There’s something special about enjoying apples fresh from the orchard — and you don’t have to wait until fall to start baking with them.
As early-season apples begin to arrive during the summer months, an easy summer apple crisp is a simple way to put fresh apples to good use. With tender baked apples, warm cinnamon and a buttery oat topping, this recipe offers all the comfort of a classic apple dessert while still feeling right at home at a summer gathering.
Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, looking for an easy dessert to share with family or simply searching for a new way to enjoy fresh apples, this recipe is a great place to start.
What Makes a Good Apple for Apple Crisp?
The best apples for apple crisp are varieties that maintain some texture as they bake and offer a balance of sweetness and acidity.
During the summer apple season, look for apples that are crisp and slightly tart. Using more than one variety can also add depth of flavor, combining sweeter apples with more tart varieties.
When selecting apples, choose fruit that feels firm and is free from significant bruising or soft spots.
Easy Summer Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–45 minutes
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
How to Make Summer Apple Crisp
1. Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and add the lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour and vanilla. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to a lightly greased 8-by-8-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
2. Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
Add the softened butter and work it into the dry ingredients using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
3. Bake
Bake for approximately 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling around the edges.
Allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Apple Crisp in the Summer
Apple crisp may be warm and comforting, but it can still make a perfect summer dessert.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. For something lighter, try it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla yogurt.
Hosting a cookout or summer gathering? You can also prepare the crisp earlier in the day and warm it briefly before dessert.
And while apple crisp is best known as a dessert, leftovers make a pretty good breakfast alongside a cup of coffee, too.
A Simple Way to Celebrate Summer Apples
Apples are often associated with crisp fall days, but the apple season can begin well before autumn arrives. Early-season varieties offer their own flavors and characteristics, making summer a great time to start experimenting with apple recipes.
A simple recipe like this summer apple crisp lets the apples remain the star of the dish. It requires only a handful of familiar ingredients and can easily be adapted depending on the apples you have available.
At Kelly’s Farm, we believe some of the best recipes are also the simplest — especially when they begin with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
As apple season gets underway, we’ll continue sharing ideas for enjoying apples from the farm, from classic desserts to simple everyday recipes.
Save this recipe for your next summer gathering, and check back for more fresh picks, farm updates and seasonal recipes from Kelly’s Farm.