About the Recipe
Apple Crisp has been one of my go-to desserts for years - simple, cozy, and always a favorite when apples are in season. What makes this version different from other apple crisps is the browned butter and orange zest in the topping, which give it a nutty richness and a bright little lift. I also used Selefina Spices Harvest Spice Blend as part of a commissioned collaboration, which pulls all the warm spices together in the easiest way. If you don’t have the blend on hand, I’ve included the individual spices you can use to get the same flavor.
If you’re looking for more apple inspiration, you might enjoy my Baked Apples for a simple fall dessert, my Apple Marzipan Babka for something a little more show-stopping, or my Apple Cider Donuts, an apple season must!
Q: What kind of apples should I use? A mix of firm-sweet (like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady) and firm-tart (like Granny Smith) works best for both flavor and texture.
Q: Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. For the crispiest topping, brown the butter fresh before mixing it in.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use certified gluten-free oats and swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: Can I use the spice mix substitute instead of Harvest Spice Blend?Absolutely! Just measure out the substitute spices separately for the apples and topping (you’ll need slightly different amounts for each).
Q: How should I store leftovers? Cover and keep at room temperature for 1 day, refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a crisp topping.
Q: Can I add other fruits? Yes! Pears, cranberries, or even a pear-apple combo work beautifully with the warm spices of this recipe.
What You'll Love
An elevated classic: The browned butter and orange zest make this apple crisp stand out from the rest.
Cozy yet effortless: Simple to throw together, but tastes like something special.
Flexible and forgiving: Works with many apple varieties, or even pears if you’d like a twist.
Holiday-worthy aroma: Your kitchen will smell like cinnamon, citrus, and toasted oats while it bakes.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredints Explained
Apples – Use a mix of tart and sweet varieties (like Honeycrisp and Cortland) for balanced flavor and texture.
Brown butter – Slowly melting and toasting the butter transforms it into a fragrant, nutty base that elevates the crisp far beyond the ordinary.
Oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats create that perfect rustic crumble texture. Quick oats can make the topping too soft.
Flour – Helps bind the crumble and gives it structure.
Brown sugar – Adds depth and molasses richness that complements the brown butter’s nuttiness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg – Classic warming spices that bring the apples to life.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma - a small touch that makes the crisp taste bakery-worthy.
Lemon juice – Balances the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning.
Orange zest – The secret twist! Adds brightness and subtle citrus perfume that lifts the richness of the brown butter.
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
6 medium apples (about 900 g), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
2 tbsp lemon juice
⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp Harvest Spice Blend or the following spice mix:
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cardamom
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
Tiny pinch of white pepper (optional)
For the topping:
1 cup (100 g) rolled oats
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
½ tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp Harvest Spice Blend or the following spice mix:
¾ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of cardamom
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of allspice
Pinch of cloves
Tiny pinch of white pepper (optional)
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
Zest of 1 medium orange
Optional: ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking dish or similar.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, flour, and Harvest Spice Blend (or alternative mix of spices). Spread evenly in the baking dish.
Brown the butter: Place butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt, then cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty (3–5 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes.
Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and Harvest Spice Blend. Pour in the warm brown butter and orange zest mixture, stirring until clumps form. Stir in nuts if using.
Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Note: The oat topping will not cover the apples completely and this is O.K. Apple crisp toppings often look a little sparse before baking because the apples will settle and the topping will spread out as it bakes. Once it’s golden and bubbling, that “sparse” topping turns into a deliciously crisp, crumbly layer that covers the apples perfectly.
Bake: 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature: Cover loosely and keep at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. The topping will soften, but the flavors deepen.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to crisp the topping again.
Freezing: Freeze fully baked and cooled crisp, well wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Recipe Card
Chef's Notes
Brown butter like a pro: Melt butter over medium heat, swirling until it turns golden and smells nutty. Watch closely - it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds.
Add zest at the right time: Stir orange zest into the crumble topping after browning the butter so its oils stay fresh and aromatic.
Texture matters: Chill the topping briefly before baking - cold butter = crisp crumble.
Serving idea: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt and an extra drizzle of brown butter or maple syrup.
Flavor twist: Add a splash of Calvados (apple brandy) to the filling for a grown-up dessert version.
Storage Tips
Room temperature: Keeps beautifully for 1 day, lightly covered.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze baked crisp for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through and crisp on top.
Re-crisp tip: To revive the topping, reheat portions in a low oven rather than microwaving.