Easy Apple Crisp (With the Best Crunchy Oat Topping)
Apple crisp is easier than apple pie and arguably better — cinnamon-spiced apples under a crunchy, buttery oat topping, no crust to roll. You toss the apples, mix the topping by hand, and bake. The cornstarch keeps it from going soggy and the oats give that signature crunch. It’s the foolproof fall dessert.
The Quick Version
- No crust, no mixer. Toss apples, clump the topping, bake.
- Use firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp) so they don’t turn to mush.
- Cornstarch is key — it thickens the juices so the crisp isn’t soggy.
- Bake until deep golden, not pale, for real crunch.
Why it beats apple pie
All the cozy apple-and-cinnamon payoff, none of the pie-crust stress. There’s no dough to chill, roll, or crimp, and no soggy-bottom risk. The oat topping crisps up in the oven while the apples soften underneath — and it comes together in about 20 minutes of hands-on work.
How to make it
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss 6 cups sliced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1 tbsp cornstarch; spread in a buttered 9-inch dish.
- Stir 1 cup oats, ¾ cup flour, ⅔ cup brown sugar, ½ cup melted butter, cinnamon and salt into clumps.
- Scatter the topping over the apples.
- Bake 38–45 minutes until deep golden and bubbling. Cool 15 minutes.
Foolproof tip: don’t skip the cornstarch — it’s what turns runny apple juice into a glossy, set filling.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Firm, tart-sweet apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn or a mix. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, which turn mushy.
What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
A crisp has oats in the topping for crunch; a crumble traditionally has just a flour-butter streusel. They’re nearly identical and both beginner-friendly.
Why is my apple crisp soggy?
Too much liquid or underbaking. Toss the apples with cornstarch, spread the topping evenly, and bake until it’s deep golden.
Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F (175C). Toss the apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, 1 tsp cinnamon and cornstarch, then spread in a buttered 9-inch baking dish.
- Stir the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, remaining cinnamon and salt into clumps.
- Scatter the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake 38-45 minutes, until the topping is deep golden and the apples bubble. Cool 15 minutes before serving.
More easy fruit desserts
This is part of our easy fruit desserts guide. Want it cold instead? See no-bake summer desserts, or browse all our baking ideas.
