Apple Crisp Recipe
This Apple Crisp recipe is a warm, gooey dessert that is the essence of the fall and holiday season! Even better, this sweet apple filling and cinnamon oat topping can be baked to perfection with only a couple simple steps!
The magic of this Apple Crisp begins well before you take your first bite. Shortly after you put it in the oven, your home will be filled with an amazing aroma! This can create some high expectations, but I promise the flavor won’t disappoint!
If you’re looking for more fun fall recipes, check out this list of 50+ Easy Fall Desserts!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep Time. This recipe takes 10-15 minutes of prep time and the entire recipe only has 3 primary steps!
- Common Ingredients. A few pantry staples are all you will need to make this recipe.
- Fall Comfort Food. This warm, gooey apple crisp smells and tastes like fall! It always leaves me reminiscing about past memories from the fall and holiday season.
Overview of Recipe Ingredients
This apple crisp recipe has two components: the apple filling and the cinnamon crumble topping. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the ingredient amounts and complete instructions.
- Apples: Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, or even Granny Smith would work well.
- Creamy peanut butter: warming the peanut butter makes it easier to stir (more details in the recipe card)
- Vanilla extract: helps create the desired flavor for the apple filling
- Cornstarch: helps thicken the apple filling
- Sweetener: brown sugar
- Old-fashioned oats and Flour: we use gluten-free varieties, but your favorite options will do.
- Baking powder: creates more of an oatmeal cookie texture for the crumble topping
- Butter, salt, and cinnamon: used in the topping to create the perfect flavor and texture.
How to make an Apple Crisp
This Apple Crisp comes together with only a few simple steps! Here’s a step-by-step guide for making this sweet holiday recipe!
Make the Apple Filling
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 2 qt baking dish. Then toss the apples with the warmed peanut butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt until well combined. Pour the apple mixture into the greased baking dish. *By warming the peanut butter 10-15 seconds in the microwave it makes it much easier to stir into the apple mixture.
Prepare the Cinnamon Crumble Topping
Make the crumble topping. Stir the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture forms crumbs.
Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Then bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes and serve with ice cream.
Serve
This recipe is at its best when served with ice cream. The contrast of temperature, flavor, and texture is an incredible combination. If preparing this for a larger gathering, here are some other sweet and savory recipe ideas.
Can I make an Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes! This is a fantastic dessert to have on hand in case of unexpected company! This crisp can be frozen uncooked or cooked. You can even prepare and freeze these in individual-sized portions if you wanted!
- To freeze uncooked, assemble the crisp as instructed, but wrap the entire thing in at least two layers of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- To freeze a cooked apple crisp, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the entire crisp in at least two layers of aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This will also be fine in the freezer up to 6 months.
- The easiest way to freeze individual portions is to assemble (and bake, if freezing after cooking) in an extra-large muffin tin or individual-sized ramekins.
How should I store and reheat this Apple Crisp?
This dish should be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge (up to 4 days) or in the freezer (up to 6 months). To reheat, you can either microwave leftovers in 30-second increments until warmed throughout or bake (covered with foil to prevent too much browning) at 325 until warmed. The oven option takes longer, but it prevents the topping from getting soggy.
If you froze the apple crisp (before or after cooking), there’s no need to thaw! If uncooked, simply cook according to directions + 10 minutes. You may need to cover the top with foil for the last 10 minutes or so to prevent the top from getting too brown. You may need to add more or less time depending on how thinly you sliced the apples and whether you froze individual portions or the entire crisp.
If reheating a cooked crisp, simply follow the reheating instructions + add extra time. The amount of extra time needed depends on how thinly you sliced the apples and how large the portion is.
Apple Crisp Recipe FAQ
This recipe can easily be prepared gluten free. Just ensure you choose a gluten free flour and rolled oats.
I used Ambrosia, but Honeycrisp, McIntosh, or even Granny Smith would work well.
What are some other ways to prepare apples in the fall?
There are numerous great options for fall apple recipes. These apple butter bars are my personal favorite. These bars are especially great for parties or an event. Some of our other favorite fall apple recipes are below:
Get the Recipe: Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs granny smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, warmed*
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, we used gluten free all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats, we used gluten free rolled oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 2 qt baking dish.
- Toss the apples with the peanut butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp salt until well combined. Pour the apple mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Make the crumble topping. Stir the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Cut in the cubed butter until the mixture forms crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes and serve with ice cream.
Now this is my kind of apple crisp! I love that you added in peanut butter and honey, Annie! It definitely takes this dessert to a whole new level! I could definitely go for a dish of this now for breakfast, sounds so delicious!
Me too!! haha! This seems like a great way to start the day!
Wow, this sounds absolutely amazing! I love how you have an apple and peanut butter every day. Such a great snack, and one my sister loves a lot.
Thanks Kacey!! 🙂 I have a feeling we will be eating this a lot from now on, that could be very dangerous! 🙂
I could eat this apple crisp for breakfast! It looks delicious and I love that you added a peanut butter twist! 🙂
Thanks Jenn! I think everything is better with peanut butter! 🙂
Well you definitely did these apples right girl! Seriously such a fantastic and genius idea!
Thank you! 🙂
Oh my gosh I could so face plant into this right now! Sounds amazing!
Thanks Krista! It is delicious!
I have a similar snack all the time too! I do apples with almond butter and cinnamon. But now I must try apples with peanut butter and honey. This peanut butter honey apple crispy is such a great idea Annie! Peanut butter and apple go so well together. Can’t believe I’ve never seen this combination before! I bet it tastes amazing. Can’t wait to make this : )
Natalie that is so funny because I had this idea for a while and I told Clayton “well it must not work because surely someone would have done it before!” haha! I might just try another crisp with almond butter and cinnamon, that sounds amazing!
Yum, I love that idea Annie! This crisp sounds absolutely delicious! Apples and peanut butter are one of my favourite snacks too!
Thanks Stacey! I love it too! It’s such a delicious snack!
I consider apple crisp to be the ultimate breakfast. It goes so well with coffee. 🙂 Your version with peanut butter and honey looks fantastic. I love that you incorporated your breakfast into a yummy dessert (or my breakfast, as the case may be).
Thank you Christiane! Your so right, this is a treat that is perfect when paired with a big cup of coffee!!
Wow this looks so good and I cant wait to try it out.
Thanks Meagan! 🙂
this is dangerous! YUM… adding PB to this just took it to a whole new level of deliciousness!
It is dangerous! haha! It is a new favorite in our house!
You’re really speaking my language, here! I’ve had a peanut butter craving for DAYS that just wont quit.
I am not sure my peanut butter craving ever goes away Kelly! haha! 🙂
One of my favorite snacks is apples and peanut butter so this combination sounds absolutely perfect, Annie! Pinned!
Thanks Melanie! 🙂
What a fabulous idea for a crisp! I love apples and peanut butter together!
Oh my. This sounds absolutely delicious!!!!
The best combo ever is apple with honey peanut butter! This looks so good!
This is such a unique dessert!! I just love peanut butter addition!
Love this, Annie! Looks delicious! I don’t think there’s anything better than PB and apples, but I’ve never tried with honey!
Apple crisp and I are total BFF’s, so I have a feeling we’re about to get even MORE close with this gorgeous version! LOVE that there’s peanut butter in this! I so need to try it! 🙂
Thanks Sarah! It will be your new favorite!
What a great idea! I never would have thought to add peanut butter to apple crisp, but this is perfecte! I would love a big scoop with vanilla ice cream!
Yes Ashley! The ice cream is a must!
WOWZA that ingredient list sounds amazing! I can’t wait to whip up this recipe- my boys will be drooling!
Thanks Amy!! I know they will love it!
Apple crisp is one of my favorite desserts! I love the addition of peanut butter! This is such a fantastic recipe!
Thank you Jen!
Oh, Annie, this is so creative! I would have never thought, but I totally get it! This is comfort food at its finest! Thank you for this!! 😀
It is fun, isn’t it?! 🙂 I love a good warm crisp and the peanut butter just took it over the top!
There is nothing like peanut butter and apple for a snack! It’s my all time fave. I know I would love this sweet dessert!
Thanks Julie! You would love this!
This looks incredible, Annie! I have such a weakness for apple crisps and the peanut butter and honey addition is such a great idea!! Love this!
Thanks Kelly! 🙂
Love the PB/honey combo! So delicious!
Thanks Michelle! 🙂 I can’t wait to try the peanut butter/apple/honey combo in other desserts too!
It’s fun to learn that you eat the same snack every day. I have foods I never get tired of too! This looks delicious, Annie, and I love how simple it is.
Thanks Andi! Some goods just never get old! 🙂
Yum! I’ve heard people recommend peanut butter with apple pie and always wanted to try it… this looks great! 🙂
Medha you will love it!
Adding peanut butter to an apple crisp is such a great idea, Annie! I love crisps, because like you said, you get a nice dessert without blowing the top off of your diet. haha Pinning!
Thanks Marcie you are the best!
One of my go-to snacks is apples and nut butter, and my favorite dessert is apple crisp…so this is basically made for me! Need to try it 🙂 pinned!
Yay!! I hope you enjoy Rachel!
See, I love honey crisp…I love apple crisp…and I love peanut butter. You just blew my mind!!!!
Thanks Kelsey!! 🙂 You should try it, I think you will love it!
This is brilliant, Annie! I never thought of incorporating pb into apple crisp. Such a great idea! And healthy, too!
Yes! That is what I love about this dish! It is certainly a lighter dessert than some! I don’t feel bad about eating seconds! ha!
looks super delicious! apple and peanut butter are so good together!
Thanks Manali! It is a new favorite here for sure!
Oh wow, what a great idea for a crisp! Apples and pb have always been one of my favorite snacks too, but I never would have thought to make something like this with them. Looks so good! 🙂
Thanks Beth! 🙂
What a great recipe to have in your arsenal! It not only looks delicious but also quick and easy. Apples and peanut butter are perfection!
Your so right! It is the perfect combo! Thanks Brittaney!
This looks so yummy! I love the flavors you use here. Crisps are one of my favorite desserts ever; the topping is mouthwatering :).
Hi Annie! (only super cool girls have the name Annie! 😉 haha!) I love a good crisp too! Especially when you top it with ice cream!
Ohhh man I’m all about this! Love the PB + honey combo. Think I’ll add a few apples to my shopping list this weekend. 🙂
Alyssa, you are totally going to love it!
This looks like a perfect treat. Yum!
Thank you Shelby! 🙂
Apples totally never get boring!! I’d never think to put peanut butter in apple crisp… but I definitely dip apples in pb all the time, so it makes perfect sense! This looks so yummy!
Thank you Jess! It is delicious!