Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats

No-Fuss Apple Crisp with Oats: The Fall Dessert That Practically Makes Itself

Fall is my absolute favorite season—not just for the cozy sweaters and changing leaves, but because it’s officially apple crisp season. There’s something magical about the smell of apples bubbling in cinnamon under a buttery oat topping, warming up the whole house. It’s nostalgic. It’s comforting. And if you’re anything like me—busy, craving cozy, and always looking for easy recipes—this no-fuss apple crisp recipe with oats will quickly become your go-to fall dessert.

I wrote this recipe with simplicity in mind—because after a long day, we all deserve a warm dessert that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes or a culinary degree. I’ve tested this version in small batches, in the crock pot, and even vegan and gluten-free for friends. Every time, it delivers.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Crisp

This isn’t your average apple crisp—it’s easy, adaptable, and can be made vegan, gluten free, healthy, for one, for two, or in a small batch for sharing. You can use fresh Granny Smith apples, or when time is tight, even canned apples. Best of all, it’s incredibly forgiving and requires no fancy techniques.

This apple crisp hits all the checkmarks:

• Quick to make (15-minute prep!)
• Can be made in a crock pot or oven
• Includes a golden crumble topping with oats
• Easily made vegan, gluten free, and healthy
• Perfect for one, for two, or a whole gathering

Ingredient Breakdown (Exact Measurements)

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious homemade dessert:

For the Filling:

• 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
• Or 2 cans (15 oz) canned sliced apples, drained
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps thicken the filling)

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (sub almond flour for gluten free)
• ⅓ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier version
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed (or vegan butter/coconut oil for vegan)
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch

How to Make It (Oven & Crock Pot Instructions)

Oven Method (Classic & Quick):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in a greased 8x8-inch baking dish.

3. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it in until crumbly.

4. Sprinkle crumble topping over the apples.

5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.

6. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Crock Pot Method (Set It & Forget It):

1. Grease the crock pot insert.

2. Layer the apple mixture at the bottom and top with the crumble.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours.

4. Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to crisp the topping.

This crock pot version is ideal when you want your kitchen to smell like a warm hug while you handle other things (or binge-watch your favorite show).

Product Spotlight: My Go-To Kitchen Tools

1. Lodge 3.6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Casserole Dish

Perfect for baking crisp evenly and presenting it right on the table. It holds heat beautifully and is deep enough for generous fruit layers.

Buy it on Amazon

Why I Love It: Durable, stylish, and retains heat like a champ. Also comes in cute colors!

Add this to your fall baking arsenal—you’ll use it for everything from crisps to casseroles!

Make It Your Way: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Healthy & More

Vegan Version

• Use vegan butter or refined coconut oil instead of dairy butter
• Sweeten with maple syrup or agave

Gluten-Free Version

• Use certified gluten-free oats
• Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend

Healthy Swaps

• Reduce sugar by half or use coconut sugar
• Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to the filling for fiber
• Use less butter and toss in chopped nuts for healthy fats

Make It for One or Two

• Halve the recipe and bake in ramekins for personal portions
• Bake time is slightly reduced—check at 25–30 minutes

Small Batch Magic

• Perfect for when you want dessert without leftovers.
• Use a loaf pan or small ceramic dish.
• Same great taste, just scaled down.

Product Spotlight: The Best Apple Peeler & Corer

2. Spiralizer Heavy-Duty Apple Peeler with Suction Base

This tool saves me so much time when prepping apples, especially for larger batches. It peels, cores, and slices all in one go.

Buy it on Amazon

Why I Love It: Suctions securely to the counter and makes prep a breeze. Bonus—it’s fun to use with kids!

Make prep effortless and fun—treat yourself to this time-saving kitchen tool!

Serving Ideas & Storage Tips

How to Serve:

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream (try coconut-based for vegan!)
• A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
• Drizzled with warm caramel sauce

Storage:

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for a quick fix
• Freeze unbaked crisp for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen (add 10–15 mins)

Product Spotlight: Ramekins for Personal Apple Crisps

3. Delling 8 oz Ceramic Ramekins (Set of 6)

These little dishes are perfect for making apple crisp for one or for two. They bake evenly and look adorable on a dessert tray.

Buy it on Amazon

Why I Love It: Durable, dishwasher-safe, and the perfect size for individual servings. Great for dinner parties or self-care nights.

Whether you’re sharing or not, make dessert feel special with these beautiful ramekins!

Final Thoughts: The Coziest Dessert You’ll Make All Season

There’s something wonderfully satisfying about baking your own dessert, especially when it’s as simple and rewarding as this apple crisp recipe with oats. Whether you make it in the oven, slow cook it in your crock pot, or portion it out for yourself and a friend, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Personally, writing this recipe brought me right back to fall evenings with my mom in the kitchen—apples piled high on the counter, the scent of cinnamon everywhere. It’s the kind of dessert that’s as much about feeling good as it is about tasting good.

Try this easy, quick, and healthy apple crisp tonight—and don’t forget to top it with a little something creamy and cold.