5-Ingredient Simple Apple Crisp Recipe Easy for Everyone

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simple apple crisp recipe easy is basically my answer to those nights when you want something warm and homemade, but you do not want a sink full of bowls and measuring cups. I have made this so many times after work when I am tired, and it still feels like a little treat that turns the whole evening around. The best part is it is truly a 5 ingredient situation, and you probably have most of it already. I also keep little recipe notes on Recipe Zenith because I always forget tiny details like which apples I liked best. If you are craving a cozy dessert that tastes like fall, but you want it simple, you are in the right place.

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What is apple crisp?

Apple crisp is a baked apple dessert with a buttery, crumbly topping that gets golden and slightly crunchy in the oven. Think of it like apple pie’s easygoing cousin. No pie crust, no rolling, no stress.

Instead, you slice apples, toss them with something sweet, then cover them with a simple crumb topping made from pantry staples. When it bakes, the apples turn soft and juicy, and the topping turns toasty and crisp on top.

If you have ever made oatmeal topping for anything, you already get the vibe. Apple crisp is forgiving, and that is why I love it. It is the kind of dessert you can make while chatting with someone in the kitchen or keeping an eye on kids doing homework.

Also, if you are the type who loves trying variations, you might like browsing something like this apple cinnamon crisp for extra spice inspiration.

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What variety is best for apple crisp?

Let’s keep this practical. You want apples that hold their shape but still get tender. If you use super soft apples, you can end up with applesauce under your topping. Not the end of the world, but not quite that classic crisp bite.

My favorite apples to use

Here are my go to picks, and you can mix them too:

• Granny Smith: tart, sturdy, and classic for baking
• Honeycrisp: sweet, juicy, and still holds up well
• Gala: mild and sweet, great when mixed with a tart apple
• Pink Lady: bright flavor and nice texture after baking

If you ask me for the easiest choice at the store, I would say grab Granny Smith plus one sweeter apple like Honeycrisp. That balance is everything.

Quick tip: if your apples are super big, you might only need 4. If they are small, you might need 6. The goal is to fill your baking dish with a nice, thick apple layer.

And if you are in a full apple dessert mood, bookmarking a classic like this classic apple pie recipe is never a bad idea for later.

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How to make a simple apple crisp

This is the part where you realize why I keep calling it simple. The ingredient list is short, and the steps are pretty much mix, top, bake. I make it in an 8×8 baking dish, but a similar size works too.

Ingredients (only 5)

• 5 to 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 stick butter, melted (half cup)

What you will need

• 8×8 baking dish (or similar)
• One big bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula

Directions

• Heat your oven to 350 F.
• Peel and slice the apples. Put them in your baking dish and spread them out.
• In a bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything looks like a crumbly, wet sand texture.
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
• Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, because the filling is lava hot right away.

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That is it. This simple apple crisp recipe easy enough for weeknights, but it still feels special when you pull it out of the oven and your kitchen smells like cinnamon.

“I made this on a Sunday with my kids and it was the first dessert we finished the same night. The topping came out perfectly crisp, and it was honestly easier than cookies.”

If you want to explore a fun twist another weekend, apple crisp cheesecake is a whole different level of cozy.

Tips for making apple crisp

Once you make this once, you will probably start doing it from memory. Still, a few small tips make a big difference.

Small details that help a lot

• Slice apples evenly so they bake at the same speed. I aim for about a quarter inch thick.
• Do not pack the topping down. Sprinkle it loosely so it gets crisp, not dense.
• Use rolled oats, not instant. Rolled oats give you that real crisp texture.
• Watch the edges. When you see bubbling around the sides, you are close.
• Let it rest for a few minutes before scooping. The juices thicken a bit and it serves cleaner.

If your topping starts browning too fast, just lay a piece of foil loosely over the top for the last 10 minutes. And if your apples seem extra juicy, do not panic. It will still be delicious, just a little more saucy.

I also love serving it with vanilla ice cream or a spoon of whipped cream. Even plain, it is a winner.

And yes, I have absolutely eaten it for breakfast with coffee the next day. Zero regrets.

Try these other apple dessert recipes

If you are on an apple kick, I get it. Apples are affordable, easy to keep around, and they make your kitchen smell amazing.

More cozy ideas for later

Here are a few sweet directions you can go next:

• If you want more spice and crunch ideas, check out this cinnamon apple crisp.
• If you need a bigger list for busy nights (because dessert is not the only problem), I keep a tab open for easy dinner recipes for beginners.
• If you love baking with fruit in general, a classic loaf like easy banana bread is always a good idea.

But honestly, when I want the least effort for the most comfort, I come right back to this simple apple crisp recipe easy enough to make on autopilot. The five ingredients really do the job. It is also a great “bring to a friend” dessert because it travels well and nobody complains about it.

Common Questions

Can I make this simple apple crisp recipe easy ahead of time?
Yes. Bake it, cool it, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350 F for about 15 to 20 minutes to crisp the top again.

Do I have to peel the apples?
No, but I usually do. The peel can get a little chewy after baking. If you like a more rustic feel, leave it on.

What if I do not have oats?
Oats are a big part of that crisp topping texture. If you are out, you can still make a crumb topping with brown sugar and butter, but it will be more like a streusel. Still tasty.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer if you want the topping crisp again. Microwave works too, but the topping softens.

Can I freeze apple crisp?
You can. Freeze it baked and cooled, wrapped well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot.

A sweet, simple ending

If you have been hunting for a simple apple crisp recipe easy enough for a random weeknight, this one is the keeper. Five ingredients, one bowl, and it comes out warm and bubbly every time. If you want to compare notes with another cozy version, I like Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp – The Chunky Chef for extra classic inspiration. Bake it once, make it your own, and do not be surprised if it becomes your go to dessert when you just need something comforting.

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