Cinnamon Apple Crisp
This easy, Cinnamon Apple Crisp recipe is perfect for fall, lightly sweetened with raisins and honey with a crisp, oat topping.
Apple Crisp Recipe
If you went apple picking and need ideas, this recipe is simple and won’t set you back to many calories. For more recipes with apples, you may also like Apple Cobbler, Slow Cooker Apple Butter, Apple Scones, Slow Cooker Apple Sauce, just to name a few!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon coming out of your oven on a crisp, fall day. This easy apple crisp recipe is a perfect fall dessert, when apples are in season.
My favorite desserts are crisps, cobblers and pie. Apple crisps are the easiest of them all, because the oat topping is simple. Some apple crisp recipes don’t use oats, which is totally fine, but I love the crisp oat topping, plus oats are high in fiber, magnesium and antioxidants, so this dessert is actually good for you!
Best way to eat an apple crisp, in my opinion is warm topped with a very small scoop (about 1/4 cup) of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt, if you desire (my favorite way to eat it!). It’s totally optional, and will add more calories.
Which apples are best for apple crisp?
Best answer, any apple you like! I personally like to use sweeter apples so I don’t have to add too much sugar such as Honey Crisp or Gala.
How long is apple crisp good for?
You can store apple crisp room temperature for 1 to 2 days, refrigerated for up to 1 week, or frozen for 3 to 4 months. When refrigerated, you can eat it cold or pop it back in the oven set very, very low or in the microwave to get the chill out.
Variations and Tips
- If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can omit them.
- To make it dairy free, sub the butter for coconut oil.
How To Make Apple Crisp
More Apple Dessert Recipes
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples, (honey crisp or gala) peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1.5 ounces raisins, small box
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup honey
For the Topping:
- 1 cup quick oats, check labels for gluten-free
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, not packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350F degrees.
- Combine apples, raisins, cinnamon, honey and lemon juice in large bowl.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until fruit is coated.
- Place fruit in an ungreased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake15 minutes. Remove from the oven.
- Mix the remaining topping ingredients. Sprinkle over fruit.
- Bake about 60 minutes or until topping is golden brown and fruit is tender.
Video
Nutrition
Photo credit: Jess Larson
Do you think I could sub maple syrup for honey? 🤔Â
Delicious! I used vegan butter, and used a little bit less honey than called for in the apple mixture and it was still perfect.
One note – I used an 8×11 inch pan and the cobbler was pretty thin (for me and my husband, this was 4 perfect portions – 8 as called out would have been a stretch and not enough in my opinion). Next time, I plan to use a few more apples with the same amount of topping to make closer to 6-8 servings.
Absolutely delicious. Another family fav to add to my recipe binder.
I literally have made this every weekend for 3 weeks now love it!
Can I use steel cut oats?
This was so incredibly delicious and a breeze to make. I definitely will make this again. The added bonus is my kitchen smells amazing while baking this and for a little bit after.Â
I made this today and it was fabulous :). I used Jonathan apples and omitted the raisins.  I couldn’t stop eating it. It was very easy as well which was great.Â
You may want to include a suggested size baking pan or dish with your recipes. Â Cooking times will vary considerably between an 8×8, 9×12, Etc. Â Especially for a crisp which is best with a crisp not burnt or soggy topping and cooked filling.Â
I think the points value for the Purple Plan should be 5. This sounds delicious! Thank you for all your hard work, Gina!
Wonderful dessert and makes the house smell so good too. Had Stayman Winesap apples which are one of my favorite, added 1 cup fresh cranberries and all else as listed but skipped the cornstarch. It was wonderful. Holiday worthy.
Can I use regular oats instead of quick oats?
I never have quick oats on hand, so I just use regular and chop them up a bit in the mini food processor..
Made for dessert last night but everyone was too full so hubby and I each had a heated bowl with a dollop of yogurt for breakfast. YUM!
Can this be frozen? Would i need to add more lemon juice?
I tried this and used coconut sugar, delish…..
My sister brought this to a party and it was great! I love it the first day but it’s EVEN better after sitting overnight. Thanks so much. I love your recipes and you’ve helped me on my weight loss journey so much!
Glad you enjoyed it Jessica!
Thank you. Â Does not taste Skinny. Â Very good.
🙂
Such a wonderful recipe i like it. Thank you for sharing.
I love this recipe and makes me feel like I am cheating! Â My daughter and I fight over the toppings. Â Another great recipe.
Thanks Laura!
I put this recipe in the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers app. If you sub stevia for the honey and sub brown sugar Swerve for the brown sugar, the serving size is 4 points rather than 6. I’ll update when I’ve made it this way.
Just made this recipe today…DE-LICIOUS!! I left out the raisins (sounds strange but I don’t like raisins in a dish, I’d prefer to eat them right out the box, lol). But without the raisins this dessert was perfect, the right amount of sweetness. I used red delicious and fuji apples. I’m having it now with some halo top sea salt caramel ice cream!! 🙂 I’m sold on your recipes!
How can I make this dairy free? I.e replace the butter. Love your recipes!
Replace it with vegan butter
I have been a faithful follower for many years. I have all your cookbooks and usually use your recipes exclusively. With that said, I am exceptionally frustrated because I haven’t received any of your daily emails for over 6 months! I have reregistered 4 different times with no success. I have also attempted to contact you on 5 different occasions, on your site as well as through FaceBook. I have never received a response from you. To say I am disappointed is an understatement. I don’t know what else to do.
I still would really like to continue getting your daily emails with your recipes. If you could address my issue, I would be forever grateful.
Thank you
I am so sorry I don’t see all my messages, this is what I know. It’s a hotmail issue. If you create a free gmail account, you will get the emails again. Apologize for the inconvenience!
I made this last night with a bunch of apples that we have left from apple picking. Very easy and tasty with a lot less sugar than other recipes. I will add this to my list of recipes from your site that are loved by my family!
Made this a few nights ago – Delish!!!
Made this today for a meeting and it was so good. Â Simple ingredients but a very good dessert. Â Wasn’t overpoweringly sweet but hit the desire for sweet apples. Â I will definitely make this again. Â Your new book arrived during the meeting! Â Looking forward to reading it.
When I use the online calculator I get 11 freestyle points???
Hi Anne. Use the recipe builder. The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
Everyone is mentioning agave nectar but I don’t see it listed in recipe
Can this be prepared a few hours in advance and cooked later in order to be served warm?
Can I prepare this the day before and cook it the next day?
I’ve been searching for recipies to help with my cake and cookie cravings and this is amazing! I took out the sugar and I use 1 tbl spoon roughly of butter and this dessert is still amazing. Thank you Gina!!
looks and sounds delicious.
I have this dish in the over right now! It smells so good!Â
Made this today and I am very pleased with the results. The honey does not overpower the flavor of the apples and the raisins are a good addition. I used golden raisins and added a pinch of nutmeg.Â
This was DELICIOUS! My entire family loved it and wanted seconds! The only thing I didn’t differently was adding some hemp hearts to the crumble topping. I probably added 4 Tablespoons.  I can’t wait to make this several times this fall using apples from a local orchard.Â
When I top the crumble on the fruit and put back in the oven for 60 min, do i re-cover with foil or is it uncovered at this point?
Uncovered.
Mine definitely burned up. I put the foil back on. Wish l’d read the comments. I will try it again!
I put this in my recipe calculator and it came out to 7 points for 8 servings and that is without the icecream which is photographed but not listed in the ingredients.
Hi Lena. The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
What size pan is used? Â 8X8. or 9X13. Â For the apple crisp.
I made this last night and it was delicious!!!! Of course since I can never leave well enough alone, and I didn’t want to go to the store, I did change a couple of things. I didn’t have raisins so I used cranraisins, Brummel and Brown instead of butter, and Splenda Brown Sugar Blend. Turned out great!!!
Did I miss something? Is the ice cream pictured not part of the recipe?
Its optional, of course
Am I going crazy? I’ve read the reviews and a majority mention agave nectar. I’ve read the recipe many times and only see honey in the filling and brown sugar in the topping., correct?
Also, what size baking dis do you use?
My husband & I really appreciate all of your recipes. Thanks!
I used honey, you can use either. A round pie dish is perfect
This is my very favorite dessert in the fall!  It’s easy and yummy at only 6SP!  It’s a keeper ❤️?
Well this is an appropriate post! We are going apple picking this afternoon! And I know what I will be making for dessert after this evenings dinner!
What size pan do you use for the recipe? Thank you!
Can I use Old Fashioned oats instead of Quick oats?
sure
I know you said to use light brown sugar but I only have dark. How will that affect the outcome?
It won’t. You’ll be fine with dark or light brown sugar.
Like a healthier apple crumble, I love it! Will definitely be saving this recipe 🙂
What size baking sheet works best?
This is a baking dish, 9×9 or a round pie dish is best.
it looks like your picture shows a sheet pan. Yet above you mention a 9×9 or pie dish. i had to search to find this info here. Suggest you add this to your recipe.
Love you Gina but don’t you dare put raisins in my apple crisp ?
After adding the topping, do you bake it for 60 minutes, covered or uncovered?
Thanks!
yes
“Yes” covered or “Yes” uncovered?
Dont cover the crumbs
Gina I’m not a fan of the oats. Can you suggest an alternative way to make the topping?
Yes, you can also use chopped nuts which is really delicious!
You can also put some of the oatmeal in your blender or food processor to make oat flour which may help if the rough texture is part of what bothers you.
I’ve made this recipe so many times, and it’s always a crowd pleaser. The only thing I don’t add is cornstarch, and it still turns out delicious.Â
Hi Ruth. What did you substitute for the cornstarch?
I added dried cranberries and diced honey cinnamon almonds when I added the raisins and it was amazing!! Even the kids enjoyed it!!
This is seriously addictive. I substituted the brown sugar with 2 Tbsp molasses since I didn’t have those ingredients and it turned out perfect! Thanks for the great recipes.
Can I make this a day ahead….or will the apples be ok chopped and in the refrigerator….and then cook then next day.
I would chop but bake the next day. It’s best warm out of the oven
Thanks….I chopped apples without even thinking…trying to prepare ahead of time. Â I put the lemon juice in them. Â Will do everything else tomorrow.
I made this yesterday as a test run to see if I wanted to add it to the Thanksgiving menu.  It was delicious!  I have both your cookbooks and love your website. You make it so easy for me to maintain my busy life and still be in control of what I am eating! I am so thankful for your recipes.
It would be nice if there was a baking dish size stated in the recipe. Love your recipes, thanks.
If I double the recipe, how long / what temperature should I bake at?
If made the night before do I store in fridge or on counter?
Can i substitute maple syrup & honey for the brown sugar in the topping or would that make it too wet?
I made this for Thanksgiving dessert using granny smith apples and a combo of honey and brown sugar to replace the agave, and it was seriously delicious. I think it was even better than the old-fashioned kind I grew up eating. Gina – I am so grateful for you and all of your delicious skinny recipes that have helped me better understand I can eat healthy without having to give up all of the foods I love. Seriously people, you will not regret making this apple crisp.
This was a hit! I used granny smith which gave it a nice tart taste. Will be making again.
Hey Gina! Can I use applesauce instead of the butter? Any substitute?
I did and its fine. Apple butter will just give it richer taste
So impressed with your recipes! Loved this dessert..Substituted tapioca for the corn starch. I haven't made a recipe I didn't like yet!!
thank you!
Can you make this the night before? If so, is it best to store it in the fridge or leave it out on the counter?
Sure I would think it would be fine left out overnight if you cover it.
Awesome! I see no reason to go back to full fat/cal version. This is my go to. made it 4 times now. I do sub agave nec with stevia. Thank you Gina!
This is a great dessert – actually one of the best I've tried. My family loved it. Now my nephews have another fave sweet treat other than chocolates. Thanks for this.
I wanted to ask a similar question to Anonymous above—-I have some almond meal and buckwheat flour in the house. I am just starting to experiment more with baking/cooking and such so would you be able to describe how that would alter the taste? I think the almond meal would be fine, but buckwheat I have found already has a unique texture/flavor. I'm thinking I will make this for the family Thanksgiving dinner.
Gina,
I have just discovered your site a few days ago and I already KNOW I will be making lots of meals/desserts from it!
This recipe looks amazing. My questions is: could I just use regular all-purpose flour for this? I do not have whole-wheat flour. I plan to make this for a "Thanksgiving feast" at work next week!
What size baking dish should I use for this?
It fit nicely in a 9 in pie pan for me!
DELICIOUS! In love with this recipe
I made this tonight to use up some of our apples from apple picking, and it is so good! I used a combination of honey and brown sugar in place of the agave nectar and it tastes amazing. Perfect treat for a fall evening, thanks Gina! 🙂
Making this tonight. Thanks, Gina! As for the agave nectar, if you have an Ocean State Job Lots around, they sell it, and at a really good price!
I just made this today and it was SO delicious!! I topped with some 2% greek yogurt and it honestly did not taste "light" at all!
Im baking this as we speak! Cant wait to try it! I made 3 of your recipes today for Thanksgiving! Thank you SOOOO much for your variety!! I LOVE everything I've made so far!! 🙂
Yummy! I made this today and it my house smells wonderful! It tasted so good and was very easy to make!!
I made this as a practice round for thanksgiving and someone suggested that I add nutmeg. Has anyone gotten this from anyone or added it?
I made this last week and it is GREAT! Next time we are using cranberries instead of raisins.yum!
I made this one over the weekend, and it was fabulous. My husband had seconds and was thrilled with it. Thank you! You are amazing! I wanted to do the apple cobbler, but this one sounded so much easier. 🙂 I hate peeling apples and truthfully have not done it in years, but I think it was totally worth it!
I made this today along with your Crock Pot Minestrone. Not only do you help me use all of my coop veggies and fruits, you have made my world a better place. I am finally able to cook one meal for all of us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This Italian Family Thinks You ROCK!!!
This was awesome! I substituted smart balance for the butter and cranberries for the raisens. I also added walnuts…and topped it with fat free cool whip. Total heaven!
Gina,
I made this for dessert tonight. It was delicious!! Do you know how many points plus it is? I like using agave instead of sugar when I can. Thanks for the great recipes.
Yes, quick oats are fine.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? I want to make this tomorrow but only have quick oats…Thanks
Made it and the whole family loved it!!! Only thins was I didn't have enough topping to cover the apples so I had to double that part… that shot the calories per serving up, but it is very filling!
You can use the same amount as you would agave or you could use sugar.
I am going to make this, but I saw that I can use honey instead of the agave, how much should I use?
AWESOME!! I added more cinnemon to the apples and the topping. I used splenda instead of the agave, just because it was what I had on hand. Baked it in a 9 X 9 pan, for about 10 more minutes than stated in the recipe. I served it with 50% caramel vanilla ice cream. The family LOVED it!
Just made this tonight for company and loved it! It didn't even taste healthy! Loved it- just enough crisp and the apples were delightful with the agave!
Honey Crisp, Empire, Gala, or Braeburn apples would all be great!
Would using apples other than granny smith work, or would you suggest making other alterations?
I just made this today. Even picky eaters ate it. Yum. Thanks Gina! -Jamie
You're welcome! I'm all about pies and crisps with ice cream myself!
This was amazing. I made it last night for friends we had over tonight. Everyone LOVED it with a dollop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream. So worth the 4.5 (5.5 with the ice cream) points. Thanks, Gina for the best recipe site ever!!!
I made this last night for a friends birthday. I made a small bowl on the side for my husband and I to taste the same night I made it. It was just ok. But the next day I brought it to my friend and it was so much better. The flavors had strengthened and the consistency was more like apple pie. YUMMY! I used brown sugar instead of agava. Love the recipes!!!
Yes, raw honey is fine!
hi Gina,
im a raw foodist in singapore and agave nectar isnt sold here. could i use raw honey?
Thanks for noticing, yes I have put a lot of time into it!! Sure, you can use sugar. I would use brown sugar. Try using 1/4 cup, put more if you think it needs it.
Can I use sugar in this recipe if I can't find agave nectar? If yes, how much sugar should I use. I just found this site and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. You have devoted so much time and energy to it and to the recipes!
I'm sure maple syrup was great! Honey or brown sugar would be a great replacement for agave nectar.
Gina – this one's another hit! I subbed maple syrup, as I was frantically running around the Singapore grocery store, searching on my phone for "agave nectar substitute" (apparently Singapore doesn't import syrup from Mexico), and it turned out great. Next time I'm totally trying honey 🙂
I love the smell of baked apples on a cold day! Glad you enjoyed it!
It just started to be fall like in FL. I have been waiting to make this treat for a perfect fall day, whew it finally came. My home smells wonderful and the apple crisp tastes even better!
If you dont have agave nectar, you could use honey or brown sugar. The points will remain the same. Agave tends to be sweeter so you use less or should I say you would need more sugar.
As long as you are using sweet apples opposed to tart ones, you should be fine.
I found coconut sugar Agave . I don’t think its as sweet as agave nectar . Its amazing,
Does anyone know how many points this will be if i subsitute honey for agave nector. I am making this for desert for my wife and she is hard core into WW right now, (and she is doing awesome and looking fine!) Apple crisp is her favorite so i thought that i would surprise her!
Thanks
Re: Agave Nectar – I haven't found any localy, so I just substitute honey in Gina's fabulous recipes.
Can't wait to make this one!
Not sure, I've never used pear nectar before.
this is in the oven, just made the delicious dijon mutard pork chops! I could not find Agave nectar, so i used Pear…will that alter this at all?
Pear nectar is a juice. Agave nectar is a sweetener. Offhand, I’d guess you’ll find pear nectar doesn’t add much sweetness. Try honey or other traditional sweeteners. Apple juice would be sweeter than pear nectar.
You can get agave nectar at Trader Joes, but recently I have spotted it at WalMart Supercenters.
I got Agave Nectar at my local health food store. Some grocery stores will carry it in the "healthy " section. And i thought GNC carried this~~ not sure though.
Yes, I agree! The crisp is the best part in my opinion 🙂
So much crisp topping. Yum! That is, and always will be, the best part. 🙂