Apple Crisp with Oats

Ingredients for Apple Crisp with Oats

This is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts to make last-minute because it uses simple ingredients and pantry staples you probably already have on hand! Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy recipe for apple crisp with oats.

All-Purpose Flour: This ingredient is used in the streusel topping mainly for texture reasons since it acts as a thickening agent in the ooey-gooey apple filling!

Oats: This apple crisp with oat topping wouldn’t be the same without the oats! We love the crumbly texture of streusel topping made with old-fashioned oats. But if you want to switch things up, try using broken Nature Valley granola bars for the crispiest of crunches!

Brown Sugar: The brown sugar is a must when it comes to crumbly, sweet streusel—so don’t skip this ingredient. It brings rich, complex sweetness and a hint of delicious caramel flavor.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings a warm, spiced flavor to both the apple filling and the oat crumble.

Cold Butter: Using cold butter (instead of room temperature or melted butter) is the key to a firm yet tender and perfectly chewy oat topping. The cold butter remains in small, solid pieces when cut into the dry ingredients, instead of fully mixing in. As the dish bakes, the butter melts and helps create that flaky, crisp texture.

Apples: We used tart Granny Smith apples to make this apple crisp with oats recipe, but you can swap in your favorite baking apple instead. We tend to prefer these apples for the sweet and sour balance they can provide next to the streusel.

Granulated Sugar: This ingredient is used to sweeten the tart apple filling.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a bit of brightness to the flavors in this recipe. If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, don’t worry—you can substitute orange juice! If you don’t have either, feel free to leave out the juice entirely.

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?

The best apples for apple crisp are crisp and firm, with a just-right balance of sweetness and tartness. All of these apple varieties will hold their shape during baking—and they aren’t too juicy, which can result in a watery dessert. Like to switch it up? Try using any of these apples or even a combination to make your tasty apple crisp with oats!

Granny Smith: Our apple of choice for this easy apple crisp with oats recipe? The Granny Smith. These dense apples have a tangy, tart flavor and firm flesh that doesn’t break down in the oven. They also hold their shape beautifully when baked!

Golden Delicious: Prefer a softer apple dessert with a mild, natural sweetness? Reach for the sunny yellow Golden Delicious! These apples tend to break down a bit more when cooked—try combining them with one of the firmer apple varieties on this list when making your apple crisp filling.

Honeycrisp: The juicy, firm and ultra-sweet Honeycrisp is also a great choice for baked apple desserts. Make sure to stock up on this crisp apple variety in the fall while it’s in season!

Braeburn: This apple variety is delightfully juicy, with a complex, refreshingly sweet flavor and a crisp texture that isn’t too hard for baking with or snacking on.

Cortland: The Cortland apple has vibrant red skin and bright white flesh. This apple variety is juicy and slightly tart, with a somewhat soft texture that still holds up well in baked desserts.

Empire: Crisp and crunchy, the all-purpose Empire has a sweet-tart flavor and a firm texture that’s great for any of your favorite apple recipes.

How to Make Apple Crisp with Oats

Want to learn how to make apple crisp with oats? Here’s a quick overview of the simple steps before you read the full apple crisp with oats recipe.

Heat Oven and Spray Baking Dish

While your oven heats, spray your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Make Streusel

Time to create the tasty topping! Mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, and some cinnamon before cutting in the cold butter with a fork or pastry blender. “Cutting in” simply means to press or twist the butter into your dry ingredients to incorporate it without causing it to melt. Make sure you don’t overmix your streusel topping—it should be perfectly crumbly.

Mix Filling and Create Layers

Next, you’ll need to mix your filling ingredients until the apples are well coated. Spread your filling in an even layer in your baking dish, then sprinkle the oat streusel on top. Already looking scrumptious!

Bake Apple Crisp with Oats

Let your apple crisp bake to perfection in a 375°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Once it’s bubbling with juices and the topping is golden-brown, you’re all set to remove your dessert from the oven!

Let Cool

Don’t dig in right away—this crisp can get hot! Let your apple crisp with oat topping cool for at least 20 minutes before you serve it up. Don’t forget the whipped cream! Add a dollop right before serving your slightly cooled crisp so it won’t melt and slide right off.

Delicious Toppings for Apple Crisp with Oats

This recipe is tasty on its own, but adding toppings will only double the delicious! Here are some ways to serve up your apple crisp with various toppings.

With Whipped Cream: Who wouldn’t love adding a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream to their apple crisp? Take any dessert to the next level with some homemade whipped cream —it’s a crowd favorite topping that’s ultra easy to make.

With Vanilla Ice Cream: Another of our favorite ways to eat baked apple desserts is à la mode, or “served with a scoop of ice cream.” Warm up your piece of apple crisp before adding a hefty scoop (or two) of refreshing vanilla ice cream—this classic, ooey-gooey combination just can’t be beat!

With a Sweet Drizzle: Have some caramel ice cream topping on hand? Add a drizzle over the top for a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet-tart apple filling.

With a Crunch: You can’t go wrong with adding an extra crunch to this already satisfying dessert. Try a sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts for a nutty and robust addition! Bonus points for lightly toasting them before sprinkling on top.