There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and buttery oats baking in the oven. An apple crisp recipe with oats is one of those timeless desserts that combines simplicity, comfort, and incredible flavor. Whether you’re preparing a family-friendly treat, celebrating the fall season, or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best apple crisp with oats, including ingredient tips, baking techniques, variations, and a complete step-by-step recipe. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to bake a perfectly crisp, golden, bubbly apple dessert every time.
What Makes This Apple Crisp Recipe With Oats Special?
A classic apple crisp recipe stands out because it combines fresh apples with a sweet, crunchy oat topping. But this version is even better thanks to:
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
- Real butter for rich flavor
- Crispy oat topping that stays crunchy
- Tender, juicy apples that hold their shape
- Easy preparation—no mixer needed
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this apple crisp delivers amazing taste with minimal effort.
Why Use Oats in Apple Crisp?
The key to an irresistible apple crisp topping is the oats. They make the topping:
- Crunchy
- Golden
- Slightly chewy in the best way
- More flavorful than a simple flour topping
Oats also pair beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. If you’ve ever wondered why some apple crisps taste better than others, the secret is usually in the oat topping.
Best Apples for Apple Crisp
The apples you choose can make or break your crisp. For the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, choose apples that bake well and don’t turn mushy.
Top Apple Choices
- Granny Smith – Tart, firm, and perfect for baking
- Honeycrisp – Sweet and crisp
- Fuji – Sweet and juicy
- Braeburn – Slightly tangy with great texture
- Jonathan or Jonagold – Ideal for crisps and pies
Using a mix of two types of apples gives your crisp more depth of flavor. For example, pairing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp brings the perfect balance.
How to Make the Best Apple Crisp Recipe With Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is the full ingredient list for a classic 9×13-inch pan of apple crisp.
For the Apple Filling
- 6–7 large apples (about 8 cups sliced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Oat Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- Extra cinnamon or nutmeg
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼-inch slices.
- Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, vanilla, and salt.
- Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
The flour helps thicken the juices during baking so your crisp isn’t watery.
Step 2: Make the Oat Topping
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold butter cubes.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping forms coarse crumbs.
- If you’re adding nuts or coconut, fold them in at this stage.
The key is keeping the butter cold — this creates a crunchy, crumbly topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in the pan.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until:
- The topping is golden brown
- The apples are bubbling around the edges
- The crisp smells amazing and fragrant
If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
Step 5: Let It Cool
Allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices thicken and makes it easier to scoop.
Serving Suggestions
Apple crisp is delicious on its own, but these toppings make it unforgettable:
- Vanilla ice cream (the classic choice)
- Fresh whipped cream
- Caramel sauce drizzle
- Maple syrup
- A sprinkle of extra cinnamon
Serve warm for the best experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes (best method for crispiness)
- Microwave: 30–60 seconds (faster but softer topping)
- Freeze: Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped.
Variations on Apple Crisp With Oats
Healthy Apple Crisp
Swap ingredients:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter
- Reduce sugar by half
- Add more oats and less flour
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or GF baking mix
- Use certified gluten-free oats
Apple Berry Crisp
Add 1–2 cups of:
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
Caramel Apple Crisp
Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the topping.
Complete Apple Crisp Recipe With Oats (Printable Style)
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 6–7 apples, sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and slice apples, place into a bowl.
- Add lemon juice, sugars, flour, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- In a second bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter until crumbly.
- Spread the apples into a greased 9×13 dish.
- Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool 10–15 minutes and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate apple crisp recipe with oats, this version delivers the perfect combination of soft, cinnamon-spiced apples under a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a cozy homemade dessert, this apple crisp will impress every single time.
