If you’re craving a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug, this Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is just what you need. It’s the perfect treat to make any time apples are in season or you want to comfort yourself with a simple, delicious dessert. The crisp, golden topping paired with juicy baked apples and a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream is simply unbeatable.
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In the Kitchen
This Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is a foolproof crowd-pleaser, combining tender, spiced apples with a satisfyingly crunchy topping. I love how it’s approachable for bakers of all levels and comes together quickly, making it a staple for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples balances flavor and texture beautifully.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The oat and buttery crumb topping crisps just right for that perfect contrast to soft apples.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You need just pantry staples and fresh apples, no fancy gadgets or exotic spices required.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Quick prep means you can whip this up after work or have it ready for company without hassle.
Ingredients at a Glance
For the best results in this Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe, choose fresh, crisp apples and quality butter. Using a mix of apple varieties adds complexity, and fresh spices bring out the warmth that makes this dessert so comforting.
- Apples: Select firm Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness; avoid bruised fruit.
- Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter for the topping to get that crumbly texture.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats add an ideal chewy crunch – don’t substitute with instant oats.
- Spices: Fresh ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice make all the difference in flavor depth.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1 — Prep Your Apples Just Right
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Peel, core, and thinly slice about six medium apples – I find a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works wonders for flavor balance. Toss the sliced apples in a large bowl with the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also keeps the apples from browning. Make sure every apple slice is coated well; this ensures even flavor and helps thicken the juices as it bakes.
Step 2 — Craft the Perfect Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cold butter is your best friend here — add cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry mix. You’re aiming for a coarse, crumbly texture with some pea-sized bits of butter throughout. Those buttery chunks melt and create the toasty crisp topping we love. If you enjoy a little crunch, stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts right before sprinkling it evenly over the apples.
Step 3 — Bake to Toasty, Fruity Perfection
Pour the spiced apples into your prepared dish and smooth them out evenly. Then, scatter your oat topping over the apples, covering as much as possible without packing it down. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a rich golden brown and you can pierce the apples easily with a fork. The smell filling your kitchen by then is pure magic—I always find this part the hardest to wait for!
Step 4 — Let It Rest Before Serving
Once baked, pull the apple crisp out and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This rest time helps the juices settle so you won’t end up with a soggy bottom or frustratingly hot filling. After resting, it’s time for the best part—serving! Scoop into bowls and top generously with vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm, spiced apples and cold, creamy ice cream is what makes this Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe a timeless favorite.
Things to Remember
There are a few key tips I’ve learned from making this Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe dozens of times that help keep your dessert perfect every time.
- Doneness Cue: Look for bubbling juices around the edges and a deep golden topping for ideal texture.
- Temperature Trick: Bake at 350°F (175°C) to allow the apples to cook through without burning the topping.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can assemble the crisp a day before and refrigerate it, then bake fresh just before serving.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid slicing apples too thick; thin slices bake more evenly and absorb flavors better.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
For a classic take on Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe, a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream works wonders. I sometimes drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top, which adds a silky sweetness that ties everything together perfectly. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon can also elevate your presentation and flavor.
Plays Well With
This dessert shines when paired with a hot cup of coffee or a mellow sweet tea. For a surprising twist, a splash of bourbon in the caramel sauce adds depth without overpowering the crisp flavors. It’s also delightful alongside a scoop of slightly salted ice cream for a sweet-salty contrast.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Make your Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe feel special with minimal effort by serving it in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Garnish each serving with a cinnamon stick or fresh apple slices for a rustic, inviting look. It’s these small touches that make the dessert feel homemade and thoughtful.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple crisp stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You’ll notice the topping softens a bit over time, but a quick reheat will bring back much of its crunch. I recommend reheating only the portion you plan to eat to retain the freshest texture.
Freezing Tips
This Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe freezes well—wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. Keep in mind that the topping may be less crispy after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying out your crisp, heat it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through. If you’re short on time, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, but watch carefully to avoid sogginess. A quick blast in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes can also revive crispness effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Mixing tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best balance of flavor and texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as alternatives to cornstarch. These also help thicken the juices to keep the filling from being runny.
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts provides a nice crunch and richer flavor, but it’s totally optional based on your preference or allergies.
You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. This makes it a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so timeless about warm apple crisp with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the top—it’s comfort food that never gets old. This Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is one I often return to when I want a quick but impressive dessert that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas. I hope these tips and steps help you feel confident making your own batch, perfect every time. Enjoy the simple joy of this classic treat as much as I do!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
A classic Apple Crisp recipe featuring a tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling topped with a buttery oat crumble. Baked to golden perfection and served warm with creamy vanilla ice cream and optional caramel sauce for a comforting dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 900 g total)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (50 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (1 g)
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (0.5 g)
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (100 g)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (65 g)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100 g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (115 g)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) (60 g)
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Assemble Filling: Transfer the coated apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Add Butter to Topping: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture, using a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into coarse crumbs, ensuring small pea-sized pieces of butter remain.
- Add Nuts: Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts if using, for added texture and flavor.
- Top the Apples: Evenly sprinkle the oat topping mixture over the apple layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to settle and the crisp to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Serve the apple crisp warm, scooping into bowls and topping generously with vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.
- Ensure butter is cold when incorporating into the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Letting the crisp cool briefly helps it set and prevents burns when serving.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add wonderful crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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