American · Easy
Simple Apple Crisp
Tender cinnamon apples under a crumbly oat topping, with no pastry to roll.
- Prep
- 20 mins
- Cook
- 40 mins
- Total
- 75 mins
- Servings
- 6
Total includes 15 minutes standing; bake time varies with the apple variety.
About this recipe
This crisp pairs evenly sliced cinnamon apples with a loose oat topping, avoiding the rolling and chilling required for pastry. Similar-size slices soften at the same rate, while visible gaps in the topping let steam escape and preserve crumbly edges.
Simple Home Dish
Simple Apple Crisp
- Prep
- 20 mins
- Cook
- 40 mins
- Total
- 75 mins
- Servings
- 6
Total includes 15 minutes standing; bake time varies with the apple variety.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (about 2 lb), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Toss apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; spread in the dish.
- Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and the remaining cinnamon in a bowl. Rub in butter with your fingertips until clumps form.
- Scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 35–45 minutes until the edges bubble, the top is golden, and a knife slides easily into the fruit.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving so the juices thicken slightly.
Cooking tips
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate cooled leftovers in a covered container within 2 hours and use within 4 days. Reheat until hot, uncovering briefly to crisp the topping.
Variations
Swap 2 apples for firm pears, or mix 1/4 cup chopped walnuts into the topping.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives the softest filling, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer more texture. Wash the apples well and slice them evenly.