6. Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
This Apple Crisp with Oat Topping delivers the ultimate cozy dessert experience, balancing tender, spiced apples with a perfectly textured blanket of buttery crunch. We toss sweet Honeycrisp apples with warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg before blanketing them with a rustic topping made from rolled oats, brown sugar, and toasted pecans. The magic happens in the oven as the fruit bubbles beneath the golden, crisp surface, creating a dessert that is both satisfyingly rich and wonderfully comforting. For the best texture, be sure to bake this until the topping is deeply browned and the filling is vigorously simmering around the edges.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice; toss until apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the coated apples to the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using).
Pour melted butter over the oat mixture and stir until combined and crumbly.
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples to use for this Apple Crisp recipe?
For the best texture and flavor in this Apple Crisp, choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during the 45 minutes of baking time at 350°F (175°C). Avoid overly soft apples that might turn mushy.
Can I make this Apple Crisp topping gluten-free or vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe! For a gluten-free version, substitute the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. To make it vegan, replace any butter used in the topping with a solid vegan butter alternative.
How should I store leftover Apple Crisp with Oat Topping?
Store leftover Apple Crisp tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best crisp topping texture, reheat individual servings in a toaster oven or a 350°F oven until warmed through.
