Simple Baked Apple Treat

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

Tender baked apples meet a buttery, crisp oat topping. Quick to make and perfect warm with your favorite sides.
Hannah Author
Updated on Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:25:11 GMT
A close view of gooey apple crisp topped with caramel and whipped cream. Pin it
A close view of gooey apple crisp topped with caramel and whipped cream. | recipesbyhannah.com

This Apple Crisp first came from my grandma's favorite autumn treat. Whenever I spot those first colored leaves, I'm taken back to her fragrant kitchen with that unmistakable apple-cinnamon smell. While I've adjusted things here and there, the buttery, crumbly oat layer and soft, spiced fruit underneath still transport me to those warm fall nights at her place.

Why It Stands Out

Everyone in my house asks for this crisp more than any other sweet treat. I adore how the apples turn so soft while the top gets crispy and golden. It's great that I can toss it together with stuff I normally keep around. My little ones can join in making it too, which makes the whole thing mean even more.

The Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, creates the foundation for your crumble mixture.
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon, cuts through the sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: ⅔ cup, gives the topping that deep, molasses-like flavor.
  • Old-Fashioned Oats: ⅓ cup, adds wonderful texture.
  • Apples: 5 cups, cut into thin, consistent slices for even cooking.
  • Granulated Sugar: ½ cup, sweetens the fruit mixture.
  • Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon for fruit, plus another ½ teaspoon for crumble.
  • Butter: ¼ cup (melted), helps everything stick and brown nicely.
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, brings out the natural apple flavor.

Step By Step Instructions

Warm Up That Oven
First thing, turn on your oven and grease your dish with some butter.
Fix Up Your Fruit
Mix your apple slices with the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla until everything's well coated.
Create Your Crumble
Stir together the flour, oats, brown sugar and spices, then pour in your melted butter until you see those lovely crumbs forming.
Pop It In
Let it cook away until you can see bubbling around the edges and the top turns a beautiful golden color.
Enjoy The Moment
Wait just a few minutes then scoop it warm with a big dollop of vanilla ice cream on top.
A warm fruity dessert with cream and sweet sauce drizzled over the crunchy topping. Pin it
A warm fruity dessert with cream and sweet sauce drizzled over the crunchy topping. | recipesbyhannah.com

Personal Touches

I'll throw in some crushed pecans for the topping sometimes or add a touch of nutmeg with the apples. When I want it extra rich, I put brown sugar in both parts. My friends who can't have gluten love that it works great with alternative flours too.

Storage Tips

Nothing beats this treat straight from the oven. Any extras will stay good in your fridge, and you can quickly heat them up to bring back that just-baked taste.

A serving bowl containing fruit slices, sweet syrup, crumbly bits, and a swirl of cream with cinnamon sprinkles. Pin it
A serving bowl containing fruit slices, sweet syrup, crumbly bits, and a swirl of cream with cinnamon sprinkles. | recipesbyhannah.com

Cozy Delight

There's just something special about this easy dessert. It might be the memories it stirs up or the way it makes your house smell amazing. Whatever the reason, this Apple Crisp always seems to make ordinary days feel a bit more wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which apples should I pick?
Go for firm varieties like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. These keep their texture and taste great cooked.
→ Why isn’t my top crunchy?
Make sure the butter is blended well in the topping. Avoid covering it unless it’s browning faster than expected.
→ Can I prep it earlier?
Absolutely! Prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when needed. It reheats nicely but may lose a little crunch.
→ How do I keep extras fresh?
Wrap well and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To get the crunch back, warm it in the oven before serving.
→ Can nuts be added?
Totally! Sprinkle in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking for extra texture.

Baked Apple Treat

Soft spiced apples paired with a golden oat topping. Great alone or with a scoop of ice cream.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 crisp)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 5 cups of fresh, thinly sliced apples.
02 ½ cup of white sugar.
03 ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the apple mixture.
04 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.
05 ½ cup of regular flour.
06 ⅓ cup of rolled oats.
07 ⅔ cup of brown sugar, packed down.
08 ¼ teaspoon of regular salt.
09 ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the topping.
10 ¼ cup of melted butter (½ stick).

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and grease up a baking dish or deep pie plate.

Step 02

Combine the apple slices with cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar. Pour into your dish after mixing.

Step 03

Blend the oats, flour, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.

Step 04

Spread the crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer.

Step 05

Pop it in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes. Apples should soften, and the top turns golden. Cover loosely if it browns too fast.

Notes

  1. Try cutting apples evenly so they bake at the same pace.
  2. Mix in chopped nuts with the topping for extra crunch.
  3. Goes great served warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • A greased deep pie plate or baking dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • Contains wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 44 g
  • Protein: 2 g