Apple Crisp with Oats is a warm and cozy dessert that’s perfect for any season. It features tender apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture that adds a delightful texture.
Oh, the smell of apples baking is just heavenly! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Many types work great, but I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you can’t find those, any firm apples you have will do just fine!
Lemon Juice: This is essential to keep the apples from turning brown. If you’re out of lemon juice, you could use vinegar, but the flavor will be slightly different. Fresh lemon juice is best!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. If you prefer gluten-free options, look for certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can be used, but they may make the topping less crunchy.
Butter: For a healthier twist, you can substitute with coconut oil or even applesauce if you’re looking to reduce fat. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’s a delicious alternative!
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Crumbly Topping?
The key to a great topping is in how you mix the butter with the dry ingredients. You want it to be crumbly, not a paste. Here’s how to do it:
- Use cold butter – this keeps the topping flakey. Cut it into small pieces before adding it to your dry mixture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the oats and flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix!
- Once crumbly, sprinkle it evenly over the apple mixture. This ensures even baking and a crunchy bite in every spoonful!
How to Make Apple Crisp with Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then around 40 to 45 minutes to bake. Allow a little extra time for it to cool before serving. In total, expect to spend about 1 hour on this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or a similar sized oven-safe dish) with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice to stop them from browning. Then, add the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch if you’re using it. Mix everything well to make sure the apples are coated evenly.
3. Assemble the Filling:
Transfer the delicious apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the apples out evenly so they cook nicely.
4. Make the Oat Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Now, it’s time to add the cold butter pieces! Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the oat mixture until it turns crumbly and small clumps form. This topping is what gives the crisp its wonderful texture!
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crumbly oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the apples as this will ensure they get that lovely crunchy topping!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling nicely.
7. Let It Cool:
Once out of the oven, let the crisp cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top if you like. Dive in and enjoy this comforting dessert with your friends and family!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Apple Crisp with Oats! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works best for flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or whatever you have on hand!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the apple filling and topping separately, then store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just layer them in the dish and follow the baking instructions. Just be aware that the topping may lose some crunch if it sits too long!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through. A scoop of ice cream on top makes it just as delicious the second time around!
Can I Use Oatmeal for the Topping?
While this recipe calls for rolled oats, you can use quick oats in a pinch. Just keep in mind that quick oats will create a slightly softer topping. If you prefer a crunchier texture, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats!