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apple crisp vs crumble

Apple Crisp vs Apple Crumble Recipe (Beginner-Friendly Two-in-One Guide)

A simple, cozy guide showing you how to make both desserts in the apple crisp vs apple crumble recipe debate. Learn the difference, get clear steps, and bake the version that fits your taste today.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Home-Style
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple Base (for both recipes)
  • 6 medium apples Honeycrisp Honeycrisp,Gala, or Fuji
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp flour Helps reduce liquid
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
Crisp Topping (Version 1 — Crunchy Oat Crisp)
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¼ cup butter
Crumble Topping (Version 2 — Soft, No-Oat Crumble)
  • ½ cup flour
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup butter

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl For apples
  • 1 Mixing bowl For toppings
  • 1 8×8 inch baking dish Any similar size works
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife To slice apples
  • 1 Measuring cups
  • 1 Measuring spoons

Method
 

Apple Base
  1. Slice the apples into thin pieces or small chunks.
  2. Place the apples in a bowl and mix with sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt.
  3. Spread the apple mixture evenly in a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
Apple Crisp Version (with Oats)
  1. In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly.
  2. Spread this oat topping evenly over the apples.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until the top is crisp and golden.
  4. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Apple Crumble Version (No Oats)
  1. Mix flour, sugar, and butter together until soft, sandy crumbs form.
  2. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until golden and tender.
  4. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, mix 1 sweet apple + 1 tart apple (e.g., Honeycrisp + Granny Smith).
  • Make the topping thin, not thick — it bakes better and avoids doughy texture.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice to the apples if you prefer more brightness.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 dish.