Try my apple crumble (or crisp) for an easy fall treat. Tender apples topped with a crunchy, buttery, and sweet cinnamon taste are a total crowd-pleaser you’ll love over and over again! The crumble topping with oats, apple pie spice, and a touch of lemon will satisfy any soulful craving.

Freshly baked apple crumble, or apple crisp, ready to serve.

Apples are the first fruit most native English speakers learn since they always represent the first letter in the alphabet (I know, right?!). And who doesn’t love apples? My family, and even my 6-month-old niece, loves them too!

Pies and cakes are go-to desserts, but they take a little time. Don’t get me wrong, that time is totally worth it. But when you’re in a hurry, apple crisp is the way to go.

Getting up close and personal with a fall-flavored crisp.

Crumbles vs. Crisps

What is the hardest part of the pie? The crust! Making a crumble or crisp topping is like making a pie without the crust. Fast, easy, and just as tasty!

So what is the difference between a crumble and a crisp? Technically, a crumble enjoys a streusel topping with butter, flour, and sugar. Add oats to the mixture, and you have a crisp. I’m not the only one who’s not a purist and couldn’t help adding a few oats to my crumble.

The oats provide a light crispiness for more texture, hence the name crisp. They both enjoy similar flavors and a beautifully rustic appearance. And of course, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must.

How to Make Apple Crisp

Chop the fruit and add the spiced flour mixture.

Chop apples into medium chunks and add them to a large bowl. Toss them with the lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well. Then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. (Photos 1-2)

Combine the topping ingredients: flour, oats, pecans, salt, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder in a large bowl. (Photo 3)
Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix well. (Photo 4)
Top the apple mixture with the oat mixture, and spread evenly over the apple slices. (Photos 5-6)
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling around the edges, the apples are tender, and the topping is golden brown.
Cool slightly, and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Scooping out servings of freshly baked apple crumble.

Recipe Notes

A mix of tart and sweet apples makes the best pies, crumbles, and crisps. Plus, they’ll need to be firm enough to cook without losing their shape. The best apples include Granny Smith, which runs on the tart side, while Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady are on the sweeter side of tart.
Feel free to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour if you need to avoid gluten.
If you want to add pears, go for it. You can replace half or all of the apples with ripe, but still firm pears.

Enjoying a slice of apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can make both the filling and the crumble ahead, then add the topping right before baking. You could assemble the whole thing, then keep it in the fridge until the next day. It freezes well for 2-3 months, and leftovers make a great breakfast.

More Super Easy Apple Recipes

By Imma

Watch How to Make It

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This blog post was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.