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The Recipe · No.260 · Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp, and where to source it

Apple Crisp — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Apple Crisp American 5best2buy.com

Use a firm tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp so the slices hold their shape instead of collapsing into applesauce. The topping crisps only if the butter is cold and cut in, not melted; melted butter makes it clump and bake greasy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook40 min
Makesone 8-inch pan, 6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 8 servings
Old-fashioned oats
The backbone of the crisp topping; rolled oats, not instant, for real crunch.
1 cup
All-purpose flour
Binds the topping and thickens the fruit juices.
3/4 cup
Brown sugar
Its molasses gives the topping its deep caramel flavor as it bakes.
3/4 cup
Butter
Cold and cubed, cut into the topping so it bakes into crunchy clusters.
1/2 cup
Cinnamon
The main spice; a pinch of nutmeg rounds it out.
2 tsp
Tart apples
Firm baking apples like Granny Smith hold their shape; peel and slice about six.
6 apples, sliced
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerSheet pan
The Method
  1. Toss the applesToss the sliced apples with 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp flour, the cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon, then spread in a buttered 8-inch dish.
  2. Make the toppingRub the cold butter into the oats, flour, and brown sugar with your fingers until it holds in clumps.
  3. TopScatter the crumble evenly over the apples, leaving some texture rather than packing it flat.
  4. BakeBake at 350F for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples bubble at the edges and pierce tender.
  5. RestCool 10 minutes so the juices thicken; serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
The Toolkit

8-inch baking dish · Peeler · Mixing bowls · Pastry blender · Apple corer

Straight Answers
Can you make Apple Crisp in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.

Can you freeze Apple Crisp? — Yes

Yes — freeze it well-wrapped, then reheat or toast straight from frozen. Frost or glaze after thawing.

Can you make Apple Crisp ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Apple Crisp gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).

Is Apple Crisp vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.260

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