Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats That’s Perfectly Cozy and Crunchy

Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Souhail

When the air starts to cool and apples are suddenly everywhere—farmers’ markets, your neighbor’s porch, your own overflowing fruit bowl—it’s time to break out this Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats. I’ve been making this since my early twenties when I first moved to New York and wanted something sweet, nostalgic, and not overly complicated. It was inspired by a family recipe my mom used to bake when I was a kid, only I’ve given it a little glow-up with a buttery oat topping that gets beautifully golden and crispy in the oven.

This dessert is the epitome of easy, cozy baking. No need to fuss with pie crusts or fussy techniques. Just toss fresh apples with a few pantry staples, pile on that irresistible oat crumble, and let the oven do all the magic. The result? A warm, cinnamon-spiced filling that bubbles beneath a golden, buttery topping. It’s ideal for weeknights, holidays, or honestly any random Tuesday when you need a little comfort.

This recipe leans sweet, tart, and spicy with a hearty, crunchy top—just how a perfect apple crisp should be.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Crisp (and Keep Making It Forever)

There are a lot of apple crisp recipes out there, but this one? It’s the one I come back to every single fall—and honestly, all year round. Here’s what makes it so special:

• The oat topping is next-level good: It’s crunchy, buttery, and golden with just the right amount of chew from the rolled oats. Not too thick, not too sparse—this is the goldilocks of crisp toppings.
• It’s super low-maintenance: No pie crusts, no mixers, no fuss. Just slice apples, mix the topping, and bake. That’s it.
• Perfect balance of sweet and tart: I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. The tartness balances the brown sugar perfectly, and the result is that dreamy caramel-apple vibe we all love.
• Customizable for different diets:
  • Gluten-free? Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified GF.
  • Vegan? Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of dairy-based butter.
  • Low-sugar? Reduce the brown sugar and use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.

This recipe is also super adaptable. You can add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are fabulous), swap in pears or berries, or even give it a holiday twist with a pinch of cloves or nutmeg.

Looking for another way to use up apples? Try this fried apples recipe—it’s basically like dessert in a skillet.

Want the Crispiest, Coziest Apple Crisp? Here’s What You Need to Know

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make this Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats truly shine. Here’s how to make yours unforgettable:

• Slice your apples evenly: This ensures they bake at the same rate. I like thin, ¼-inch slices so they soften beautifully without turning mushy.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: A little acidity brightens the flavor and helps prevent the apples from browning before baking.
• Use cold butter for the topping: This is key to getting those gorgeous crumbles. Cut the butter into the oat-flour mixture with a pastry cutter or your fingers until you have pea-sized clumps.
• Chill the topping if your kitchen’s warm: This helps it stay chunky and crisp instead of melting into a paste while baking.
• Let it rest before digging in: I know, I know. It smells amazing and you want to dive in face-first. But letting it sit for 10–15 minutes helps the filling thicken a bit and gives you that perfect scoopable texture.

Psst… have leftover apples? You can also make your own homemade apple jam to slather on toast or swirl into yogurt.

Cozy Variations to Make This Apple Crisp Your Own

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak for different moods or occasions. Here are a few versions you might love:

Apple-Pear Crisp

Swap out half the apples for firm pears like Bosc or Anjou. The combo is soft, juicy, and subtly floral—perfect for the holidays.

Maple-Walnut Apple Crisp

Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the apple filling and fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts to the oat topping. It adds warmth, crunch, and cozy flavor.

Cranberry-Apple Crisp

Toss 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries in with the apples for a tart twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet crisp topping.

Apple Berry Crisp

Mix in 1½ cups of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries. They burst as they bake, creating a juicy, colorful filling.

Spiced Chai Apple Crisp

Add ¼ teaspoon each of ground cardamom, ginger, and allspice to the filling for a subtle, warming chai-spice vibe.

Let’s Talk Toppings, Pairings, and How to Serve This Dreamy Dessert

Apple crisp is already amazing on its own—but dress it up a little and it becomes pure magic.

• Scoop of vanilla ice cream (my personal favorite): It melts into the warm filling and creates a creamy sauce that’s basically heaven.
• Whipped cream: Classic and cloud-like.
• Salted caramel drizzle: If you’re feeling fancy, this takes things completely over the top.
• Yogurt or crème fraîche: For a slightly tangy counterpoint, especially if you’re serving it at brunch.
• Pair it with a cozy drink—maybe a chai latte or hot apple cider—and you’ve got yourself a perfect fall moment.

And if you’re in the mood for a cozy main dish to go with it, check out this lasagna soup recipe—it’s hearty, comforting, and makes the ultimate cold-weather dinner.

Other Fun (and Genius) Ways to Use Apple Crisp

This dessert doesn’t have to stop at dessert. Here are a few creative ideas:

• Apple Crisp Breakfast Parfaits: Layer leftovers with yogurt and granola for a sweet breakfast treat.
• Apple Crisp Ice Cream Sundaes: Warm up the crisp and spoon it over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Stuffed Pancakes or Waffles: Fold leftover crisp into pancake or waffle batter for an apple pie–inspired brunch.
• Fall-Themed Trifle: Layer with whipped cream and cake cubes in a glass dish—super cute and festive.

You can even sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds over the top for a little salty crunch!

How To Make It

Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

325

kcal

A warm, cozy apple crisp recipe with oats that’s quick to make, big on flavor, and topped with a buttery, golden crumble. Your new go-to fall dessert!

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Ingredients

• For the Filling

• 6 –7 medium apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp recommended)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 0.3 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Pinch salt

• For the Oat Topping

• 0.75 cup rolled oats

• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour

• 0.5 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 0.25 teaspoon salt

• 0.5 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to butter my baking dish lightly—just a little insurance to prevent sticking and give it that rich, golden edge.
• Peel, core, and slice your apples. I usually go for 6 to 7 medium apples, mixing tart Granny Smiths with sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Slice them into even ¼-inch pieces, so they cook evenly and soak up all that cinnamon goodness.
• Toss the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a little flour. That flour helps thicken the juices as the crisp bakes, creating a rich, caramelly filling.
• Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×9-inch (or similar sized) baking dish. Spread it out evenly, pressing down just a bit to pack the fruit in nicely.
• Now for the oat topping—the best part, right? In another bowl, stir together rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want those lovely buttery clumps!
• Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, making sure it covers edge to edge. Don’t press it down—let it stay fluffy and crumbly on top.
• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges.
• Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and thickens the filling a bit. Plus, it’s the perfect time to grab your ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Don’t skip the lemon juice—it keeps the apples bright and balances the sweetness.
• Chilling the topping for 10 minutes before baking makes it extra crisp.
• Use rolled oats, not quick oats for the best chewy texture.
• Add a splash of vanilla to the filling for a warm, fragrant twist.
• Double the topping if you’re in it for that crumble life (I totally support this).
• A dash of nutmeg gives it that little something special—just ⅛ teaspoon does the trick.

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 8
• Calories: 325kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 2g

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FAQs About Apple Crisp with Oats

Wrap-Up: Why You Need to Try This Apple Crisp

There’s something undeniably cozy about this apple crisp recipe with oats. It’s simple, comforting, and totally nostalgic—like a big warm hug in dessert form. Whether you serve it for a fall gathering, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a random Tuesday treat, it never disappoints.

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy:

• Homemade Apple Jam
• Fried Apples
• Lasagna Soup for a cozy dinner pairing
• Pot Roast Seasoning to make your mains as flavorful as your desserts!

Happy baking, friend! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment, share a pic, or tag me on social—I’m always cheering you on from my kitchen to yours.