Apple Oatmeal Crisp Recipe
Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- cup butter, melted
- 3 cups apples - peeled, cored and chopped
- cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Place half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Evenly spread the chopped apples over the crumb base.
- Sprinkle the apples with white sugar and ground cinnamon. Then, top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the top is crisp, golden brown, and caramelized around the edges.
Cook's Note
I recommend using Fuji apples for a softer filling or Granny Smith apples for a tangier flavor with more texture. You can also mix your favorite varieties for a unique taste.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 376
- Total Fat: 12g (16% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (37% DV)
- Cholesterol: 31mg (10% DV)
- Sodium: 91mg (4% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 65g (24% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% DV)
- Total Sugars: 44g
- Protein: 3g (6% DV)
- Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
- Calcium: 43mg (3% DV)
- Iron: 2mg (8% DV)
- Potassium: 146mg (3% DV)
Note: Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Apple Oatmeal Crisp
The Apple Oatmeal Crisp is a beloved dessert that blends the sweetness of baked apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. Its roots can be traced back to early American cuisine, where fruit crisps, crumbles, and cobblers were common ways to use fresh, seasonal fruits. The use of oats in the topping became popular in the early 20th century, as oats were a readily available and affordable ingredient, making them ideal for home bakers. Over time, the Apple Oatmeal Crisp evolved into a favorite comfort food, especially during the fall harvest season when apples are at their peak. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the rich flavors of apples and oats, made it a staple in many households.
Regional Variations
While the concept of a crisp is common across the United States, regional variations of the Apple Oatmeal Crisp exist, primarily based on local apple varieties and seasonal ingredients. In New England, where apple orchards are abundant, you might find a version that includes maple syrup or walnuts for added flavor and texture. In the Midwest, where apples are a major agricultural product, the crisp often features a mix of Granny Smith apples for tartness and sweeter varieties like Fuji. In the Pacific Northwest, which is known for its apple orchards, the dessert might include a hint of cinnamon and ginger, reflecting the area's penchant for spiced desserts.
What Sets It Apart from Other Desserts?
The Apple Oatmeal Crisp stands out from other apple desserts like apple pie or apple cobbler due to its unique combination of textures. Unlike the flakiness of pie crusts, the oatmeal topping creates a hearty, crunchy contrast to the tender, juicy apples beneath. This crispiness is what differentiates it from a traditional cobbler, which typically uses a biscuit-like topping. Additionally, the use of oats in the topping not only gives it a distinct flavor but also provides a chewy, satisfying texture that you don't find in other apple-based desserts. The simplicity of the recipe, with just a few key ingredients, makes it an easy yet comforting dessert to prepare at any time of year.
Where Is It Typically Served?
Apple Oatmeal Crisp is often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas when apples are in season. Its a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Many people also enjoy it for breakfast, as the oats and apples offer a comforting start to the day. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature, its a treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. In some regions, it is even served with a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Fun Facts About Apple Oatmeal Crisp
- The apple crisp is often seen as a more rustic and approachable version of the classic apple pie, with less preparation and fewer ingredients required.
- Some versions of the recipe include a variety of spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger, which add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- While traditionally made with apples, this dessert can also be adapted to use other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a different take on the classic crisp.
- The oatmeal topping is not only delicious but also provides a slightly healthier alternative to traditional dessert toppings, with the oats adding fiber and some essential nutrients.
- Many bakers add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
FAQ about Apple Oatmeal Crisp Recipe
Comments
SaresMama
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
Since there were a few ppl saying this was a dry recipe, when I made it I used a little less flour and a little less oatmeal. YOU DEFINATELY DO NOT need 1/2 cup sugar! I didn't even use 1/2 cup and it was a little too sweet, but when I had the topping on I dotted it with a T of butter and baked as directed. This was juicy, bubbly, and SO DELICIOUS! I will DEFINITELY be using this as my Apple Oatmeal Crisp recipe from now on!
MARCIMATCHBOX
08/05/2002 10:34:29 AM
This recipe is wonderful. I made this for a recent family reunion. Instead of sprinkling the cinnamon and sugar on the top of the apples in the pan. I just put the apples and the cinn/sugar mixture together in a ziploc bag and coated all the apple pieces. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
SunnyWater1400
11/01/2023 06:07:32 PM
I made right by the recipe except that I might have had a little more apple. I did slice my apples rather than cut them into chunks. Agree with others. A little too sweet. I would definitely not put sugar in the apples or if you do, put very little. I think you could also cut down on the brown sugar in the topping by a fourth cup or so. For those who said it was dry, not at all! I did have to cook 10 minutes longer to get the apples cooked down to the juiciness they needed. I would make again with the above adjustments and definitely put walnuts in this time and/or raisins. Perfectly nice the way it is but needs some ice cream or something to cut the sweetness. Also, you need to really measure your flour properly. If you pack it down, it won't be the proper measurement and your product will end up dry. Hope this helps!
Redhead
08/30/2025 12:26:30 AM
I doubled the apples - used a larger pan, and cut the oat topping amounts in half. I used 1/2 cup monk fruit sugar instead of white sugar for the apples and cinnamon. I added 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/2 cup Truvia brown sugar [instead of reg. brown sugar] & 1/2 tsp vanilla to the oat topping mixture. I didn’t put any oat mixture on the bottom of my pan. I used about 1/3 cup apple juice poured around the edges, to insure that my crisp stayed moist. I cooked for about an hour. Served with vanilla bean ice cream. Yummy!
Mick Mickendrow
11/22/2020 06:49:43 PM
I liked it and thought it was good. I added about four cups of apples because I wanted more apples in mine. I also used an electric mixer to mix my "dry" ingredients. Next time, I want to mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter in the mixer and then fluff in the oatmeal or even add an extra cup of oatmeal to give the crisp a meatier oaty taste.
PoliteGhee4685
03/14/2023 09:25:51 PM
This was good, but a little dry. I made a syrup using butter brown sugar an a little white sugar, and added some cinnamon. Mad it in microwave. Poured the syrup over top and it made it just right!
Leema M
01/23/2019 01:22:32 AM
This is my go to recipe with a few changes. I use 1/4 c of sugar and the same amount of cinnamon for the cinnamon sugar mix. I find that using the full 1/2 c of white sugar makes it too sweet. As far as the dryness, the recipe as is, is too dry for my taste, to combat this, after washing the apples, I don't dry the apples and I also sprinkle 1-2 tabs of water on top of the apples after I put the first layer of crumple and the apples down. This makes for a gooey bottom that I love have fallen in love with.
Moie
08/03/2025 04:54:50 PM
This recipe is Missing Two Key Ingredients Salt & Lemon Juice! Add a nice pinch of salt to streusel mixture, and Before adding the topping….mix a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice in with the cut apples, …. Cut the white sugar out, no need for it at all, use Four Cups of Apples, and in addition to the melted butter already mixed in the streusel, dot the top generously with butter pats, and you’ll have something absolutely delicious. :) something Delicious :) You’re Welcome!
Sheila Tatara
10/21/2024 11:26:39 PM
I did make a couple changes. Too much brown sugar, cut it by half. Topping in apples too sweet, cut that in half also. Added, along with cinnamon, 1tsp pumpkin pie spice. Next time I will add some chopped walnuts to topping. 🥰
kwetherby
09/30/2024 01:02:38 PM
This went over really well at my dinner party! Based on reviews, the only change I made was to cut the sugar in the apple mixture to 1/4 cup. Next time I make it, I will likely cut the brown sugar to 3/4 of a cup as well. I will also add ~ 50% more apples. In reviews, some people suggest adding lemon: I'm a bit of a purest and think you get much better taste by using a really tart apple variety. My guests really liked the "topping" being on both the bottom and the top. I made this the day before, but baked it a couple hours before people came over, so the kitchen was infused with the smell of it. They immediately commented on how good the kitchen smelled as they walked in :) They all also took big helpings, finished it all and asked for the recipe - I think they liked it :)
RubyCup1091
11/06/2024 05:20:18 AM
This was absolutely excellent and I'm going to make it again. Based on the reviews etc. I made a few changes which I think helped but it was probably excellent without them. 1. Cut both sugars by about a third or a quarter 2. Add a little salt to both the apples and the crumble mixture 3. Add about a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling 4. Use five cups of apples 5. Had about a quarter of a lemon's worth of lemon juice to the filling
Laura
08/22/2025 05:36:04 PM
I don’t know what I did wrong but it was too dry and the apples weren’t soft enough next time I make it I’ll use less flour
Joseph Adams
08/20/2025 01:46:34 AM
This is chef energy unlocked.
Tanya
08/17/2025 12:02:32 PM
This is a perfect recipe. It's so easy to put together and just bake!
QuaintGouda8470
08/10/2025 06:16:13 PM
I make a double batch each time. I added double cinnamon as we love it, & 1/2 c. less white sugar instead of 1 c. , I also kept the bottom layer very thin. I crumble the rest on top. My granddaughter says it is the best she's ever had and requests it now for all family gatherings.
GoldenOven9151
06/20/2025 11:46:12 PM
Way too much streusel for just 3 cups of apples. I would cut the streusel amounts in half and skip placing half of it in bottom of pan before apples. Also, because it's already so sweet, I wouldn't sprinkle sugar and cinnamon mixture on apples before streusel. Instead, I would add a teaspoon of cinnamon to streusel ingredients. Also, it turned out very dry--I would add some lemon juice and a couple tablespoons of water to apples.
Cynthia Taylor
04/23/2025 09:40:19 AM
Can’t believe how good this turned out.
Marilyn Traynor
04/12/2025 06:29:07 PM
I left out the white sugar and added a bit more butter. Oh my goodness! Absolutely delicious.
Alexa Thompson-Haney
03/30/2025 06:55:24 PM
Delicious just as it's written. Planning on having this at our spring branding.
SpiffyOats5690
03/17/2025 12:20:51 AM
Fantastic recipe, you will not be disppointed.