Best Apple Crisp Classic

Featured in: Comfort Food

This comforting apple crisp combines tender, cinnamon-flavored apples with a buttery oat and almond topping baked to golden perfection. Its blend of maple syrup and warm spices creates a harmonious balance of sweet and tart, making it ideal for chilly days and festive occasions. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for a cozy dessert that brings out the best in fall flavors. The crisp topping adds a crunchy texture that complements the soft fruit beneath, resulting in a delightful layered experience.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:33:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with cinnamon-spiced apples, served warm and inviting. Save
Golden, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with cinnamon-spiced apples, served warm and inviting. | berrycottage.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 has been a staple in my holiday celebrations and always gets rave reviews from family and friends.

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.
A fresh-baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing a delicious oat-almond crumble topping over tender apples. Save
A fresh-baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing a delicious oat-almond crumble topping over tender apples. | berrycottage.com

My family always gathers around the table eagerly awaiting this dessert every holiday season—it brings us joy and warmth.

Notes

For easy prep the topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To make dairy-free use vegan butter. Adjust sweetness by using more or less sugar as desired.

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). If allergic to nuts or dairy substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with a non-dairy alternative.

Warm and comforting Best Apple Crisp, a Thanksgiving dessert, perfect with ice cream or whipped cream. Save
Warm and comforting Best Apple Crisp, a Thanksgiving dessert, perfect with ice cream or whipped cream. | berrycottage.com

This apple crisp is sure to be a new favorite—serve it warm for the best experience.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance sweetness perfectly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, replace butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How do I ensure a crisp topping?

Use cold butter cut into the dry ingredients until crumbly, then bake until golden brown for the best texture.

Can this be prepared ahead?

The topping can be made in advance and refrigerated up to two days before baking to save time.

Are there gluten-free options?

Using certified gluten-free oats and cornstarch keeps this dish gluten-free friendly.

Best Apple Crisp Classic

Cinnamon-spiced apples topped with golden oat-almond crumble, ideal for warming seasonal treats.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
50 min
Complete duration
70 min
Created by Lily Anderson


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Fruit Base

01 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
03 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping

01 1 cup almond flour
02 ½ cup coconut sugar or 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

Direction 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).

Direction 02

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

Direction 03

Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the apple mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Direction 04

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

Direction 05

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

Direction 06

Add Rolled Oats: Fold in rolled oats until combined thoroughly.

Direction 07

Assemble Crisp: Evenly distribute the topping over the prepared apples in the baking dish.

Direction 08

Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.

Direction 09

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

Necessary tools

  • 9 x 13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Vegetable peeler and corer
  • Chef's knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if you have concerns.
  • Contains tree nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Includes oats; ensure certified gluten-free oats if required.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 524
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Proteins: 7 g