Learn how to make an easy oatmeal apple crisp recipe by following these simple steps to make a delicious dessert. If you have an abundance of apples, this recipe for oatmeal apple crisp is for you. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the result is a cozy comfort food dish that can’t be beaten. The aroma of this apple, butter, brown sugar, oatmeal, and cinnamon combination will have your mouth watering as it bakes. As an heirloom apple grower, it’s fun to find different apple combinations for this cozy comfort food recipe. Ready to learn how to make this easy apple crisp recipe with oats? Let’s begin!
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Table of Contents
The Easy Oatmeal Apple Crisp Recipe Backstory
One of my favorite fall memories is eating warm, easy apple crisp at the house of a dear family who let our boys go trick-or-treating on their quiet street. Our house is in the country, and trick-or-treating just doesn’t happen in our rural neighborhood. We had a neighbor girl across the street who would come over and exchange treat bags with our boys. Then both of our families would load up our vehicles and head into an actual neighborhood for the rest of the evening.
I’ve always been extremely grateful to our family friends for opening up their home to our family on Halloween, and for sharing their street with us. Their street was not too busy, so we never had to deal with crowds. Most of the families knew each other, and they were always generous with the treats. We should have gone around handing out treats to them to thank them for allowing us to borrow their neighborhood for the evening!
Afterward, we gathered at our friends’ home to indulge in easy apple crisp. The warm deliciousness paired with ice cream is a memory I will treasure. Now their boys are grown, and so are ours. I still make the easy apple crisp recipe, which my friend generously shared with me. Maybe it will become a favorite fall memory of yours as well.
Equipment for the Easy Oatmeal Apple Crisp Recipe
The equipment needed to make this easy oatmeal apple crisp recipe is very simple. That means cleanup will be a snap. All you need is a mixing bowl, measuring cup, measuring spoon, and a square baking pan.
Ingredients for the Easy Oatmeal Apple Crisp Recipe
4 cups apples (about 5 medium-sized apples, and my favorite are the Pink Pearl variety when I have them)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
Topping
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine (I always use butter)
2/3 cup quick cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions for the Easy Oatmeal Apple Crisp Recipe
Peel, core and slice apples. In an 8-inch square baking dish, mix the apples with the flour and sugar.
In a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter or margarine in the microwave. Time will vary, depending on your microwave, but I usually set mine for 45 seconds.
After the butter is melted, add the brown sugar, flour, oatmeal and cinnamon to the bowl and mix.
When the topping mixture is combined, distribute evenly over the top of the apples in the baking dish.
Bake in a 300 degree oven for 1 hour. This recipe makes 4 servings, and may be doubled for a cake-size (9 by 13 inch) baking dish. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Delicious!
One of the best things about making this easy apple crisp is the way it fills the house with a tantalizing aroma for an entire hour while it is baking. The unmistakable scent of fall fills the air. I like to assemble the ingredients as I make dinner, and then bake it while we eat. Anticipation sets in and takes hold as everyone eagerly awaits this appetizing dessert.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Apple Crisp Recipe
To make this oatmeal apple crisp recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free, one-to-one flour blend. One-to-one means that it can be used interchangeably in recipes like regular flour. Just substitute the gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour in this recipe. In fact, this photo of the oatmeal apple crisp made with Pink Pearl apples was taken when I made a gluten-free oatmeal apple crisp for a friend who came to look at our dahlias.
My favorite brand that can be found in the grocery stores near where I live is Krusteaz. It’s reasonably priced as well.
Common Oatmeal Apple Crisp Questions
Can you substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats in apple crisp?
Yes, you can substitute quick oats for old-fashioned oats in an apple crisp recipe, but there will be some differences in texture. Old-fashioned oats are thicker and will retain more texture in the topping, while quick oats are thinner and will result in a slightly softer topping. Here’s how you can make the substitution:
For the topping in an apple crisp:
Use the same quantity: When substituting quick oats for old-fashioned oats, use the same quantity as called for in the recipe. If the recipe specifies 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, use 1 cup of quick oats.
Adjust for texture: Since quick oats are thinner, you may find that the topping is a bit less textured and crunchy compared to using old-fashioned oats. To compensate for this, you can add a little extra butter or a few chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the topping mixture to enhance the texture.
Consider sugar: If your recipe calls for sugar in the topping, using quick oats might result in a slightly sweeter topping since they can absorb liquid and sugar more quickly than old-fashioned oats. You can adjust the sugar to your taste by reducing it slightly if you’re concerned about it being too sweet.
Do you need to cover apple crisp when baking?
Whether or not you should cover an apple crisp when baking depends on the specific recipe and the texture you want to achieve. Here are some guidelines:
Covering with foil: If you want to prevent the topping from browning too quickly or if your apple crisp is becoming too dark on top before the apples are fully cooked, you can cover it with aluminum foil. Start baking the crisp uncovered and check it after about 20-30 minutes. If the topping is browning too fast, gently place a piece of foil over the top of the crisp and continue baking until the apples are tender.
Uncovered: Many apple crisp recipes are baked uncovered from start to finish. This allows the topping to become golden brown and crispy while the apples underneath become tender. It’s the preferred method for most recipes.
Partially covered: Some recipes may suggest partially covering the apple crisp for part of the baking time and then uncovering it towards the end. This can help ensure that the topping gets crispy without burning.
Personal preference: Ultimately, whether or not to cover your apple crisp can also depend on your personal preference for the texture of the topping. If you like a very crisp and browned topping, you may choose not to cover it at all. If you prefer a softer, less browned topping, covering it partially or fully with foil can help achieve that.
Is apple crisp served warm or cold?
Apple crisp is traditionally served warm, right out of the oven. The warmth of the baked apples and the crisp, buttery topping is a comforting and inviting combination, making it a popular choice for a cozy dessert, especially during the fall and winter months.
To serve apple crisp warm:
Allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to avoid burning yourself.
You can serve it as is, or you can enhance the experience by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top while it’s still warm. The contrast of the warm crisp and the cold ice cream is delightful.
Some people also enjoy drizzling caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar over their warm apple crisp for added flavor and presentation.
While apple crisp is typically enjoyed warm, it can also be served at room temperature or even chilled if you prefer. Leftover apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How do you store apple crisp after baking?
To store apple crisp after baking, follow these steps to keep it fresh and safe for consumption:
Cool It: Allow the apple crisp to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. It’s essential to let it cool before storing to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container.
Choose a Container: Transfer the apple crisp to an airtight storage container or a baking dish with an airtight lid. If you don’t have an airtight container, you can cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigerate: Place the covered container in the refrigerator. Apple crisp contains perishable ingredients like apples and butter, so refrigeration is necessary to keep it safe to eat.
Label and Date: If you plan to store it for more than a day, consider labeling the container with the date you baked it to keep track of freshness.
Consume Promptly: While apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal taste and texture. The topping may lose some of its crispness over time.
Reheat: To reheat the apple crisp, you can use a microwave or a preheated oven. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until warm. For larger portions or to restore some crispness to the topping, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve: Serve the reheated apple crisp warm, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra enjoyment.
Can you freeze apple crisp after it’s baked?
Yes, you can freeze apple crisp after it’s baked, and it’s a convenient way to preserve it for longer periods. Here’s how to freeze apple crisp properly:
Cool Completely: Allow the apple crisp to cool completely at room temperature after baking. It’s essential to let it cool to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming during freezing.
Portion:
You can freeze the entire apple crisp if you have a suitable container, or
Portion it into individual servings if you prefer to have smaller portions readily available.
Wrap and Protect:
If freezing individual servings, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
If freezing the entire crisp, use an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
Label and Date: Clearly label the wrapped portions or container with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.
Freeze: Place the wrapped portions or the airtight container in the freezer. Ensure that the freezer is set to its coldest temperature to maintain the quality of the apple crisp.
Use within 2-3 months: While apple crisp can technically be stored in the freezer for longer, it’s best to consume it within 2-3 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheat: To reheat frozen apple crisp, you can do so directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen apple crisp in the oven, and bake for about 30-45 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the topping is crispy. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience.
Serve: Serve the reheated apple crisp warm, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra enjoyment.
What is the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
Apple crumble and apple crisp are similar desserts that both feature baked apples with a streusel-like topping, but there are subtle differences in their ingredients and textures. The main distinction lies in the composition of the topping:
Apple Crumble:
Topping: A crumble topping typically consists of a mixture of butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes oats or nuts. The ingredients are combined until they resemble coarse crumbs, which are then spread over the fruit filling.
Texture: The topping for an apple crumble is more crumbly and sandy in texture, and it tends to be denser and less crisp than a crisp’s topping.
Variations: Crumbles are commonly made without oats and often have a higher proportion of flour in the topping.
Apple Crisp:
Topping: A crisp topping typically includes rolled oats (old-fashioned oats), butter, sugar, and sometimes flour and spices. The oats provide a more textured and crisp finish to the topping.
Texture: As the name suggests, a crisp has a crisper and more textured topping compared to a crumble. The oats become toasted during baking, giving it a distinct crunch.
Variations: Crisps often incorporate oats as a key ingredient, which is one of the defining features that sets them apart from crumbles.
Is it better to peel apples for apple crisp?
Whether or not to peel apples for apple crisp is a matter of personal preference, and it can depend on several factors, including texture, appearance, and flavor. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Advantages of Peeling Apples:
Texture: Peeled apples will have a softer and smoother texture in the finished dish. Some people prefer this texture as it results in a more consistent mouthfeel throughout the apple crisp.
Appearance: Peeling apples can give the dessert a cleaner and more uniform appearance, as the peel can become tough and may not always soften to the desired extent during baking.
Children and Picky Eaters: If you’re serving apple crisp to children or individuals who are sensitive to the texture of apple peel, peeling the apples can make the dessert more appealing to them.
Advantages of Leaving the Peel On:
Nutrition: Apple peel contains valuable nutrients and dietary fiber. Leaving the peel on can enhance the nutritional content of your apple crisp.
Texture Contrast: Some people enjoy the contrast in texture between the soft, baked apple flesh and the slightly firmer peel. It can add an interesting element to the dessert.
Flavor: Apple peel can contribute a subtle, slightly tart flavor to the dessert. This can enhance the overall flavor profile, especially when combined with sweet toppings and spices.
Convenience: Peeling apples can be time-consuming, so leaving the peel on can save you prep time and effort.
Why does my apple crisp get soggy?
If your apple crisp is turning out soggy, it’s usually due to excess moisture released from the apples during the baking process or other factors related to the recipe or baking method. Here are some common reasons and tips to prevent a soggy apple crisp:
Apple Variety: The type of apples you use can affect the moisture content. Apples with a high water content may release more moisture during baking. Stick to firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold, which tend to hold their shape and release less moisture.
Apple Preparation: Make sure to properly peel, core, and slice the apples. Thicker slices can retain more moisture, so aim for uniform, thinner slices.
Excess Liquid: If your recipe includes too much liquid, such as apple juice or water, it can result in a soggy filling. Adjust the liquid content in the filling according to the recipe, or consider using cornstarch or flour to thicken the filling.
Overcrowding: Overcrowding the baking dish can trap moisture, causing it to become soggy. Use a larger baking dish to ensure there’s enough space for the moisture to evaporate during baking.
Baking Time and Temperature: Ensure that you bake the apple crisp at the recommended temperature for the right amount of time. Underbaking can lead to excess moisture, while overbaking can dry out the topping. A fully baked crisp should have tender apples and a golden-brown, crisp topping.
Covering During Baking: Covering the apple crisp during baking with foil can create steam, which can make the topping soggy. Follow the recipe’s instructions regarding covering or uncovering the dish.
Topping Composition: The topping should have enough fat (usually butter) and dry ingredients like oats, flour, and sugar to absorb any excess moisture from the apples. Adjust the topping ingredients as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Warm: Soggy texture can also occur if you let the apple crisp sit for an extended period after baking. It’s best served warm, shortly after coming out of the oven.
Draining Excess Liquid: After slicing the apples, you can place them in a colander or on paper towels for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to drain before assembling the crisp.
How do you cut apples for apple crisp?
To cut apples for apple crisp, follow these steps for uniform and evenly cooked slices:
Wash and Peel (Optional): Start by washing the apples thoroughly. If you prefer to peel your apples, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Peeling is a matter of personal preference; some recipes call for peeled apples, while others leave the peel on for added flavor and texture.
Core the Apples (Optional): If you have an apple corer, use it to remove the cores from the apples. Alternatively, you can cut around the core by placing the apple on a cutting board with the stem side facing up and slicing down along each side of the core.
Slice the Apples: Cut the apples into slices of your preferred thickness. Generally, slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) thick work well. Make sure to keep the slices as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
Check for Seeds: While slicing, check for any remaining seeds, and remove them if necessary. It’s a good idea to cut the slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces if you prefer a more compact filling.
Can I cut apples the night before for apple crisp?
Yes, you can cut apples the night before for apple crisp to save time when preparing the dessert. Here’s how to do it properly to maintain the quality of the apples:
Preparation: Wash and peel the apples if desired. You can also core and slice them into uniform pieces.
Acidulate the Apples (Optional): To prevent the apple slices from browning, you can toss them in a mixture of water and lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of water) before refrigerating. The acidity in the lemon juice helps slow down the oxidation process and keeps the apples looking fresh.
Storage: Place the prepared apple slices in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Try to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. If you’re using a container, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the apple slices to minimize exposure to air.
Refrigeration: Store the container or bag of apple slices in the refrigerator overnight. The cold temperature will help slow down the browning process and keep the apples crisp.
Use the Next Day: When you’re ready to make your apple crisp, simply remove the apple slices from the refrigerator and proceed with your recipe. There’s no need to rinse off the lemon juice mixture as it won’t significantly affect the flavor of the dessert.
What are the best apples for apple crisp?
The best apples for apple crisp are those that are firm, slightly tart, and hold their shape well when baked. You want apples that will provide a balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as a pleasing texture. Some of the apples from our orchard we use the most are Melrose and Hudson’s Golden Gem. If we have enough Pink Pearl apples, they make a colorful apple crisp. It’s fun to use a combination of different apples to see which ones you like best. Here’s a link to a video pin on Pinterest that shows me making oatmeal apple crisp with Pink Pearl apples. Click on the image to go to the video pin.
Here are some apple varieties commonly recommended for making apple crisp:
Granny Smith: These apples are known for their tartness and firm texture, making them a popular choice for baking. They provide a nice contrast to the sweet topping in apple crisp.
Honeycrisp: Honeycrisp apples are crisp, juicy, and have a sweet-tart flavor. They hold their shape well during baking and add a pleasant sweetness to the dish.
Jonagold: Jonagold apples offer a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors. They have a firm texture that holds up well in baking.
Cortland: Cortland apples are slightly tart and have a tender flesh. They are a good choice if you prefer softer apples in your apple crisp.
Braeburn: Braeburn apples have a sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture. They work well in apple crisp, providing a nice contrast to the topping.
Fuji: Fuji apples are sweet and firm, making them a good choice for those who prefer sweeter apple crisp. They hold their shape nicely when baked.
Gala: Gala apples are sweet and have a mild tartness. They are softer than some other varieties but can still work well in apple crisp if you prefer a softer texture.
You can also experiment by combining different apple varieties to achieve a more complex flavor profile in your apple crisp. For instance, mixing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Granny Smith with Fuji can create a well-rounded and delicious dessert.
Ultimately, the choice of apples depends on your personal taste preferences. Some people prefer a more tart and firm apple crisp, while others like it sweeter and softer. Feel free to adjust the apple variety based on your desired flavor and texture.
Easy Oatmeal Apple Crisp
Equipment
- Square baking pan
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
Topping
- ½ cup melted butter or margarine Butter is best!
- ⅔ cup quick-cooking oatmeal
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core and slice apples.
- In an 8-inch square baking dish, mix the apples with the flour and sugar.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter or margarine in the microwave for 45 seconds. (Time will vary, depending on your microwave.)
- After the butter is melted, add the brown sugar, flour, oatmeal and cinnamon to the bowl and mix.
- When the topping mixture is combined, distribute evenly over the top of the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake in a 300 degree oven for 1 hour.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Other Favorite Fruit Recipes
Do you have any favorite desserts or other recipes? What comes to mind when you think of delicious dessert dishes? I’m always intrigued to read the stories behind the recipes as well. What makes them so special? I’d love to read your recipe stories. If you have an abundance of apples, you might also like to make easy homemade applesauce. For a delicious beverage option, you could serve the apple crisp with hot mulled cider (wassail).
Enjoy making fruit desserts? You might like to try my recipes for blueberry rhubarb crisp, easy blueberry cobbler, or simple blueberry hand pies. If you are a fan of home canning, check out the recipes for blueberry syrup, raspberry syrup, and blackberry syrup. I also have recipes for canned blueberry lime jam, raspberry blueberry jam, and a super simple recipe for rhubarb jam. You can tell from these recipe ideas what kinds of fruit grow well where I live!
Is Easy Oatmeal Apple Crisp Beckoning You?
I’m going to make it for dessert sometime soon. The sweet deliciousness is calling my name. Has this recipe made you want to rush to your nearest apple orchard? If you decide to try it, I’d love to know what you like to serve it with. Did you take it to a gathering and receive rave reviews?
More Food Inspiration
Thinking of working this easy oatmeal apple crisp recipe into your tea party , picnic, potluck, snack, or dessert recipe collection? It’s always nice to have a plan when it comes to meals or parties. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your meal-planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old meal plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.
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If you would like even more recipe ideas, consider following my Easy Recipes board on Pinterest. Have a fabulous day, and I hope you get to enjoy making this easy oatmeal apple crisp recipe.
Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. For more delicious, easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.
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Your recipe is mouthwatering! I started craving the minute I read the title:)) Butter is best- agreed:) I read somewhere that there is only a molecule difference between margarine and plastic, and I avoid it since:))
Oh, very interesting. I hope you get to try this buttery oatmeal apple crisp recipe!
This is such a delightful recipe and a great way to use all of those fall apples.
Yes, we are always on the lookout for delicious apple ideas!
My wife likes Oatmeal Apple Crisps so I will have to give this one a try. Thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome. I hope your wife likes it.
Apple crisp is our FAVORITE dessert. Will have to try!
Oh, nice! I hope your crew likes it as much as my family does.
Wow, this is tempting! Just reading and watching the photos is enough to stir my appetite:)
I need to try it! Thanks for sharing this!
Hadassah,
I hope you get the chance to make it. I love the aroma it creates when it’s baking. Thanks for commenting!
Lisa
This post is being printed as I write this comment! Wow. I’m making it today! I’ll let you know how it turns out. This is the perfect recipe for the fall and my family is going to be thrilled (I’m not normally a dessert person). Thanks again for sharing your wonderful talent!
Cheryl,
I’m excited to learn how it turned out! I hope your family likes it. We had some last night and just can’t get enough. Thanks for your kind words.
Lisa
This looks delicious! Pinned to maybe make this weekend, or some day very soon!
Lindsay,
Oh I hope you get to make this soon! Just thinking of the fragrance makes my mouth water. Thanks for your comment, and happy apple crisp making!
Lisa
Omg this looks and sounds delicious. Im gonna have to try to make it. The recipe seems pretty simple. Thanks for sharing.
Lynyadia,
It is a simple recipe. The most time-consuming part is peeling the apples. It’s so worth the time, though. I hope you get to try it. Thanks for your positive comment!
Lisa
This looks incredible!! I think I’ll add it to the list of things I’m making for my family’s Thanksgiving menu 😊
Miranda,
Oh, awesome! I’m really glad you liked it. We’re having some more of it tonight. Thanks for commenting, and have fun trying it out!
Lisa
This looks delicious and something I can make for the whole family! Thanks for sharing your recipe (:
Erika Marie | https://imerikamarie.com
Erika,
Yes, it is delicious. I hope your family enjoys it. I can never seem to get my fill. Thanks for your comment, and enjoy the apple crisp!
Lisa
Yummyyy and tempting recipe yet easy!! I will try it for sure. Thank you so much for sharing it. Pinning for future reference.
Nilakshi,
If it weren’t easy, I would not make it so often. We are having it again tonight, as we have a house guest. I can’t wait for him to try it. Thanks so much for your comment!
Lisa
Sounds amazing and looks so easy to make. Love your idea of baking the dish during dinnertime! The scent would be intoxicatingly good. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Ana,
I hope you get to try this. I’m so glad it’s one of my “go-to” recipes, especially when I have so many apples to use. I appreciate your comment!
Lisa
Omg I LOVE Apple crisp! My fav this time of year! I need to make this for thanksgiving! Thank you for sharing!
Jessie
http://www.theramblingraccoon.com
Jessie,
I hope you do get to make it for Thanksgiving. We are having it again tonight. I never get tired of it, and it disappears so quickly! Thanks for your enthusiasm!
Lisa
I’m so picky. I would totally eat this by picking all the apple out! I do the same with apple pie!
Sandra,
I am not a fan of apple pie either, and I didn’t think I would like this. The crisp on top is the best part, I’ll admit. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Lisa