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–+ servings

Apple Crisp Topping Recipe

A straightforward, comforting apple crisp featuring tender spiced apples beneath a buttery, golden oat crumble. No peeling required for a quick, rustic treat.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Crisp Topping Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Apple Filling:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup 50g brown sugar, packed
  • 1 Tbsp 7g cornstarch or arrowroot starch
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds 680g apples, about 6 cups sliced or chopped (4 medium apples)
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Oat Topping:

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup 45g rolled old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup 57g chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup 50g brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup 56g unsalted butter (4 Tbsp)
  • 1/2 cup 62g all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Quarter the apples, remove cores, then chop into 1-inch pieces or thin slices, leaving the peels on if desired. Arrange the prepared apples in an 8×8-inch or 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then gently toss to coat the fruit evenly. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, then whisk in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in flour, oats, and optional nuts until a crumbly mixture forms. Evenly distribute the oat topping over the apple mixture. Bake for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling may bubble at the edges. Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of yogurt.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm the full dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. To freeze, wrap well or store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Double batch: Use a 9×13-inch or 3-quart baking dish and bake for 55–60 minutes at 350°F.

Individual servings: Divide filling and topping among six 8-oz ramekins; bake on a sheet pan for 30–35 minutes.

For two: Prepare one-quarter of the recipe (about 1 apple) and optionally swap brown sugar for maple syrup. Bake in two 8-oz ramekins at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or microwave each for about 3 minutes until bubbling.

Single serving: Make 1/8 of the full recipe or follow the instructions for the two-serving version and refrigerate the second portion for later.