Best Apple Crisp Classic Recipe
Introduction
This classic apple crisp combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, oat and almond flour topping. It’s a warm, comforting dessert perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings that’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar or 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 the sliced apples with maple syrup, arrowroot flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Transfer the apple mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.
- Step 5: Cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until coarse crumbs form.
- Step 6: Fold the rolled oats into the crumb mixture until fully combined.
- Step 7: Spread the crisp topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Step 8: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.
- Step 9: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweet topping perfectly.
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond flour with additional oats or all-purpose flour.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter apple base, increase the maple syrup slightly or sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on the apples before baking.
Storage
Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp on top.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can substitute other firm apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji. Just note that sweeter apples may reduce the need for added sweeteners.
Can I prepare the crisp topping in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the topping a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake the crisp when ready to serve for the best texture.
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Best Apple Crisp Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic apple crisp recipe features tender Granny Smith apples tossed in a maple syrup and cinnamon mixture, topped with a crunchy oat and almond flour crumble. Baked until golden and bubbly, it makes a perfect warm dessert with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your apple crisp.
- Combine Fruit Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the sliced Granny Smith apples with pure maple syrup, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), fresh lemon juice, pure vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the apple mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading the apples out evenly to create an even fruit layer.
- Mix Crisp Topping Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar (or granulated sugar), ground cinnamon, and kosher salt, combining the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate Butter: Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold cubed unsalted butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs, providing the crisp texture to the topping.
- Add Rolled Oats: Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until everything is evenly combined, completing the crisp topping.
- Assemble Crisp: Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the prepared apples in the baking dish, covering the fruit fully.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping becomes golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling beneath.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut sugar with granulated sugar if preferred.
- Use arrowroot flour for a gluten-free thickener, but cornstarch also works well.
- Letting the crisp cool slightly helps it set before serving.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple crisp, classic apple crisp, baked apple dessert, maple syrup apple crisp, cinnamon apple topping

