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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
If you’re craving something sweet but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this Lazy Girl’s Apple Crisp is your new go-to. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a warm, comforting flavor, this recipe is practically impossible to mess up. Plus, it’s budget-friendly — perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings without spending a fortune.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Only 6 Ingredients – No complicated steps here!
✅ Budget-Friendly – Costs about $4 to make a family-sized dessert.
✅ Foolproof & Flexible – Even if you measure nothing perfectly, it still turns out amazing.
✅ Great for Beginners – If you can stir, you can make this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (any variety) | 4-5 large apples | Opt for budget-friendly varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup | Granulated or brown sugar both work! |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. |
| Oats (quick or old-fashioned) | 1 cup | Oats add texture and crunch without costing much. |
| Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup | Margarine or coconut oil works for a vegan option. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup | Pantry staple that helps create a crispy topping. |
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- 1/4 cup raisins for added sweetness.
- Caramel drizzle for an extra indulgent touch.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Peel and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them in a bowl with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Spread them evenly in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, melted butter, the remaining sugar, and the remaining cinnamon. Stir until crumbly.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Budget Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
| Apples (5 large) | $2.00 |
| Sugar (1/2 cup) | $0.25 |
| Oats (1 cup) | $0.30 |
| Butter (1/2 cup) | $0.75 |
| Flour (1/2 cup) | $0.15 |
Total Cost: $4.00 (serves 4-6)
Creative Twists
✅ Maple Apple Crisp: Swap the sugar for maple syrup for a richer taste.
✅ Spiced Apple Crisp: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for warm fall vibes.
✅ Cranberry Apple Crisp: Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries for a tart kick.
Pro Tips for Apple Crisp Perfection
✅ Don’t Overthink the Apples: Mix and match different apple types for extra flavor complexity.
✅ Add a Crunchy Boost: Sprinkle extra oats or nuts on top before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
✅ Want it Healthier? Reduce the butter by half and drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top instead.
Perfect Pairings
- DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte – A cozy fall drink to sip alongside your warm apple crisp.
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream – Because warm apple crisp + cold ice cream = perfection.
Internal Links for More Budget Desserts
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars
- 5-Minute Microwave Mug Cake
- Chocolate Banana Ice Cream – The 2-Ingredient Wonder
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-40 seconds to revive the crispy topping.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked apple crisp for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thought
This Lazy Girl’s Apple Crisp proves that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of room for creativity, this budget dessert is bound to become a family favorite.
Whip it up tonight and let me know what delicious twists you tried!
