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    Home » Fall

    September 5, 2023 American Recipes

    Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping is totally foolproof! This easy crisp is full of apple pie filling, brown sugar, cinnamon and a buttery crisp topping. Truly simple to make and loved by all!

    overhead image of easy apple crisp with oats topping in a baking casserole.

    When this apple dessert comes out of the oven, watch out! The kids and anyone in the house will come running for the first portions. If you have any apple pie obsessed peeps in your family, they will be jumping for joy when you make this (and so fast!).

    Create a luscious apple filling for this apple crisp by using canned apple pie filling. It's unbelievably simple and effortless! Just pour in the apple pie filling, prepare a delightful brown sugar oatmeal crumble topping to sprinkle on top, and voila! You're done!

    The perfect apple dessert. You'll be smitten with our classic fall dessert with cans of apple pie filling and a scrumptious a crumble topping that tastes like a homemade oatmeal cookie!

    As soon as it is fall season, it is crisp season! And my all-time favorite is an apple crisp! Well, I adore every apple dessert!! Crisps and also crumbles are loved by all in my family and are really no-fuss to make.

    With a fruit base and sweet and crispy topping, there’s no wonder it’s so loved! Since this apple crisp is made with canned apple pie filling and oatmeal, it only takes a few minutes to prep! So much easier to make than a traditional apple pie (no making a fussy dough or waiting for it to chill). Did I mention how no-fuss this dessert is???

    Jump To
    • Why you'll love this Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping:
    • How to make a crisp with fresh apples?
    • What ingredients are in an easy apple crisp: (full recipe is below)
    • How do you make the best apple crisp recipe:
    • Expert tips to make best apple crumble with oats:
    • Variations for apple crumble:
    • What to serve Apple Crisp with Canned Apple Pie Filling with Oat Topping?
    • How to store favorite fall dessert hot apple crisp with oat topping?
    • Some other apple recipes to enjoy:
    • Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping

    Why you'll love this Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping:

    • Quick and easy to make: perfect for a last-minute dessert.
    • The topping: The combination of sweet apple filling and crunchy oat topping creates a delightful texture.
    • Cinnamon: The warm cinnamon flavor adds a cozy and comforting element.
    • Versatile recipe: Can be enjoyed on its own or paired with ice cream for an indulgent treat.
    • Great for parties: Perfect for gatherings and potlucks, as it can be easily made in advance and served to a crowd.

    One of my favorite recipes to make during the fall season is Apple Crisp. You could say it is my dessert obsession! I made this with oats and it is similar to my vegan apple-cranberry crisp. The kids were asking for a fast apple dessert.

    I highly suggest serving it nice and hot (it’s hard to resist trying it once it’s baked!) with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yes, it will melt and the whole thing is just delightful!

    No matter if you live somewhere where fall feels like summer or if fall feels like a winter wonderland, put this crisp in the oven to be transported to dreams of fall. Dreams of warm apple cider, apple picking, and visiting beautiful pumpkin patches. As I’m writing this I have another apple crisp baking and it smells incredible!

    overhead image of cinnamon apple crisp on a white plate.


    A soft apple pie filling bakes in a naturally occurring syrup topped with an incredible oatmeal cookie-like crumble. Serve with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it melt all over your hot crumble.

    How to make a crisp with fresh apples?

    I make apple crisps and crumbles all the time with fresh apples. In place of the canned apple filling, you will need about 6 large (sliced, cored and peeled). A combo of Granny Smith and another sweeter variety works nicely in this recipe.

    The apples, ½ cup sugar, ½-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I like more cinnamon flavor) 1/2 teaspoon salt are combined and then spooned into your casserole or baking dish. Top with crisp and bake following the recipe below.

    What ingredients are in an easy apple crisp: (full recipe is below)

    • Apple pie filling: Ready-made filling for convenience and delicious apple flavor.
    • Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm and comforting aroma into the crisp topping.
    • All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps bind the crisp topping.
    • Old-fashioned oats: Adds texture and a wholesome taste to the topping.
    • Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert
    • Butter (or margarine): Adds richness and helps create a buttery, crumbly texture.
    • Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
    • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the flavors.

    How do you make the best apple crisp recipe:

    Full printable recipe is below, but this is the summary.

    If you're using apple pie filling, it's really fast and easy to put together. The hardest part is putting together the topping (and it's not hard, really!).

    In a large bowl, place all the topping ingredients and combine until you get coarse crumbs.

    image of making apple crisp in a casserole.

    Spoon the filling into your baking dish. Sprinkle on a little cinnamon.

    The last step is to cover the apples with the crisp topping. It only takes about less than 10 minutes to prep.

    Then let the beautiful crisp bake away magically (for 30-40 minutes).

    overhead image of cinnamon apple crisp on a white plate and apples in background.

    Expert tips to make best apple crumble with oats:

    • Customize the crisp by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the topping mixture.
    • For added flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg into the apple pie filling.
    • Experiment with different types of apples for varying tastes and textures in your crisp. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples work well.
    • Experiment with different types of apple pie filling to create unique flavor combinations.
    • Serve the apple crisp warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
    • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy it warm again.

    Variations for apple crumble:

    • For a twist, try using different pie fillings like cherry, blueberry, or peach.
    • Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble mixture for an added crunch.
    • Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
    • Substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
    • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version.
    • Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished crisp for an indulgent touch.
    • Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter alternative to ice cream.

    What to serve Apple Crisp with Canned Apple Pie Filling with Oat Topping?

    The perfect accompaniment to apple crisp is a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm and crispy dessert beautifully contrasts with the cold, velvety ice cream, creating a delightful combination that melds with the luscious fruit and crunchy brown sugar oat topping. Other serving options and toppings, consider indulging in freshly whipped cream or drizzling caramel sauce.

    How to store favorite fall dessert hot apple crisp with oat topping?

    Once the apple crisp has completely cooled, cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 3 days. Remove the cover and heat in the oven to get it to crisp up again (or warm in microwave). I do not recommend freezing this apple dessert.

    Can you make apple crisp ahead of time?

    Yes, you can! Apple crisp is easy to prepare ahead. Put it all together and cover your baking dish tightly. Will stay fine refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, take out of refrigerator, remove the cover, and place in your heated oven. This apple crisp is perfect for a potluck! Make it in the summer with peaches or blueberries.

    What are the best apples for an apple crisp?

    A combo of Granny Smith and another sweeter variety is the best type to use in this recipe.

    What is difference between a crisp and a crumble?

    A crisp is a dessert baked with fruit which is topped off with a crispy and crunchy layer that includes oats or nuts (or both). The crumble is also with the base of fruit, but the topping does not typically include oats or nuts. But there are so many variations of crumbles with oats, so the subject is well debated and a little confusing.

    Could other pie fillings be used in this crisp recipe?

    Yes, you can use other pie fillings! Blueberry, cherry and even peach all work so well with the crisp topping. Skip cinnamon with blueberry and cherry; it goes better with the peaches.

    Does apple crisp need to be refrigerated?

    You may find some sources saying they do not need to be refrigerated and it's safe for up 2 days at room temperature. To be completely safe, I do strongly recommend refrigerating.

    Can I make a gluten-free apple crisp?

    You could use your favorite 1-1 gluten free flour in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure all the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.

    Some other apple recipes to enjoy:

    • Here is my my vegan apple-cranberry crisp (made with apples, not pie filling).
    • LOVE this Apple Pie with Oat Streusel
    • This Apple Cider Donut Cake is crazy delicious!
    • Apple Cider Mimomas are a special drink to serve at Thanksgiving

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below:)

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    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my privacy policy for details.

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping

    This Easy Apple Crisp with Oats Topping is made with canned apple pie filling and the most incredible oats topping. Preps in just minutes! A classic fall dessert made with cans of apple pie and scrumptious crumble topping that tastes like an oatmeal cookie. Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    Prep Time8 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: apples, crisp, easy dessert, pie filling
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 385kcal
    Author: Lora

    Ingredients

    • 2 21 oz cans apple pie filling
    • 1 ⅓ cup old fashioned oats
    • 1 ½ cups flour
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into cubes (I used margarine to stay dairy-free)
    • ½ cup light brown sugar
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Pour both cans of apple pie filling into an 9 x 9 baking dish (or use a rectangular baking casserole).
    • Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (reserve the rest for the crisp topping) on top of apple filling.
    • Combine the oats, flour, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Blend with your fingertips (or a pastry cutter) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
    • Spoon the apple filling into a deep baking dish or pie plate. Top with the crumble mix.
    • Put in the middle rack of the oven (either bake it on a baking sheet or a foil under the baking dish, to catch any possible spills).
    • Bake for about 30-45 minutes, until topping looks crunchy. You want the fruit to start to bubble. If the topping starts to brown too much, cover with foil until complete. Take care when removing from the oven as the fruit will bubble and will be very hot. Good luck letting it cool before serving.
    • Highly recommend serving apple crisp with a big scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

    Notes

    • Oats : Use whole, old-fashioned oats in this recipe. Quick oats are much smaller in size and will not work the same for this recipe. 
    • Variations : Feel free to use any canned pie filling! Make a cherry, blueberry, or peach crisp.
    • Serving: Best served warm with vanilla ice-cream!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 535IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rena Fry says

      September 09, 2023 at 4:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love ❤️ this recipe and my grandkids love it too.

      Reply
      • Lora says

        September 09, 2023 at 6:14 pm

        Hi Rena-THANK YOU for taking the time to let me know. Really happy your grandkids enjoyed this easy apple crisp (we love it too!).

    2. Angela Ott says

      October 01, 2023 at 8:26 pm

      love this recipe...made it several times.

      Reply
      • Lora says

        October 02, 2023 at 5:32 am

        hi Angela-Thanks for stopping by to let us know you love our apple crisp! Happy Baking!

    3. Anne says

      October 20, 2023 at 5:02 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious and easy apple crisp! Really enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply
      • Lora says

        October 20, 2023 at 5:05 pm

        I'm so happy you enjoyed the cinnamon apple crisp...thank you for taking the time to let me know! Happy Baking!

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    Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. With more than 30+ years of experience in the kitchen, Lora has had a great advantage – receiving guidance from both her husband who is an executive chef/restaurant owner and her mother who is a renowned private chef. 

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