Easy and Healthier Apple Crisp with Oat and Pecan Topping

Warm apple crisp with a buttery pecan oat topping served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Easy and Healthier Apple Crisp with Oat and Pecan Topping

This easy and healthier apple crisp features fresh apples tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, then topped with a buttery oat and pecan crumble. Baked until golden and bubbly, it's the perfect cozy fall dessert!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

resting time15

Total Time1 30

Servings:

Calories: 423kcal

Equipment

9x13 baking dish
12-inch oven-safe skillet
Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

Apple Filling

8 medium crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons arrowroot starch or cornstarch
⅓ cup brown sugar

Oat and Pecan Topping

½ cup butter melted
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour or oat flour
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 12-inch oven-safe skillet or a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even ¼- to ⅓-inch slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add the lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, arrowroot starch or cornstarch, and brown sugar. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared skillet or baking dish and spread into an even layer.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, rolled oats, flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples without pressing it down too firmly.
Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, the filling is bubbling around the edges, and the apples are fork-tender.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Honeycrisp apples are my favorite, but Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady apples work well, too.
If using a 9x13-inch baking dish, start checking for doneness around 35–40 minutes.
Baking time will vary depending on the depth of the apple layer. If preparing apples ahead, toss them with a little lemon juice to help prevent browning.
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Let the crisp rest before serving so the apple filling can thicken.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Nutrition