Tara Teaspoon

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
  • About
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Newsletter
    • Shop
    • About
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    TaraTeaspoon » Recipes » Desserts

    Favorite Apple Crisp Recipe With Oats

    Published: Aug 26, 2023 · Updated: Sep 2, 2023 by Tara Teaspoon · This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    Apple Crisp Recipe
    Apple Crisp Recipe

    The only apple crisp recipe with oats you'll ever need! The buttery oatmeal topping is baked on top of juicy apples in the perfect proportion. Top with ice cream for an oatmeal apple crisp that is truly restaurant quality.

    apple crisp with oats on small white plate with ice cream
    Jump to:
    • Creating this apple crisp with oatmeal recipe
    • What makes this the best apple crisp with oats?
    • Ingredients in easy apple crisp
    • How to make oatmeal apple crisp
    • Recipe variations to try
    • Types of apples for the best apple crisp
    • Tips for making this recipe
    • FAQs
    • More Fall apple desserts:
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Creating this apple crisp with oatmeal recipe

    When I'm at home visiting family, Mom always requests that I make my apple crisp. I never measure the ingredients.

    I just assemble the recipe by taste and feel. She watches and writes down approximations, but the notes get lost and she requests it again.

    I have finally written it down for the record! You may just want to keep this bookmarked too! It's truly the best apple crisp with oats recipe. If you close your eyes, you can smell the deliciousness wafting through your house!

    This healthy crisp recipe has the same crispy and sweet oat topping that my rhubarb crisp recipe has. I simply left out the cinnamon to pair it with the rhubarb.

    Developed and improved on over the years, this recipe touts my favorite balance between soft apple filling and oat crisp topping.

    You know you love that bite of apple crisp that includes everything: soft, warm apple filling, still cold melting ice cream, and crispy, cinnamon oats.

    I mean, who wants a bite of just apples, after you've devoured all the cookie-like topping? This apple crisp recipe has the perfect ratio of topping to apples. Plus the crispy oats on top are my secret weapon!!

    This sweet oatmeal apple crisp recipe is perfect, with a buttery topping, a touch of cinnamon, and soft-cooked apples. It's classic topped with my vanilla ice cream.

    apple crisp with oat topping ready for oven in 9 by 13 pan.

    What makes this the best apple crisp with oats?

    I have a list of tasty reasons why this is the best apple crisp. Sure, you can just mix oats, sugar, cinnamon, and butter and get a fruit crisp topping. However, for perfection, I think there should be a little more to it!

    I like my apple crisp topping with oats to be a treat in and of itself! That means making it a little more like those oatmeal cookies I love, while still keeping the simplicity of a crisp topping.

    The perfect apple crisp oatmeal topping should be:

    • Loaded with rolled oats.
    • Have plenty of butter. I use salted here!
    • Use brown sugar for a caramel sweetness.
    • Be cookie-like with a loftiness.
    • Bite well, and be crisp but not too dry.
    • Lightly spiced with cinnamon or ginger.
    apple crisp topping ingredients in medium-size glass bowl

    Ingredients in easy apple crisp

    I don't use store-bought apple pie filling for this dessert. Instead, I mix my apples with cornstarch, lemon, and spices to make my own, quick-cooking apple filling. It bakes perfectly under the oatmeal topping and the crumble doesn't get soggy.

    The oat crisp topping is like your favorite oatmeal cookie and is super easy to make. If you can believe it, some apple crisp recipes don’t use oats. The recipe simply has a sugary cookie crumble on top. No thanks!

    I achieved what I think is perfection by making my apple crisp topping recipe as I would oatmeal cookies. I don't add eggs and it's more oats than flour, so it remains a true crisp, with cookie attributes.

    Rolled oats are the base and brown sugar and cinnamon are added as classic flavors. I add a little flour. I also add a bit of baking soda to help create a cookie-crisp bite. That little bit of leavening is just what the crisp needs to not be super dense.

    The butter is generous. I use 1 ½ sticks in the topping. Along with 2 tablespoons of milk, it's the moisture for the mix.

    apple crisp oat topping in medium-size glass bowl

    How to make oatmeal apple crisp

    Making the apple crisp with oatmeal topping is so simple! The topping gets mixed together first. You'll need to use your hands to incorporate the butter fully.

    For the apple filling, toss together the apple slices, lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Transfer to a 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with the oat topping.

    Bake the apple oatmeal crisp until the top is browned and the apples are tender and bubbling.

    slice apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in medium-size glass bowl

    Recipe variations to try

    This cookie-like fruit crisp topping is divine on top of baked apple filling. It's also delicious on other fruit crisps.

    • I use this on my rhubarb crisp and leave out the cinnamon. It's delicious.
    • Try it on a peach crisp. Swap the cinnamon for ground ginger in the filling.
    • Make a mixed berry crisp with this topping. You can try the filling I use for my Razzleberry Pie.
    • In the fall, it's great on top of a pear and cranberry filling.

    Get creative and use the apple crisp topping however you'd like!

    apples and butter in white 9 by 13 dish with oat topping to the side

    Types of apples for the best apple crisp

    The apples to choose for apple crisp is really up to you. I'll tell you that apples have different textures and flavors, so you'll want to decide what you like.

    When I make my Salted Caramel Apple Pie, I use a mix of apples. Macintosh and Empire are geniuses for baked desserts. They are sweet and break down into soft bites when cooked. Almost melting in your mouth.

    I like to use a mix of apple in this apple crisp to make the texture and flavor perfect.

    Other apples like Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and even Granny Smith are great in the mix for sturdy texture and tartness. They stand up to cooking, holding their shape and toothsome juiciness.

    Play around with your own mix. You can't go wrong with a variety. Then, you'll have all the tastes and textures in every bite.

    Tips for making this recipe

    • You can peel the apples like I do, or leave the skins on if that's your preference.
    • I've only made this recipe with regular butter, but I imagine you could substitute margarine or another dairy-free butter option if desired.
    • Make the apple crisp with oats a la mode by topping it with my luscious Eggless Vanilla Ice Cream recipe.

    Tools for making apple crisp

    You may want to peel your apples as I do, so you can use a vegetable peeler or my favorite apple peeler.

    You'll want a large mixing bowl for both the crisp topping and the apples.

    I love these measuring spoons because they fit in spice jars with ease.

    A white ceramic baking dish is also lovely for classic crisp recipes.

    FAQs

    Can apple crisp with oats be made gluten-free?

    This is the perfect gluten-free apple crisp recipe! The GF version tastes exactly like the original. So, if you are baking for a mixed-diet crowd, this is the dessert to make!

    I always use Cup4Cup in my gluten-free baking and cooking. You can swap the regular all-purpose flour for equal parts Cup4Cup GF all-purpose flour, and follow the method for the recipe as is.

    Please make sure you use GF oats if you are feeding someone with celiac.

    What type of apple is best in apple crisp?

    Use a mix of apples for varied flavor. Golden delicious, Empire, Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady are all great choices. You can use just one or mix them together.

    What's the difference between apple crisp, apple crumble and apple cobbler?

    Apple cobbler has a biscuit-like topping without any oats. Apple crisp and apple crumble are similar. Usually apple crumble doesn't have oats, just a streusel topping sometimes with nuts.

    Apple crisp has oats in the topping, making a bit more crunchy in texture than a crumble or cobbler.

    More Fall apple desserts:

    • Apple Tart with Almond Frangipane
    • Apple Popovers with Maple Butter
    • Pecan Streusel Apple Pie

    Rate this recipe! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Scroll to the bottom of the page to rate and comment on this recipe. Leaving comments, questions, and ratings helps other too!

    📖 Recipe

    serving of apple crisp on white plate

    Favorite Apple Crisp Recipe with Oatmeal

    Tara Teaspoon
    A buttery crisp topping that's like a delicious oatmeal cookie, bakes on top of juicy apples, in perfect proportion. Top this with ice cream and you'll have everything you've dreamed of in a baked apple dessert.
    4.61 from 33 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Work Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Servings 8 to 10 servings

    Ingredients
      

    Oat Crisp Topping

    • 3½ cups rolled oats
    • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) butter, softened
    • 2 tablespoons milk

    Apple Filling

    • 7 apples (about 2½ pounds)
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • ⅔ cup lightly packed brown sugar
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
    • Ice Cream for serving

    Instructions
     

    • Make the topping: In a medium mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.
    • Using your hands or a hand mixer, mix in the butter until completely combined. Drizzle in milk and mix until a soft oatmeal cookie dough texture forms. Set aside.
    • Heat the oven to 350ºF with rack in the middle.
    • Make apple filling: Peel and core apples. Cut into thin slices or small dice. In a bowl toss the apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch.
    • Transfer apples to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Spread into an even layer.
    • Top with the oat topping then bake for 40 minutes. Cover with foil if the topping is getting too brown. Bake another 20 minutes covered, until apples are tender and juices are bubbling.
    • Let cool 15 or 20 minutes to allow the juices to thicken a bit. Serve warm or room temperature with ice cream.

    Notes

    You can peel the apples like I do, or leave the skins on if that's your preference.
     
    Make a mixed berry crisp with this topping. You can try the filling I use for my Razzleberry Pie.
    Make a rhubarb crisp with a similar topping!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 577kcalCarbohydrates: 99gProtein: 6gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 258mgPotassium: 385mgFiber: 8gSugar: 62gVitamin A: 619IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 2mg
    Get exclusive recipes sent to your inbox!Sign up for Tara's newsletter for more.

    Other fruit crisps from around the web that I like:

    • Summer Fruit Crisp Recipe
    • Create your own fruit crisp!
    • Apple and Pear Crisp

    Recipes for Pies and Tarts

    • Four discs of plastic wrapped pie crust.
      Perfect Pie Crust
    • Close up of slice of caramel pecan pie with whipped cream.
      Caramel Pecan Pie
    • square feature image of raspberry tart close up.
      Raspberry Tart (with Pastry Cream)
    • Delicious lemon no-bake icebox pies you can make at home are a perfect summer dessert for a crowd
      No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie Recipe
    • Overhead image of Pumpkin Cream Pie on light blue linen surface
      Pumpkin Cream Pie
    • PeachTartlet Feature Image
      Easy Peach Tarts
    • Key Lime Bars are a great summer dessert for a crowd
      Coconut Key Lime Bars
    • Whole mango pie with tall, golden-toasted meringue and graham cracker crust, surrounded by tableware and glasses.
      Mango Pie Recipe (with Graham Cracker Crust)
    Tara in kitchen making salad

    Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!

    More about Tara

    Recipe and photography by Tara Teaspoon. Updated August 2023.

    Comments

      4.61 from 33 votes (21 ratings without comment)

      Review Or Ask A Question! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Julie says

      June 11, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      Apple Crisp is one of my all time faves, reminds me of spending time in the kitchen with my Mom in the Fall. I bet this is divine with freshly picked apples. Yum!

      Reply
    2. Megan Palmer says

      June 11, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      That crumble topping looks so delicious!!!! I will definitely be making this for my next family gathering.

      Reply
    3. Candice says

      October 01, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      This oat topping is exactly what I crave in an apple crisp. Such an easy, great recipe. And one we will be making all apple season. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Chef Dennis says

      October 03, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      I love apple crisp and your recipe was outstanding! Thanks for such an easy to follow and delicious recipe

      Reply
    5. Beth says

      October 03, 2020 at 7:51 pm

      This is such a perfect time of year to be making an apple crisp. And it's just right to have the oats and butter to make a delicious crust.

      Reply
    6. Jen says

      October 22, 2020 at 4:03 pm

      My neighbors just dropped off a bag of apples so this couldn't be better timing. Love that I have everything else already in my kitchen. Looks amazing and I can't wait!

      Reply
    7. Sara Welch says

      October 22, 2020 at 6:37 pm

      Loved all the sweet aromas in my kitchen after making this delicious recipe! Easily, a new favorite; the whole family loved it!

      Reply
    8. Toni Dash says

      October 23, 2020 at 8:53 am

      This is really amazing!! such a delicious day starter!

      Reply
    9. katerina @ diethood.com says

      October 23, 2020 at 11:08 am

      This oatmeal apple crisp looks incredibly delicious! The perfect fall dessert!

      Reply
    10. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says

      October 23, 2020 at 11:09 am

      Oh my, this is the perfect dessert for fall! Looks amazing!

      Reply
    11. Catalina says

      October 24, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      My favorite fall dessert! Love apples! I will definitely make it!

      Reply
    12. Robin R Wardle says

      September 23, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      I made this apple crisp last Sunday. It turned out perfectly!! Thank you.
      I have tried quite a few recipes. This is my new fave!!!

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        September 24, 2021 at 10:45 am

        Thank you for your sweet comment and I'm thrilled you are enjoying my recipes. It's great to hear from my readers - Tara

        Reply
    13. Marie Bench says

      February 26, 2023 at 3:22 pm

      I love this apple crisp recipe! This is my go to dessert when I’m not wanting to bake a pie. This recipe has the same flavors but adds a fun twist with the crisp oat topping!!!! Serve it with vanilla ice cream and you’ll be taken right back to summers at grandma’s house!!

      Reply
    14. Ruth says

      September 28, 2024 at 11:37 am

      Can I use the rhubarb crisp recipe that has tapioca in it to make apple crisp/

      Reply
      • Tara T. says

        September 30, 2024 at 10:11 am

        I haven’t tested the apples with tapioca. There’s a chance the ratios of fruit to thickener would be different. I can’t guarantee the results but you could try!

        T a r a

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Tara Teaspoon!

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a publishing career as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Ladies’ Home Journal magazines.

    Now I write cookbooks, and share delicious recipes and expert cooking tips with you here! Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • square feature image of turkey pot pie with biscuits on top in a cast iron skillet.
      Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits
    • featured image of the perfect slice of lemon lush icebox dessert.
      Lemon Lush
    • feature square of swiss meringue buttercream from Live Life Deliciously cookbook.
      Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe
    • Three stacked Easter blondies on a small white plate.
      Mini Egg Cookie Bars

    Cookbooks

    Tara Teaspoon Cookbooks

    Footer

    Subscribe for emails and exclusive updates!

    Sign me up!
    Tara Teaspoon horizontal logo

    ↑back to top

    Explore

    • Recipe Index
    • Cookbooks
    • New Posts
    • Newsletter Subscribe

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refund Policy
    • Disclaimer & Terms

    Copyright © 2025 Tara Teaspoon, Inc • Powered by Feast+

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.