The Best Apple Crisp

Jessica Kelly
Nov 17, 2024
5 min read

There’s something magical about an apple crisp. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug—a little rustic, a little fancy, and a lot delicious. Whether you’re snuggled up on a crisp fall evening or hosting a big family dinner, this dessert always seems to hit the mark. It’s easy to make, wildly comforting, and—if I dare say so—the best apple crisp recipe you’ll ever try.

Let me take you step-by-step through the process of making this beloved dessert, with some stories and tips from my kitchen along the way. And if you happen to have a jar of my famous canned apple pie filling (you’re in for a treat—here’s the recipe), this will be even easier.

Why I Love Apple Crisp (And Why You Will Too)

When I was a kid, apple crisp was the dessert my mom would whip up when we had a houseful of guests and not much time. No one ever cared if it looked a little messy because it smelled so good. The buttery crumble on top, the bubbling apples underneath—every bite was a little moment of joy.

Now, as a mom of five, I get it. Life is busy. But dessert? Dessert is sacred. And apple crisp? It’s a dessert that doesn’t demand perfection. It only asks for a little love and maybe a scoop of ice cream on top.

So let’s dive in. Grab your apron and meet me in the kitchen.

Step 1: Prepping the Pan (and the Vibes)

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease up a 9×13-inch baking dish like it’s the star of the show (because it is). I like to use butter—it’s old-fashioned and adds that little extra richness.

As for the vibes? I highly recommend putting on a cozy playlist, or maybe lighting a fall-scented candle. Apple crisp deserves a bit of ceremony.

Step 2: Apples—Fresh or My Famous Filling?

Here’s where you get to make the big decision. Are you starting with fresh apples, or do you have my canned apple pie filling stashed away somewhere? Either way, you’re in for something special.

• Fresh Apples: Peel and slice about six cups of apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji—you can’t go wrong. Toss them in a bowl with a little sugar, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Canned Apple Pie Filling: If you’ve got a jar of my famous filling, well, you’re ahead of the game. It’s already perfectly sweetened and spiced, so all you have to do is spread it in your pan.

Storytime: One summer, I canned way too many jars of pie filling. My pantry shelves looked like an apple festival had exploded. That winter, though, it felt like a gift every time I opened a jar. Apple crisp in January? Yes, please.

Once your apples (or filling) are ready, spread them out evenly in your greased pan.

Step 3: The Crumbly Magic Topping

Here’s the part that really makes an apple crisp shine—the buttery, crunchy topping. In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Butter (soft enough to crumble but not melted)

• Flour

• Oatmeal

• Baking powder

• Pie spice seasoning

Then comes the fun part: getting your hands in there. Gently crumble everything together until it looks like coarse sand. The butter should be distributed in little pockets—those will melt into crispy, golden perfection in the oven.

Pro Tip: If you’re using canned apple pie filling, skip the sugar in the topping. Trust me, the balance will be just right.

Step 4: Assembling Your Apple Crisp

Now for the easiest step. Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over your apples. It doesn’t have to be perfect—apple crisp loves a little imperfection. Think of it like a blanket you’re tucking around those apples to keep them cozy.

Step 5: Into the Oven

Bake your apple crisp at 350°F for 25-35 minutes. I usually start peeking around the 25-minute mark. You’re looking for that golden brown topping and the apple filling bubbling up around the edges like it’s waving hello.

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, don’t panic. Just tent a little foil over it for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: The Most Difficult Part—Waiting

When the timer dings, pull that beautiful, bubbling apple crisp out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. I know—it’s torture. But this step is crucial! It allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve (and even more delicious).

Serving the Best Apple Crisp

Here’s where you get to have some fun. Apple crisp is basically a blank canvas for whatever toppings your heart desires.

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: Classic, and for good reason.

• Whipped cream: Light and airy, like a sweet cloud.

• Caramel drizzle: Decadent and totally worth it.

At my house, we always serve it warm, with ice cream melting into the crevices of the crumble. It’s one of those desserts that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

FAQs About My Apple Crisp

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the topping and apple base separately, then assemble and bake when you’re ready. Or bake it ahead of time and reheat it in the oven.

What apples are best?

If you’re using fresh apples, I love a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The tartness of Granny Smith pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the topping.

What if I have leftovers?

Lucky you! Cover the pan tightly and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave and enjoy all over again.

Why My Canned Apple Pie Filling is a Game-Changer

I have to gush for a moment about my canned apple pie filling. It’s like having a little jar of fall on your pantry shelf. Perfectly spiced, perfectly sweet—it takes all the guesswork out of desserts like this one. If you’re curious, you can check out my recipe [here].

Final Thoughts

Making apple crisp always feels like a bit of a love letter—to yourself, to your family, to the changing seasons. It’s a dessert that doesn’t demand much from you, but it gives back tenfold in warmth, comfort, and pure joy.

So next time you’re craving something sweet and homey, give this recipe a try. I promise, it’s the best apple crisp recipe you’ll ever make. And if you do, let me know—I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

Now, go grab those apples (or that jar of pie filling) and get baking. Your house is about to smell amazing.

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