Best Apple Crisp

Featured in: Sweet & Toasted Treats

This comforting dish features tender Granny Smith apples seasoned with cinnamon and vanilla, layered beneath a golden oat and almond flour crumble. Easy to prepare and bake, it offers a warm, sweet finish perfect for autumn and winter meals. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. The crumble topping can be made ahead to streamline prep, and substitutions like pears or dairy-free butter adapt well. The combination of tart fruit and crunchy topping creates a timeless, inviting dessert.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:45:00 GMT
Best Apple Crisp bubbling hot from the oven, ready to serve with creamy vanilla ice cream. Save
Best Apple Crisp bubbling hot from the oven, ready to serve with creamy vanilla ice cream. | smokyfeast.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 always been a favorite in my family during the holidays. Its warm spices and crunchy topping bring everyone together around the table.

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.
Golden brown, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with a crispy oat topping, perfect for a cozy dessert. Save
Golden brown, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with a crispy oat topping, perfect for a cozy dessert. | smokyfeast.com

Sharing this apple crisp with my family has created many warm and memorable moments, especially around the holidays.

Notes

For easy prep the topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. To make dairy-free use vegan butter. Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 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. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Warm, cinnamon-spiced Best Apple Crisp, a delicious autumn classic with tender, sweet apples. Save
Warm, cinnamon-spiced Best Apple Crisp, a delicious autumn classic with tender, sweet apples. | smokyfeast.com

This apple crisp is a simple yet delicious dessert that will fill your home with wonderful aromas. Enjoy making and sharing it with your loved ones.

Kitchen Questions

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples provide a tart, firm texture that holds well during baking, balancing the sweet topping perfectly.

Can the topping be prepared in advance?

Yes, the oat-almond crumble can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days to save time on baking day.

Are there alternatives to almond flour?

Oat flour is a great nut-free substitute that maintains the crumble's texture if allergies are a concern.

How can this dish be made dairy-free?

Replace butter with a vegan butter or plant-based margarine to keep the crumble rich and tender without dairy.

What variations can I try with the fruit base?

Pears can be used instead of apples for a milder sweetness and different texture while maintaining the cozy feel.

Best Apple Crisp

Tender spiced apples with a crunchy oat-almond topping, ideal for cozy fall desserts.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat time
50 min
Complete duration
70 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Fruit Base

01 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
02 ⅓ cup pure 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 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

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.

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 thoroughly until the apples are evenly coated.

Phase 03

Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold unsalted butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.

Phase 06

Add Rolled Oats: Stir the old-fashioned rolled oats into the buttered mixture until evenly distributed.

Phase 07

Assemble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish.

Phase 08

Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles and softens.

Phase 09

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

Kitchen Tools

  • 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Vegetable peeler and apple corer
  • Knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almond flour), dairy (butter), and oats. Use certified gluten-free oats where applicable. Substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with non-dairy alternatives to accommodate allergies.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 524
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Proteins: 7 g