SaveApple Crisp
Tart apples with cinnamon and brown sugar under a buttery oat crumble. Warm, bubbling, and begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $8.00 · $1.00/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced)
- 3 large Honeycrisp apples (peeled and sliced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in a 9x13 baking dish.
Two apple varieties give you both tartness and sweetness. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness.
- 2
Make the topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, remaining 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbles with some pea-sized butter chunks. Mix in pecans if using.
Visible butter pieces are what makes the topping crisp up into irresistible clusters.
- 3
Scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Do not press it down.
- 4
Bake 40-45 minutes until the topping is deep golden brown and apple juices are bubbling around the edges. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.
Restaurant secret: The bubbling juices around the edges mean the cornstarch has activated and the filling will be perfectly thick, not watery.
Pairs With
Sweet, honeyed German Riesling
Apple and honey notes echo the fruit filling
Calvados or Laird's applejack, neat
Apple spirit with apple dessert is pure autumn
Warm chai latte with vanilla
Warm spices complement the cinnamon and nutmeg
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Warm oven, flour everywhere, and the kind of music that makes the kitchen feel like home.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Slice apples 1/4 inch thick. Too thin and they turn to mush, too thick and they don't cook through.
- •Cold butter is essential for a crispy topping. If your kitchen is warm, freeze the butter cubes for 10 minutes.
- •Restaurant secret: Serve with a scoop of salted vanilla ice cream. The salt makes everything taste more.
Substitutions
- Granny Smith apples → any firm tart apple
- Honeycrisp apples → Fuji or Gala
- pecans → walnuts or omit
- old-fashioned oats → gluten-free oats
Leftovers
Cover and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
