Best Apple Crisp Classic

Featured in: Sweet Treats

This dish highlights tender Granny Smith apples infused with cinnamon and maple syrup, baked beneath a crisp oat and almond topping. The golden crumble offers a satisfying texture contrast while the warm filling brings cozy autumn flavors. Ideal served warm, it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting finish. The preparation is straightforward, taking just over an hour from start to finish, making it a favored choice for festive occasions and family gatherings alike.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:26:00 GMT
Warm Best Apple Crisp with golden crumble topping, ready to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Save
Warm Best Apple Crisp with golden crumble topping, ready to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. | griddleglory.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 become a family tradition every holiday season. I love how the sweet and tart apples blend perfectly with the crunchy topping making everyone ask for seconds.

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 Apples:
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.
Transfer to Dish:
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish spreading evenly.
Prepare Topping:
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:
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.
A close-up of a bubbling Best Apple Crisp, showcasing the tender apples and oat crumble texture. Save
A close-up of a bubbling Best Apple Crisp, showcasing the tender apples and oat crumble texture. | griddleglory.com

We enjoy making this apple crisp together as a family and it always brings warmth and smiles to our gatherings.

Variations

Try substituting the apples with pears for a delicious twist or use vegan butter to make this dessert dairy-free.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the flavors.

Freshly baked Best Apple Crisp: a comforting American dessert, perfect for autumn gatherings and celebrations. Save
Freshly baked Best Apple Crisp: a comforting American dessert, perfect for autumn gatherings and celebrations. | griddleglory.com

This easy apple crisp recipe will keep you coming back for cozy dessert nights all season long.

Cooking Questions

What apples work best for this crisp?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape and balance sweetness with their natural tartness.

Can I substitute the almond flour for allergies?

Yes, oat flour or gluten-free alternatives work well in the topping to accommodate nut allergies.

Is it possible to prepare the topping in advance?

The crisp topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to save preparation time on serving day.

How do I make the dish dairy-free?

Use vegan butter as a substitute for unsalted butter to keep the topping dairy-free without impacting texture.

What serving suggestions complement this dish?

Serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances the comforting flavors and adds a creamy contrast.

Best Apple Crisp Classic

Tender cinnamon apples topped with golden oat and almond crumble, served warm and comforting.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
50 min
Complete duration
70 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Fruit Base

01 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 1/3 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 1/2 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Toss until evenly coated.

Phase 03

Arrange Fruit Base: Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish and spread evenly.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Add Oats: Stir rolled oats into the butter mixture until fully combined.

Phase 07

Assemble Topping: Evenly distribute the oat-almond topping over the apples in the baking dish.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender with bubbling juices.

Phase 09

Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving warm. Optional accompaniments include vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Necessary 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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Contains oats; ensure gluten-free oats for gluten intolerance.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 524
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Proteins: 7 g