Best Apple Crisp Delight

Featured in: Sweet & Spiced Treats

This dish features tart Granny Smith apples gently spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, baked beneath a crisp, golden topping made from almond flour, oats, and coconut sugar. The combination offers a warm, comforting texture with a balance of tartness and sweetness. Ideal for autumn and winter gatherings, it's best served warm, optionally paired with creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:09:00 GMT
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling in a baking dish, ready to be served warm. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling in a baking dish, ready to be served warm. | mellowspice.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 become a staple in my family during the holidays; everyone looks forward to the tender apples and crunchy topping every year.

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

Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Prepare fruit base:
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.
Transfer to baking dish:
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish, spreading evenly.
Make topping:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in butter:
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
Add oats:
Stir in the rolled oats until incorporated.
Top apples:
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Bake:
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
Serve:
Let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
A generous slice of Best Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, perfect dessert. Save to Pinterest
A generous slice of Best Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, perfect dessert. | mellowspice.com

We cherish this dessert as it brings our family together every holiday season, creating warm memories.

Notes

For easy prep, the topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Adjust sweetness by using more or less sugar as desired.

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.

Warm and comforting Best Apple Crisp with that classic golden oat-almond crumble topping. Save to Pinterest
Warm and comforting Best Apple Crisp with that classic golden oat-almond crumble topping. | mellowspice.com

This apple crisp is the perfect finish to any cozy meal and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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 use gluten-free oats?

Yes, certified gluten-free oats can be used to keep the topping safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

How do I make the topping dairy-free?

Substitute unsalted butter with vegan or plant-based butter alternatives for a dairy-free topping.

Is it possible to prepare ahead?

The topping can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to two days before baking.

Can pears replace apples?

Pears may be used as a substitute for a different flavor and texture profile, though cooking times might vary slightly.

Best Apple Crisp Delight

Comforting warm apples with cinnamon and crunchy oat-almond topping, perfect for chilly evenings.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Overall Time
70 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Sweet & Spiced Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Total Yield 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You Need

Fruit Base

01 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 ⅓ 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 ½ cup coconut sugar or granulated sugar
03 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 02

Combine Fruit Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with maple syrup, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until evenly coated.

Step 03

Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the apple mixture into a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish and spread uniformly.

Step 04

Mix Crisp Topping Dry Ingredients: Whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until blended.

Step 05

Incorporate Butter: Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until coarse crumbs form.

Step 06

Add Rolled Oats: Stir rolled oats into the crumb mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 07

Assemble Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat-almond topping over the apple layer in the baking dish.

Step 08

Bake Until Golden: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 09

Rest and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving warm; optionally garnish with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools Needed

  • 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 Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains nuts (almond flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Contains oats (ensure gluten-free oats if required)

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 524
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Proteins: 7 g