Thanksgiving Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall. I remember my grandmother pulling one from the oven, the sweet aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. Topped with a buttery oat crumble and served with vanilla ice cream, this dessert is simple, rustic, and a holiday favorite that never fails to bring smiles.
Groceries
Ingredients
6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Substitutions
Use pears instead of apples for a pear crisp variation.
Swap oats with chopped nuts for a crunchier topping.
Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Add cranberries for a tart twist.
Equipment
Mixing bowls
Peeler and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking dish
Oven
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked apple crisp tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual servings.
Top Tips
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
Keep butter cold when making the topping for a crisp texture.
Bake until topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
Serve warm for maximum comfort.
FAQs
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Why is my topping soggy?
Too much butter or underbaking can prevent crispness.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free oats and flour.
What’s the best topping for apple crisp?
Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing.