Easy Homemade Deep-Dish Apple Crisp — A Traditional, Cozy Dessert

Deep-Dish Apple Crisp is the kind of dessert that smells like home the moment it comes out of the oven. This easy, traditional recipe turns a pile of everyday apples into a warm, crumbly, comforting deep-dish favorite — perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a calm weeknight dessert when you want something wholesome and homemade.

Introduction — A Cozy Memory

The first time I made this Deep-Dish Apple Crisp, I was a newly independent cook and too proud to admit I’d overbrowned the crust of a pie. A pan of “something else” went into the oven instead: sliced apples dusted with cinnamon and a generous oat-and-butter topping. My whole apartment filled with that cinnamon-sugar warmth, and friends knocked on the door asking for a slice. This recipe is that memory — forgiving, rustic, and always welcome.

Serve this deep-dish apple crisp after Sunday roasts, at holiday tables, or straight from the oven on a quiet weeknight. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel.

🧂 Ingredients

Makes one 9-inch deep-dish (about 8–10 servings)

Filling:

• 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6–7 medium apples) — Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar (see swaps below)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) all-purpose flour (or 2 tbsp cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Topping:

• 1 cup (120 g) old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (or 1 cup almond flour for gluten-free)
• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for vegan)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional — adds crunch and healthy fats)

To serve (optional):

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or caramel sauce

Notes: If you prefer a less-sweet crisp, reduce the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup. For a deeper flavor, use 1/4 cup apple cider or Calvados in the filling.

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a 9×9-inch baking dish (about 2–3 quart capacity).
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla until evenly coated. Let sit 5 minutes so juices begin to form.
3. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared deep-dish pan and spread into an even layer.
4. In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour (or almond flour), brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter (or coconut oil) until mixture is crumbly and clumps together. Fold in nuts if using.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, pressing gently so some topping sinks into the fruit juices.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let cool 10–15 minutes (this helps the filling set). Serve warm with scoop(s) of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of yogurt, or enjoy plain.

Total time: about 1 hour (10–15 min prep + 45–55 min bake). Serves 8–10.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Best apples: Use a mix — Granny Smith for tartness + Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. They hold shape and create great texture.
• Make it vegan: Swap butter for refined coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a vegan ice cream for serving.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour in the topping (or a mix of almond + oat flour).
• Lower-sugar swap: Replace half the granulated sugar with a monk fruit or erythritol blend that measures like sugar; taste and adjust.
• Lower-carb option: Apples are naturally higher in carbs; to cut carbs, reduce apples to 4 cups and add 2 cups diced pears or berries (still not keto). Use erythritol/stevia blend and almond flour in the topping. Note: this is a lower-carb compromise, not strict keto.
• Boost the protein: Serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mix 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder into warmed yogurt for a high-protein topping.
• Add-ins: Stir 1/2 cup dried cranberries or 1/2 cup raisins into the filling; fold in 1/4 cup chopped almonds for extra crunch.
• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 24 hours; bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
• Freeze: Bake first, then cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 325°F (160°C) until warm.
• Reheat: Microwave single servings 30–60 seconds, or warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp topping again.
• Serving suggestion: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the hot crisp with vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful sweet-salty contrast.

🩺 Health & Lifestyle Tie-in

Apples and oats are rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer — a small step toward healthier eating that can also save money on snacks and impulse spending. Adding nuts provides heart-healthy fats and a little protein. Making desserts at home like this Deep-Dish Apple Crisp lets you control sugar and ingredient quality, which is good for both your health and your wallet — small choices that can add up over time to better well-being and fewer unexpected health expenses.

❤️ Conclusion

There’s something quietly joyful about cracking into a warm, bubbling Deep-Dish Apple Crisp and sharing it with people you love. It’s simple to make, forgiving to prep, and endlessly adaptable. If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments or tag me on social — I’d love to see your version and hear about any twists you tried!

Deep-Dish Apple Crisp

This easy, traditional recipe transforms everyday apples into a warm, crumbly, comforting dessert that's perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 330

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Filling

• 8 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6–7 medium apples) Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar See swaps below
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or 2 tbsp cornstarch for a gluten-free option
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats use certified gluten-free oats if needed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour or 1 cup almond flour for gluten-free
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted or coconut oil for vegan
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional — adds crunch and healthy fats

To serve (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or caramel sauce

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour (or cornstarch), cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Assembling

1. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared deep-dish pan and spread into an even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour (or almond flour), brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter (or coconut oil) until mixture is crumbly. Fold in nuts if using.
3. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, pressing gently so some topping sinks into the fruit juices.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
2. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.

Serving

1. Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm with ice cream, yogurt, or enjoy plain.

Notes

For a less-sweet dessert, reduce the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup. To enhance flavor, substitute part of the sugar with apple cider or Calvados. Variations include making it vegan, gluten-free, and adjusting for lower sugar or carb content.