Best Apple Crisp Dessert

Featured in: Sunrise Spoonfuls

This comforting dish features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a golden oat and almond flour crumble. Sweetened with maple syrup and enhanced with vanilla and lemon juice, the fruit base is layered with a buttery topping that includes rolled oats and coconut sugar. Baked until bubbling and golden, it’s ideal served warm alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Great for autumn gatherings and vegetarian diets, this treat captures seasonal flavors in a simple, easy-to-make dessert.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 14:15:00 GMT
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling with tender apples, perfect with vanilla ice cream. Save It
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling with tender apples, perfect with vanilla ice cream. | sunnyspoonful.com

A classic fall and winter dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden oat-almond crumble. This comforting apple crisp is a Thanksgiving favorite, perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

This apple crisp has always been a hit at my family gatherings, especially during holiday dinners when everyone craves a warm comforting dessert.

Ingredients

  • Fruit Base: 8 Granny Smith apples peeled cored and sliced ⅓ cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Crisp Topping: 1 cup almond flour ½ cup coconut sugar or other granulated sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl toss together the sliced apples maple syrup arrowroot flour (or cornstarch) lemon juice vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3:
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish spreading evenly.
Step 4:
In a separate medium bowl whisk together the almond flour coconut sugar cinnamon and salt.
Step 5:
Using a pastry cutter or fork cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
Step 6:
Stir in the rolled oats until incorporated.
Step 7:
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Step 8:
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
Step 9:
Let cool slightly. Serve warm optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Warm, comforting image of Best Apple Crisp with a crispy oat-almond topping, ready to serve. Save It
Warm, comforting image of Best Apple Crisp with a crispy oat-almond topping, ready to serve. | sunnyspoonful.com

This dessert always brings my family together especially during chilly evenings when everyone enjoys a warm slice fresh from the oven.

Required Tools

9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish Mixing bowls Peeler and corer Knife Pastry cutter or fork Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter) Contains oats (ensure gluten-free oats if needed) If allergic to nuts or dairy substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with a non-dairy alternative Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 524 Total Fat 26 g Carbohydrates 73 g Protein 7 g per serving

Close-up of freshly baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing the cinnamon-spiced apple filling and crumble. Save It
Close-up of freshly baked Best Apple Crisp, showcasing the cinnamon-spiced apple filling and crumble. | sunnyspoonful.com

Enjoy this apple crisp fresh and warm for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use certified gluten-free rolled oats and arrowroot flour or cornstarch to keep it gluten-free.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with vegan or plant-based alternatives without altering the texture significantly.

Is it possible to prepare ahead of time?

The topping can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated to save prep time.

Are there variations to the fruit base?

Pears can be used as a substitute for apples to add a different flavor and texture.

Best Apple Crisp Dessert

Tender cinnamon apples under a crunchy oat-almond topping, perfect for cozy fall evenings.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Duration
70 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Sunrise Spoonfuls

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style American

Recipe Yield 6 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Free From Gluten

What You'll Need

Fruit Base

01 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 1/3 cup maple syrup
03 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping

01 1 cup almond flour
02 1/2 cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 02

Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon; toss until evenly coated.

Step 03

Transfer Fruit Mixture: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish.

Step 04

Mix Crisp Topping Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt until combined.

Step 05

Incorporate Butter: Cut cold cubed butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.

Step 06

Add Oats: Stir rolled oats into the butter mixture until evenly incorporated.

Step 07

Assemble and Bake: Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apples and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Peeler and corer
  • Knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Contains oats; use certified gluten-free oats to avoid gluten contamination.
  • For nut or dairy allergies, substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with a non-dairy alternative.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 524
  • Fats: 26 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 73 grams
  • Proteins: 7 grams