Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Classic Apple Crisp (Warm, Buttery & Easy to Make)

Sarah Smith
Oct 31, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 25, 2025

a white bowl of cooked apples crisp topped with a scooped of ice cream.

When the air turns crisp, and apples are in season, nothing hits the spot quite like homemade Apple Crisp. It’s sweet, cinnamon-spiced, and full of that nostalgic fall flavor — the kind of dessert that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing.

This easy recipe combines tender baked apples with a crunchy, buttery oat topping that’s simple to make and always comforting. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch. This cozy apple crisp is perfect with classic sweet potato casserole or carrot cake. It also makes a sweet finish to a brown sugar-glazed ham dinner.

Recipe Card

Servings: 6–8 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Crisp Topping:

1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, combine apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until well coated. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for depth of flavor.
Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
To make ahead: assemble the crisp and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking.
Double the topping if you love extra crunch!
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days — reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Apple Crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert — simple, warm, and full of homemade goodness. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and cozy.

FAQ

Q: What apples work best for apple crisp? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji hold their shape and give the perfect sweet-tart balance.

Q: Can I make apple crisp ahead of time? Yes — assemble it ahead and refrigerate, but add the crumble topping right before baking.

Q: How do I keep the topping crispy? Use cold butter in the crumble and bake uncovered until golden.

Q: Can I freeze apple crisp? Yes — freeze unbaked or fully baked for up to 3 months. Reheat until bubbly.

Q: Can I make apple crisp gluten-free? Absolutely — use gluten-free flour and certified GF oats.