Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel – Easy, Cozy Fall Dessert
There’s nothing quite like a warm Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel fresh from the oven. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar fills the kitchen, wrapping everything in…
Tip: save now, cook later.There’s nothing quite like a warm Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel fresh from the oven. The aroma of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar fills the kitchen, wrapping everything in the sweet comfort of fall. Each spoonful offers the perfect balance — tender, juicy apples layered under a golden, buttery oat topping that’s crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside.
This is the kind of dessert that feels like home — simple to make, irresistibly cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, a Thanksgiving gathering, or a chilly weekend treat, this apple crisp delivers all the flavor of homemade apple pie with half the effort.
So grab your favorite baking dish, some fresh apples, and a handful of pantry staples — and let’s make a crisp that celebrates everything we love about fall. 🍎✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is the kind of dessert that wins everyone over at first bite. It’s rustic, comforting, and incredibly easy to make — no pie crusts, no fuss, just pure homemade goodness. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your baking routine:
🍎 Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You only need everyday staples — apples, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter — to create something truly special.
🥄 Crispy Meets Gooey Perfection
The oats bake into a golden, crunchy topping, while the apples turn tender and syrupy underneath. Each spoonful gives you that perfect contrast of textures.
🕒 Quick and Effortless
It takes just minutes to prep and goes straight into the oven — perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert cravings.
🌿 Customizable for Every Season
Add nuts for crunch, caramel for richness, or berries for a fruity twist. This recipe welcomes your creativity.
🍨 Tastes Even Better with Ice Cream
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top — the kind of simple joy that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Whether it’s a weeknight dessert or a Thanksgiving table favorite, this Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel brings comfort, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this cozy Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients — all easy to find and beautifully balanced for flavor and texture.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 🍎 6 medium apples (about 6 cups, peeled and sliced — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed to prevent browning)
- 🍬 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 🍬 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 🌿 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 🌰 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Oat Streusel Topping:
- 🌾 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 🌸 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 🍬 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 🧈 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
- (Optional) 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
Tip: Combine tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Fuji or Gala for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Before you start baking, take a few moments to read these quick tips — they’ll help your Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel turn out perfectly golden, bubbly, and crisp every time.
- Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor and texture balance.
- Slice evenly: Uniform apple slices cook evenly and create a soft, tender filling without turning mushy.
- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is key to a crisp, crumbly topping. If it softens, chill the mixture before baking.
- Don’t overmix the streusel: Mix just until crumbly — you want clumps of buttery oats, not a paste.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish: These materials help the crisp bake evenly and brown beautifully.
- Bake until bubbling: Wait until you see bubbling juices around the edges and a golden-brown top — that’s how you know it’s done.
- Let it rest before serving: Give it at least 10 minutes to cool. This helps the filling set slightly while keeping the topping crunchy.
💡 Bonus Tip: For a little extra flavor, sprinkle the warm crisp with sea salt flakes or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
How to Make Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel (Step by Step)
Making this Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is simple and satisfying — just layer, crumble, and bake until golden and fragrant. Here’s exactly how to do it:
🥣 Step 1: Prep the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar size.
Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples into thin, even slices (about ¼-inch thick).
Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Tip: Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch if your apples are extra juicy — it helps thicken the filling.
🍎 Step 2: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and gently press down with a spoon to create a flat surface for the topping.
🌾 Step 3: Make the Oat Streusel
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in until the mixture looks crumbly, with pea-sized bits of butter.
Optional: Stir in chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
🧈 Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the oat streusel evenly over the apple filling.
Make sure to cover all the apples — those buttery crumbs will bake into a golden, crisp layer.
🔥 Step 5: Bake
Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
⏱️ Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for that irresistible finishing touch.
What to Serve It With
This Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect on its own — but with the right pairing, it becomes absolutely irresistible. Here are a few serving ideas to make it shine even more:
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream
The classic combo — cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm crisp creates pure dessert magic.
🍯 Salted Caramel Drizzle
A touch of caramel adds richness and enhances the buttery oat topping beautifully.
🥛 Whipped Cream or Crème Chantilly
Light and airy, it balances the sweetness of the apples and adds an elegant finish.
☕ Coffee, Cider, or Tea
Pair your slice with a hot drink — cinnamon-spiced tea, apple cider, or even espresso complements the fall flavors perfectly.
🍁 Add a Savory Touch
Serve it after a hearty main course like roasted chicken, butternut squash soup, or pork tenderloin for a perfectly rounded fall dinner.
💡 Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted oats or pecans on top right before serving. It keeps the topping crisp and adds a lovely nutty note.
Variations / Substitutions
One of the best things about this Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is how easy it is to customize. A few simple tweaks can turn it into something new each time you bake it — here are some fun ideas to try:
🍯 Caramel Apple Crisp
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the streusel topping. The caramel melts into the apples, creating a rich, gooey layer that tastes just like a fairground treat.
🍓 Apple-Berry Crisp
Mix in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries — blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries — for a burst of tartness and color. Reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
🥜 Nutty Streusel Topping
Add ½ cup chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts to the oat topping for extra crunch and a deep, toasty flavor.
🌾 Gluten-Free Version
Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats for a dessert everyone can enjoy.
🧈 Dairy-Free Version
Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter. The topping will still bake beautifully crisp with a hint of coconut aroma.
🍁 Spice It Up
Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the cinnamon mix for a cozy, bakery-style twist.
💡 Bonus Tip: Turn leftovers into breakfast! Warm up a serving and top with Greek yogurt or a splash of milk — it’s sweet, comforting, and feels like dessert for breakfast.
Storage & Leftovers
This Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel tastes even better the next day — the flavors deepen, and the topping stays beautifully crumbly with just a bit of warmth. Here’s how to keep it fresh and cozy:
🧊 To Store
- Let the crisp cool completely before covering.
- Store in the same baking dish covered with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, uncovered, until the topping crisps up again.
- Microwave: Warm individual portions in short bursts (20–30 seconds) until just heated through.
Tip: Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of caramel before reheating to refresh the flavor and moisture.
❄️ To Freeze
- You can freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 2 months.
Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. - When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
💡 Bonus Idea: Bake it in small ramekins for single-serve desserts — perfect for make-ahead holiday dinners.
Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel — FAQ
Quick answers to help you bake the perfect crisp every time.
Can I Use Any Type of Apple?
Yes! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji gives the best flavor balance. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious — they break down too much during baking.
Can I Make Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare the apple filling and streusel topping separately, refrigerate both, and assemble right before baking. It keeps the topping crisp and the filling fresh.
How Do I Keep the Topping Crunchy?
Bake uncovered and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. For leftovers, reheat uncovered in the oven to crisp it back up.
Can I Add Nuts or Caramel?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, while a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking makes it extra indulgent.
Can I Freeze Apple Crisp?
Yes. Assemble the crisp (unbaked) and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until bubbly and golden.
What’s the Best Way to Serve It?
Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel — simple, cozy, and irresistible.
Nutrition Information
This Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is a cozy dessert that tastes like fall in every bite — sweet, warm, and lightly spiced. Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
Conclusion about Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel
This Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style — warm, comforting, and filled with that irresistible cinnamon-apple aroma that feels like home. The tender baked apples and buttery oat topping create the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
It’s easy to make, easy to love, and even easier to share — a true fall classic that belongs on every dessert table. Serve it warm with ice cream, drizzle it with caramel, and watch it disappear in minutes.
If you can’t get enough of cozy apple desserts, try these next from From My Pan 🍎👇
- 🥧 Toffee Apple Crumble Pie — buttery, sweet, and full of caramel flavor.
- 🍏 Homemade Dutch Apple Pie — a classic pie with a golden crumble topping.
- 🥄 American Apple Pie — timeless, flaky, and filled with juicy apples and spice.
- 🍮 Dutch Caramel Apple Pie — a rich twist with layers of sweet caramel and tender apples.
Each one is simple, cozy, and full of the flavors that make apple season unforgettable.
Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel
Warm, buttery, and full of cozy flavor. This Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel combines tender cinnamon apples with a crisp, golden oat topping — the perfect easy fall dessert for gatherings or weekend comfort.
Tip: For best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Serve: Delicious warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (about 6 cups), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
- For the Oat Streusel:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- Pinch of salt
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and flour until evenly coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and blend with a fork or your hands until crumbly.
- Sprinkle oat streusel evenly over apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare the crisp up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Apple choices: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work beautifully.
- Gluten-free: Substitute oats and flour with certified gluten-free options.
- Storage: Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
