This Paula Deen Apple Crisp is a bubbly and buttery recipe, which is made with all-purpose apples and quick-cooking oats. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about an hour.
Paula Deen Apple Crisp Recipe Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 10 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons water
For the Topping:
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter, melted
How To Make Paula Deen Apple Crisp
- Prep the Oven and Apple Filling: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced apples in a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, and the cinnamon together, then sprinkle this evenly over the apples. Pour the water evenly over the top.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a large bowl, combine the oats, 1 cup of flour, the brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour in the melted butter and use a fork to mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture in the dish. Bake for about 45 minutes, until the apple filling is bubbling and the topping is a deep golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips
- What are the best apples for a crisp? For the best texture, use a firm apple that holds its shape well during baking. A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Gala provides a wonderful balance of flavor.
- How do you get an extra crispy topping? The melted butter method creates a wonderfully cohesive and crunchy topping. Be sure not to overmix it; just toss with a fork until it’s crumbly. Also, ensure you bake it long enough for the top to become a deep golden brown.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. You can assemble the entire crisp (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.
- Can I add nuts to the topping? Absolutely! A cup of chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the crumb topping before baking adds a fantastic nutty flavor and extra crunch.
What To Serve With Apple Crisp
This warm and bubbly dessert is a quintessential fall and winter treat. It is practically made to be served with something cold and creamy melting into the warm filling. The best pairings are:
- A big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A generous dollop of freshly sweetened whipped cream
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce
How To Store Apple Crisp
- Refrigerate: Cover the cooled crisp with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the topping will soften over time.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat the crisp in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping has re-crisped.
Apple Crisp Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 316kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 61g
- Protein: 2g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, a “crisp” topping, like this one, contains oats, which “crisps” up during baking. A “crumble” topping is a simpler mixture of flour, butter, and sugar without oats.
This can happen if the crisp was under-baked. Make sure the topping is a deep golden brown and the filling is actively bubbling before you remove it from the oven.
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of old-fashioned rolled oats. The topping will have a slightly chewier and more rustic texture, which is also delicious.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes Recipe
- Paula Deen Pineapple Cake Recipe
- Paula Deen Applesauce Cake Recipe

Paula Deen Apple Crisp Recipe
Description
A classic Southern dessert featuring a sweet, bubbly, cinnamon-spiced apple filling baked under a buttery, crunchy quick-oat topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the sliced apples in a 9×13-inch dish.
- Mix the white sugar, 1 tbsp flour, and cinnamon; sprinkle this over the apples. Pour the water over the top.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Notes
- The most important tip for this recipe is to let the crisp rest for at least 15 minutes after baking; this allows the hot, bubbly filling to set up properly.
- For the best flavor balance, use a firm, tart apple like a Granny Smith, or a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- Don’t be tempted to pull the crisp from the oven too early; the filling needs to be actively bubbling to ensure the flour has thickened the juices.
- This is a perfect dessert for a crowd and can be easily assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.