Apple Crisp Recipes for Thanksgiving Dessert

Cozy, Classic, and Comforting Fall Flavors in Every Bite

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, apple crisp is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that brings warmth and nostalgia to the holiday table. Unlike pies that require rolling dough and careful shaping, apple crisp is refreshingly simple to make, yet never short on flavor. It’s warm, spiced, and perfectly sweet—topped with a golden oat crumble that’s buttery, crunchy, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving gathering or just want a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade with love, this apple crisp is the perfect finishing touch to your feast. Bonus: it’s easy to customize, make ahead, and serve with your favorite toppings like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Let’s dive into how to make the perfect apple crisp for Thanksgiving—complete with tips, variations, and FAQs to guide you every step of the way.

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Why Apple Crisp is the Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert

• Simple ingredients – Most are pantry staples you already have

• Easy to prepare – No pie crust, no special tools required

• Naturally vegetarian – No meat or alcohol needed

• Perfect for make-ahead – Reheats beautifully

• Great for a crowd – Easy to double or scale down

• Pairs with ice cream, caramel, or whipped cream

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Ingredients for Classic Apple Crisp

For the Apple Filling:

• 6–8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning and brighten flavor)

• ⅓ cup maple syrup or brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)

• Pinch of salt

For the Oat Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)

• ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced (or coconut oil for dairy-free)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

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How to Make Apple Crisp Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Apples

• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or small chunks.

• Toss them with lemon juice, maple syrup (or sugar), cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.

• Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Crumble Topping

• In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

• Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly.

• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.

3. Bake the Crisp

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

• Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving (the filling will thicken as it rests).

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Best Apples to Use for Apple Crisp

A great apple crisp depends on using the right apples. For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples that hold their shape when baked.

Recommended apple varieties:

• Granny Smith – Tart, firm, perfect balance

• Honeycrisp – Sweet and crisp

• Braeburn – Spicy-sweet flavor

• Pink Lady – A touch of tart and very flavorful

• Fuji or Gala – Add mild sweetness and softness

Avoid apples that get mushy when baked, like Red Delicious.

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Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp is incredibly versatile. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (a Thanksgiving classic)

• Drizzled with dairy-free caramel sauce

• Topped with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream

• Served cold the next day with a hot cup of tea or coffee

• Layered into a breakfast parfait with yogurt and granola

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Apple Crisp Variations for Thanksgiving

Looking to mix things up? Try these fun and flavorful twists:

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple filling. The tartness adds a festive color and zing.

Apple-Pear Crisp

Use 4 apples and 2 pears for a mellow, slightly floral variation.

Nutty Crisp

Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the topping for added texture and richness.

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Swap regular flour for almond flour or a certified gluten-free blend.

Dairy-Free Version

Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in the crumble topping.

Spiced Apple Crisp

Boost the warm flavor with extra spices: add ground ginger, cardamom, or a pinch of cloves.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Option 1: Bake in Advance

• Bake the apple crisp the day before Thanksgiving.

• Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil.

• Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Option 2: Assemble and Chill

• Prepare the apple filling and topping separately.

• Assemble the crisp in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

• Bake fresh before serving.

Storage:

• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Freezer-Friendly:

• Freeze unbaked or fully baked apple crisp (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months.

• If frozen unbaked, bake directly from frozen—just add 10–15 extra minutes.

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Healthier Apple Crisp Tips

Want a lighter dessert? Here’s how to make it a little healthier without sacrificing flavor:

• Reduce the sugar – Use ¼ cup sweetener in the filling and topping

• Use maple syrup or honey – Natural sweeteners with rich taste

• Swap butter with coconut oil – Lower in saturated fat

• Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds – Boost fiber in the crumble

• Use whole wheat or oat flour – For more nutrients and texture

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FAQs – Apple Crisp for Thanksgiving

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give a better crunch.

Can I make apple crisp without oats?
Absolutely. Replace oats with extra flour or ground nuts for a crumbly streusel-style topping.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for more fiber and a rustic look.

What’s the best pan size for apple crisp?
A 9×9-inch dish works for smaller gatherings, or a 9×13-inch for larger servings.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger pan or two baking dishes and extend the bake time slightly.

How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce both the filling and topping sugar by half, or use unsweetened applesauce for part of the sweetener.

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Why This Apple Crisp Belongs on Your Thanksgiving Table

• Fast and foolproof – No fancy baking skills needed

• Warm and inviting – The aroma alone makes it worth baking

• Ideal for busy cooks – Can be made ahead or last minute

• A hit with guests of all ages – Who doesn’t love apple crisp?

• Customizable for all diets – Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options included

Whether you’re keeping Thanksgiving traditional or giving it a modern twist, this apple crisp delivers seasonal flavor, comfort, and ease all in one dish.