Do you need to peel apples for crisp?

Nope! You can skip the peeling step if you’re in a hurry or prefer a more rustic texture. Apple skins soften as they bake, and they add a bit of fiber and color to the dish. However, if you want an ultra-smooth filling, peeling is totally fine.

What apples hold up best in apple crisp?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Braeburn are all great choices. They hold their shape, don’t turn to mush, and provide a good balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can apple crisp sit out or must it be refrigerated?

It can stay at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days . If your home is particularly warm or humid, it's best to refrigerate it after the first day. Just keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze it after baking?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays and gatherings.

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe – #1 Cozy Fall Dessert

The Best Apple Crisp

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The Best Apple Crisp Recipe features tender baked apples with a buttery oat and brown sugar topping. It’s a classic fall dessert that’s easy to make and perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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5 cups fresh apples, sliced (about 4 large apples)
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a deep-dish pie plate or large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
Pour in the melted butter and mix until the topping is crumbly and well coated.
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

You can leave the apple peels on for added texture and less prep time.
Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady apples for best results.
To prevent the topping from over-browning, cover loosely with foil if needed during baking.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives.
Optional additions: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, caramel drizzle, or spices like nutmeg.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 253
Sugar: 39g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/best-apple-crisp-recipe-2025/