Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is a classic dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s made with juicy, tender apples baked underneath a crunchy, golden oat streusel topping. The oats add a wonderful texture and a bit of a nutty flavor that makes every bite extra special.
I love making this apple crisp whenever I have a bunch of apples that need a delicious home. The smell that fills the kitchen while it bakes is amazing—it’s like cinnamon, butter, and a little bit of fall wrapped up in one dish. I usually like to let it cool just enough to be warm and gooey but not too hot, so it’s easy to scoop and enjoy right away.
My favorite way to serve this crisp is with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s such a perfect contrast between the cold ice cream and the warm, crunchy apple filling. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual weekend treat, this apple crisp always gets people smiling—and I think that’s the best part of any dessert.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using tart apples like Granny Smith works great for balance, but you can mix in sweeter ones like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a milder flavor. Just be sure to peel and slice them evenly for consistent cooking.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a nice chewy crunch. If you don’t have these, quick oats can work but won’t have the same texture. Avoid instant oats as they get too soft.
Butter: Using cold, unsalted butter in small pieces helps create a crumbly topping. You can swap with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will change slightly.
Flours & Sugars: All-purpose flour helps bind the topping, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Brown sugar adds moisture and richness, while granulated sugar sweetens the apples directly. Light brown sugar works best here for its mild molasses flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic for apple desserts. Adjust cinnamon to your taste or add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
How Do You Get a Crispy and Golden Oat Streusel Topping?
The key to a perfect crisp topping is balancing butter and flour with sugar and oats. Here’s a simple way to make it golden and crunchy:
- Keep the butter cold and cut it into small pieces before mixing. Cold butter creates chewy clusters.
- Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or forks to mix the butter into the dry ingredients. Stop when you see pea-sized crumbs—not too fine, not too chunky.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples to cover them well.
- Bake uncovered so the top crisps up nicely. Avoid covering it with foil, or it will steam and get soft.
- Let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the topping firm up and makes serving easier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large mixing bowl – for tossing the apples with spices and sugar without making a mess.
- Pastry cutter or two forks – great for mixing the cold butter into the oat topping easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredient amounts just right for balance and texture.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for peeling and slicing apples evenly so they cook well.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap some apples with pears or add sliced peaches for a sweeter, juicier fruit mix.
- Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add crunch and a toasty flavor to the topping.
- Stir a handful of dried cranberries or raisins into the apple filling for a chewy burst of sweetness.
- Add a dash of ground ginger or cardamom to the spices for a warming twist that pairs well with fall flavors.
Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the apple filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the oat streusel topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This apple crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the topping set a bit. Total time is roughly 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar size dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars.
3. Arrange the Filling:
Spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare the Oat Streusel Topping:
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cut butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
5. Add the Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender when tested with a fork.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly for 10-15 minutes. This helps the topping to set. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Apple Crisp?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and spices to avoid a soggy crisp.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving for best texture.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the crisp but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter in the Topping?
You can substitute cold coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free version, but the taste and texture may vary slightly.
