Easy Apple Crisp

Easy Apple Crisp is the perfect fall dessert. Loaded with sweet apples and topped with a crumb topping. It’s my favorite easy alternative to apple pie!

Truth be told, I am not a huge pie fan. I do love me some Pumpkin Pie and this Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie is also pretty amazing. But more likely than not, I’ll skip the pie crust and go straight for a fruit crisp. Fruit crisps like this Easy Apple Crisp.

There is just something about a crisp that I can’t resist. The sugary buttery topping has something to do with it I’m sure. The sweet cinnamon baked apples underneath don’t hurt either.

What is the difference between an apple crisp and an apple pie?

One word: crust. Pies have crusts. Crisps don’t. I personally think that that makes fruit crisps a whole lot easier to make and is the reason that I chose to make them more often than I do pies.

What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

That is a common question that is asked. It’s simple really, apple crisp topping will usually have oats in it. An apple crumble topping will not. I personally love the added texture from the oats with fruit crisps so that is what I usually make.

The other ingredients that you will find in the crisp topping is flour, sugar, cinnamon and cold butter. Some recipes will call for melted butter but I like to use cold butter when making crisps. I think it helps make the crisp topping more like a pastry topping.

Which apples should you use for cooking?

Hands down my favorite apples to not only eat but cook with are granny smith and honey crisp. Granny smith apples are firm and tart. They are perfect for cooking. Honey crisp, are also firm but they are a lot sweeter than granny smith. They won’t cook down too much so they are still great for cooking. If you can’t decide between the two, you can also do a combo for a bit of sweetness and a bit of tart.

Other apple varieties that are good for cooking are: Jonagolds, Melrose, Winesap and Braeburn.

And of course, this apple crisp is great on it’s own, but my personal opinion? It’s even better served hot with a scoop of French Vanilla ice cream.