Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe

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Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe: Easy & Dairy Free

Happy second week of National Apple Month! The apple season adventures continue with this easy and delicious homemade apple crisp recipe. This is a quintessential fall dessert and family favorite that uses up a few of the plentiful apples we have this year. 

This dessert takes very little time to make and is totally dairy free if you’re lactose intolerant. The crunchy oats and brown sugar meld perfectly with the softened sweet apples. It’s perfect for a “crisp” fall day when served warm with a scoop of ice cream. 

Tips and Tricks

You can make this crisp with any type of apple you like. Our favorites are McIntosh and Gravenstein, but any variety of apple will do. You may want to adjust the amount of topping if you use a sweeter or tarter apple, though. Make it as directed the first time, then play around with it and see for the next time you make it.

While you can try making this recipe with old-fashioned oats, you’re much better off using quick oats. Quick oats absorb the moisture better and make a more enjoyable crisp, while the old-fashioned variety can stay tough and chewy. 

Note that this recipe calls for an 8×8 glass dish. If you use a metal pan, your results may differ. Similarly, if you use a 9×9 pan instead, you’ll have a different topping to apple ratio. You may want to adjust the temperature/cooking time if you use a different type of pan. Using the same principles, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a crowd-pleasing dessert for potlucks, holidays, or other gatherings.

This recipe can be made in the oven or microwave. While the oven gives it a nice crunchy top, microwaving takes less time overall. You can try them both and see what you prefer!

How to Make Dairy-Free Apple Crisp

Before you begin, set your oven to 350 degrees and get out an 8×8 glass dish. You can spray it with Pam if you like, but we’ve never had issues with the crisp sticking to the pan and making clean up difficult, so we don’t spray it ahead of time.

Start by slicing apples directly into the baking dish. You should have about four cups of sliced apples when you’re done, which is typically around 4-6 apples. You can then start making the crisp topping. 

In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, all-purpose flour, quick cooking oats, cinnamon, and vegetable oil. Arrange the crumb topping with a spoon on the top of the apple filling. Try to keep it in an even layer on top of the apples.

Bake the crisp for 30 minutes in the oven. It will turn golden brown as it cooks.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to make it in the microwave, you can follow all the same instructions (except for setting the oven, of course) then cook the dish for 12 minutes in the microwave. It won’t have as much of a crunchy topping, but the flavor will be the same, and it’ll be a faster way to make this easy dessert.

Either way, you can take this delicious apple crisp to the next level when you serve it hot with some vegan vanilla ice cream (or regular ice cream if you aren’t dairy-free). You can store leftovers covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for several days. If you’re worried you’ll have trouble with fruit flies, transfer it to an airtight container like a snap-top Tupperware. It tastes great at room temperature, but can also be reheated in the oven before serving to enjoy it hot again!

FAQs About Making Apple Crisp

What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

A vegan apple crumble is very similar to this apple crisp recipe, except it has more of a streusel topping that lacks the oats.

What is the best apples for apple crisp?

We like McIntosh and Gravenstein best, but you can use any kind of apples you like!

Is apple cobbler the same as apple crisp?

No, apple cobbler has more a soft, caky topping, while apple crisp is crunchier and grainer. Try our apple cobbler recipe to taste the difference!

Should I cover my apple crisp while baking?

No, there’s no need to cover an apple crisp while baking, since that will make the topping less crisp.

How do you thicken apple crisp?

If you expect to have a watery apple crisp, add slightly more flour to account for it. If it’s already baking, you can try leaving the crisp in the oven a little longer to help cook off the excess.

Why didn’t my apple crisp get crispy?

If you didn’t use enough flour, the crisp may turn out a little watery. If you notice a problem while baking, leave it a little bit longer, or try broiling for a minute or so to crisp up the topping. Just be careful not to burn it!

Why is my apple crisp dry?

Too much flour in the topping or an old and dry bunch of apples can make the apple crisp a bit dry. Cut back slightly on the flour amount if you’re concerned.

Do you have to refrigerate apple crisp after you make it?

No, apple crisp doesn’t need to be kept in the refrigerator. The best way to store it is at room temperature.

Can you make apple crisp ahead of time and reheat?

Yes, apple crisp is easy to make ahead of time and reheat!

How long is homemade apple crisp good for?

This apple crisp is generally good for 3-4 days. It will start to significantly lose its flavor and texture after around that point.

Enjoy!

With just a few simple ingredients, this is the best apple crisp recipe to make when you want tasty apple desserts in a hurry. If you’re looking for more great apple recipes, try an apple cobbler or the perennial favorite apple pie.