
Apple crisp recipes can be fussy. Too many ingredients, finicky butter temperatures, mushy apples. The key is to not overthink it.
This is a truly accidental recipe- born out of the simple truth that I am TERRIBLE at remembering to defrost butter (which I routinely store in the freezer. I had peeled a mountain of apples from one of my CSA
My solution was to microwave it – which I am notoriously not so great at – it went from an icy stick to a liquid puddle in just a few minutes. But embracing that moment is what has led to a version that I – and most of those around me – now prefer.
This recipe is very flexible and scalable- depending on how many apples in your fridge need a new home! I typically use an 8 x 8 pan (or comparable), but I have also made this in a 9 x 13 dish, round casseroles, and individual ramekins.

For the Apple Crisp Filling:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel, core and slice or chop 3-8 apples, depending on size of apples and baking dish. If desired, sprinkle sugar and/or cinnamon over apples before topping.
And the topping:
For a small baking dish, melt 1 stick (½ cup) butter in a large glass measuring cup. Stir in ½ cup EACH old fashioned oat, brown sugar and flour. Add a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted. You may adjust the texture of this as you like by adding more dry or wet ingredients. Spread or dollop topping on apples and bake for 30-60 minutes, depending on size. Apples should be bubbly and topping should be golden brown. Serve warm, ideally with cream of your choice – poured, whipped, or iced!

Accidental Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 3-8 apples depending on size
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2-3/4 cup butter
- 1/2-3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2-3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2-3/4 cup all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Peel, core and slice or chop 3-8 apples, depending on size of apples and baking dish. If desired, sprinkle sugar and/or cinnamon over apples before topping.
- For a small baking dish, melt 1 stick (½ cup) butter in large glass measuring cup.
- Stir in ½ cup EACH old fashioned oats, brown sugar and flour. Add a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted. You may adjust the texture of this as you like by adding more dry or wet ingredients.
- Spread or dollop topping on apples and bake for 30-60 minutes, depending on size. Apples should be bubbly and topping should be golden brown.
Notes
For another great treat using fresh produce, consider the zucchini bread recipe here.
For more recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest.
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