness and acidity are best for baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, and Golden Delicious are all great choices depending on the dessert.

Can I mix different types of apples in a dessert?

Yes. Mixing different types of apples can give your dessert added depth of flavor. A tart variety, such as Granny Smith, can also balance out the sweetness of a naturally sweeter apple.

Final Thoughts

The next time you have a bag of apples that you can't seem to think of what to do with, don't forget all of the easy desserts with apples you can make!

Whether you're craving a warm apple crisp, simple cobbler, buttery cake, handheld turnover, or something special for Thanksgiving, there's sure to be an easy apple dessert that you can't wait to try.

Choose your favorite, and get baking!