Apple Crisp Topping

Take a warm dessert, like apple crisp, to the next level with this easy apple crisp topping. It's a buttery and sugary addition that makes a world of difference on a classic fall dessert.

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Apple Crisp Topping Recipe

Apple season has a special place in my heart. Simply walking the produce aisle at the grocery store during the fall, you can smell the sweet aroma of fresh apples. Their flavor is so much better and they're just absolutely perfect for baking!

Making a warm apple dessert is the best way to welcome fall. My classic apple crisp with a buttery oat topping is always on my list of apple recipes to make during the season. It is really easy, I promise, and has served us well for many years, whether it's a weekend dessert or Thanksgiving dinner.

Apple crisp is so good because it has the added crunch of a crispy topping. It's similar to a streusel topping, but it's even crunchier thanks to oatmeal and brown sugar.

But hey, this crisp topping is not limited to its use with a sweet apple filling! Place it on top of pumpkin muffins or apple zucchini bread before baking for some extra crunch! You can even use this technique your favorite summer desserts like blueberry cobbler or peach cobbler.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

This is honestly the very best apple crumble topping because it is just so simple to make. You'll love this recipe, for a few big reasons:

• This recipe has a variety of different uses. You can get as adventurous as you want and add this tasty topping to all the fruit crisps and any warm dessert your heart desires.
• A crumb topping elevates baked goods to bakery quality. Save some money and skip those super expensive muffins, pies and crisps at the bakery. Make them in your own kitchen instead!
• You only need four staple ingredients. No need to run to the grocery store, you likely have everything you need for crisp topping in your fridge and pantry!
• You don't need any fancy tools to mix these ingredients together. No mixer, just use a fork!

Grab your favorite types of apples and all of the ingredients you need to make this yummy topping. Then let's get to baking!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Make the most amazing topping for your apple desserts with just a few simple ingredients. Here's a list of everything you need to make the perfect apple crisp topping:

• butter: Add a pinch of salt if you use unsalted! You can also use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• all-purpose flour: You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
• brown sugar: Coconut sugar and white sugar work in this recipe too.
• rolled oats: Also called old-fashioned oatmeal. But don't use steel cut or quick oats, as they'll dramatically change the texture.

Totally optional, but you could add some more texture and flavor to this recipe with some chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts or almonds. You can also add dried fruit, like dried cranberries, to a crisp topping!

For more depth of flavor, add a splash of maple syrup or pure vanilla extract to your crispy oat topping. You can also add a pinch of apple pie spice, nutmeg, cinnamon or ginger to your topping, but you are likely already using that in the apples, so there's no need.

And don't forget to make some homemade whipped cream or coconut whipped cream to go with your apple crisp!

How to Make Apple Crisp Topping

Here's how to make this easy apple crisp topping recipe:

How to make apple crisp: The best apple crisp filling uses tart apples with a little sugar and spices, which helps to flavor the dessert and caramelize the apples in the oven — follow my apple crisp recipe if you don't have one.

To make the apple mixture, mix diced tart apples, sugar, flour, spices and salt together in a large bowl. Then pour the mixture into a glass baking dish. Add the crumble topping and then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes until golden brown! Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Sheet Pan Variation

This recipe stands alone, too! You can sprinkle it over yogurt, ice cream or roasted fruit for a sweet, crunchy finish. Spread the oat mixture evenly on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 350°F (177°C), stirring once or twice, until golden and crisp.

Uses for Apple Crisp Topping

Not only is this easy recipe just perfect on top of apple crisp, but it can be used for so many different things!

• Other fruit crisps: Any of my other fruit crisps, like peach crisp and mixed berry crisp are lovely with this easy topping.
• Muffins: I use this topping all kinds of muffin recipes too. Muffins are next level delicious with a brown sugar oat topping! If you love apples, it would be especially good on apple cinnamon muffins.
• Quick breads: Any quick bread would benefit from a crumbly sugar oat topping too. You'll elevate it to bakery quality in just seconds!

How to Store Apple Crisp Topping

Want to get a head start on your homemade apple crisp? You can make this delicious crumbly topping ahead of time and store until needed. You can also prep the apples ahead of time — spritz them with lemon juice so they don't brown. Store prepared apples and topping separately until it's time to bake.

If you overshot your measurements and made too much, don't throw it out! Store leftover crisp topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it solidifies, just allow the crisp topping to come to room temperature before using it.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips and tricks for making this crunchy oat topping recipe:

• Make sure you get all of the large chunks out. It is important to break up the big chunks so that the topping can bake evenly.
• Spread this topping in an even layer over the baking dish so that the cinnamon apples are all covered in buttery sugary oats. This will also help ensure that the topping bakes evenly.
• Elevate this classic dessert by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over the apple crisp topping. Turn a cozy apple dessert into something that is reminiscent of a caramel apple!

FAQ

More Dessert Topping Recipes

• The Best Streusel Topping
• Homemade Whipped Cream
• Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
• Whipped Cream Frosting

More Apple Recipes

• Cast Iron Apple Spice Skillet Cake
• Easy Apple Pie
• Mini Apple Spice Rum Cakes
• Caramel Apple Crumble Muffins
• Spiced Apple Cider