APPLE CRISP WITH OATMEAL

Easy Apple Crisp is made with simple, wholesome ingredients—fresh apples, warm cinnamon, hearty oats, and a buttery brown sugar topping. It’s a cozy, classic dessert that comes together quickly and bakes into golden, sweet perfection every time.

This Easy Apple Crisp recipe comes from a dear friend’s mom who always treated me like one of her own. Every time she made it, her kitchen smelled like comfort and home. Now, baking this recipe feels like keeping a little piece of her warmth and kindness alive.

Why you’ll love this Apple Crisp Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Made with pantry staples like oats, cinnamon, and butter—no fancy ingredients needed.
• Easy to make: Quick prep and minimal steps make this a perfect dessert for any skill level.
• Warm and comforting: Every bite delivers cozy, nostalgic flavors that feel like home.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Crisp

Apples: The star of the dish is 5 sweet, tart, and juicy apples, they soften as they bake to create the perfect filling.

Cinnamon: 1 tsp cinnamon adds warm, cozy spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

Oatmeal: Use 1 cup oatmeal to give the topping a hearty, slightly chewy texture.

Flour: Help bind the topping ingredients together for a crisp, golden crust by adding 1 cup flour.

Sugars: Add a depth of flavor with ½ cup brown sugar and sweeten the dish by using ½ cup and white sugar.

Butter: 1 cup butter brings everything together—melting into the oats and flour to create a crisp, buttery, golden topping.

Tips for making Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Full instructions in the recipe card below, but here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a crumbly, crisp topping instead of a greasy or soggy one.
2. Slice apples evenly: Uniform slices ensure the apples bake evenly, giving you a perfectly tender filling every time.
3. Prep ahead: You can mix the topping in advance and refrigerate it—just sprinkle it over the apples when you’re ready to bake for an easy, stress-free dessert.

Which apples are best for making Apple Crisp?

You can use whatever type of apple you want, but personally, I prefer to use Granny Smith apples.  The Granny Smith apples are great for baking because of their firmness.  They also add a nice bit of tartness to this already sweet dessert.

Some other apples you could use include, Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji or Jonagold. Whatever apple you do chose, make sure it is a firm one though. Softer apples tend to turn mushy when baked.

How long is Apple Crips good for?

Apple crisp will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature if covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the dish in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes to bring back that crisp, buttery topping.

Can you freeze Easy Apple Crisp?

Yes, you can freeze Apple Crisp! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating—either warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings for about 45 seconds. You can also freeze the unbaked topping separately and thaw it before adding to your apples when you’re ready to bake.

Can Apple Crisp with oatmeal be made with quick oats?

Yes, you can use quick oats to make apple crisp. I prefer using old fashioned oats because I think the texture of the apple crisp topping is better with old fashioned oats. I like to keep a small container of both old fashioned oats and quick oats in my pantry, however, in a pinch I have used quick oats in place of old fashioned.

Do you have to peel apples for Apple Crisp Recipe?

You do not have to peel apples for apple crisp, but I prefer the texture of peeled apples more. Peeling apples is quick & simple! I just use a potato peeler and peel the whole apple before coring and slicing it. If you decide not to peel the apples, that’s fine! The apple peel will soften as it’s baked and as a bonus, there are a lot of vitamins and nutrients in the apple peel!

Love Apple Crisp? Try these other delicious apple recipes: 

• Easy Cinnamon Apple Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert made with graham cracker crumbs, fresh apples, and just a few simple ingredients. So delicious and effortless, it’s hard to believe it’s this easy to make!
• This Caramel Apple Bread is moist, flavorful, and filled with tender apple pieces, warm cinnamon, and nutmeg. Topped with a rich caramel glaze, it’s the ultimate fall treat everyone will love!
• Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is irresistibly sweet—made with soft bread, tender apples, and a rich spiced custard. Finished with a drizzle of caramel syrup, it’s a comforting dessert everyone will be asking for seconds of!
• Try this Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler, it combines the best of both worlds—soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie dough and gooey apple pie filling. It’s pure dessert bliss in every bite!
• A flavorful quick bread made with fresh apples, butter, and sugar. Topped with a cinnamon streusel and a warm vanilla glaze, this Dutch Apple Bread is a sweet, comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
• Toffee Apple Dip is a creamy, sweet treat made with cream cheese, brown sugar, and crunchy toffee bits. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or any time you want a quick, irresistible dessert!

With just a few simple ingredients, this Cinnamon Apple Crisp comes together quickly for a warm, comforting treat. The oatmeal topping adds the perfect crunch, making this apple crisp truly unforgettable.