Apple Crisp Recipe McIntosh Apples Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 16, 2025

Nothing evokes the cozy feeling of autumn quite like the warm, comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. If you’re looking for the perfect dessert that combines the tartness of fresh apples with a sweet, crunchy topping, this Apple Crisp Recipe using McIntosh apples is an absolute must-try.

McIntosh apples bring a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors, and their tender texture softens beautifully when baked, making them ideal for this classic treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, this apple crisp will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

This recipe is straightforward but yields a deliciously textured dessert that’s perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Read on to discover why this apple crisp is so beloved and how you can make it effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple crisp recipe stands out because it perfectly highlights the unique qualities of McIntosh apples. Their natural tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet, buttery crisp topping, creating a harmonious flavor explosion in every bite.

The crumble topping is made from simple pantry staples—brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and butter—that come together to form a crunchy, golden crust.

It’s also incredibly versatile: you can easily tweak the spices or add nuts for extra texture. Plus, it’s a one-dish dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for topping

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler and apple corer
  • Pastry cutter or fork (for mixing butter into oats and flour)
  • Oven mitts
  • Cooling rack
  • Sharp knife

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the McIntosh apples into approximately ¼ inch thick slices. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl and toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Add sugar and spices: Sprinkle the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the apple slices. Toss well to coat all the apples evenly. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  4. Make the crisp topping: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold butter into the oat mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. If using nuts, stir them in now.
  5. Assemble the apple crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apple layer in the baking dish, making sure to cover the apples completely.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a cooling rack. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite topping.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of apple cider to the apple mixture before baking.”

Here are some ideas to customize your apple crisp:

  • Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom for a warming twist.
  • Nutty crunch: Toast walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds before adding them to the topping for added depth.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free oats and substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
  • Make it vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
  • Apple mix: While McIntosh apples are perfect for their tartness, you can add other apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a complex flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 52 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugar 35 g
Sodium 150 mg

(Values are approximate and based on 8 servings)

Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp is best enjoyed warm, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:

  • Top with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a classic pairing.
  • Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or cinnamon-spiced yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
  • Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or mulled cider for a perfect fall dessert.

For more cozy dessert ideas that complement this apple crisp, check out our Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy or try a refreshing Apple Pie Smoothie Vegetarian Recipe for Healthy Mornings.

Conclusion

This McIntosh apple crisp recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall with a simple, satisfying dessert. Its balance of tart apples and sweet, crunchy topping creates a comforting treat that’s sure to impress your family and guests.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dessert any day of the week without fuss.

Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering or enjoy it as a cozy night-in dessert, the warm spices and tender apples will fill your home with irresistible aromas and your palate with delightful flavor.

Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to make it your own, and explore other delicious recipes on our site for more culinary inspiration.

For more wholesome and delicious recipes, be sure to visit our guides such as Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas, perfect for complementing your dessert with vibrant, healthy meals.

📖 Recipe Card: Apple Crisp Recipe McIntosh

Description: A classic apple crisp featuring tart McIntosh apples topped with a buttery oat crumble. Perfectly spiced and baked until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Spread apple mixture evenly in a greased 9×9 inch baking dish.
  4. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
  5. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Sprinkle oat mixture evenly over apples.
  7. Bake for 40 minutes or until topping is golden and apples are tender.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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