Apple Crisp a la Mode Dessert Recipe

Is there anything more frustrating than making a “kid-friendly” dessert, only to have your little one poke at it and declare it “weird”? I feel that deep in my soul. After one too many dessert stand-offs, I went on a mission to find a sweet treat that would actually get eaten by everyone at the table. If you love apple desserts, you might also enjoy our easy Apple Fritter Bread.

My saving grace? This incredibly simple Apple Crisp a la Mode Dessert. It’s the hero of our fall evenings. The magic is in the familiar: sweet baked apples, a crunchy oat topping, and a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. It’s cozy, it’s customizable, and best of all, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I promise you, this isn’t a fussy, chef-y recipe. It’s the kind of dessert you can throw together while helping with homework. Let’s make a dessert that disappears without a single complaint.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dessert
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6-8

Why Even My Picky Eaters Love This!

I’ve learned that winning over picky palates is all about familiar textures and controlled choices. This dessert nails both.

The oat topping bakes into a cookie-like crumble that kids instantly recognize and adore. The apples soften into sweet, jammy goodness. And the vanilla ice cream? That’s the ultimate “safe” food that ties it all together.

Plus, they can see all the components. There are no hidden “surprises.” If they just want a bowl of ice cream with a sprinkle of crisp topping? That’s a win. We’re building positive food experiences here, one spoonful at a time.

Our Family-Friendly Ingredient List

I keep things simple. You probably have most of this in your pantry right now.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples (I use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Oat Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (the non-negotiable finishing touch!)

How to Get the Kids Involved in Cooking This

Getting kids in the kitchen is my secret weapon. When they help make it, they’re way more likely to try it.

My little ones have two favorite jobs. First, they love mixing the dry ingredients for the oat topping with their clean hands. Let them get in there and feel the texture! Second, sprinkling the topping over the apples is a perfect task for small helpers. It makes them feel proud and invested in the final product. For another great baking project with kids, try our simple Cinnamon Apple Bread.

The Full Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t let the baking time fool you. The active work is super quick and easy. Here’s exactly how I do it.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or similar baking dish.
2. Peel and slice your apples. I like slices about 1/4-inch thick. Toss them in a big bowl with the lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt over the apples. Stir until every slice is coated. Pour this into your prepared baking dish.
4. Now, make the topping. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Pour the melted butter over the oat mixture. Stir with a fork until everything is moist and crumbly.
6. Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples. Don’t press it down—let it stay loose and crumbly!
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
8. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This is the hardest part! Then, scoop it into bowls and top with a big scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.

Fun Twists for Different Tastes

One recipe doesn’t have to mean one flavor! Here’s how we mix it up for our family’s different preferences.

For my sensitive kid who doesn’t like things “mixed,” I serve it deconstructed: a bowl of plain vanilla ice cream, a small scoop of warm apples, and a little pile of the crisp topping on the side. They can dip and combine at their own pace.

For the adults or adventurous eaters, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping. A tiny pinch of nutmeg in the apple filling is also lovely. And for a real treat, drizzle a little caramel sauce over everything before serving.

Storing & Reheating (Perfect for Busy Nights)

This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover the dish tightly.

It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I just pop a single-serving portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. The topping stays surprisingly crisp! You can also reheat a larger portion, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Notes

While this is definitely a dessert, I love that it includes fruit and oats! Here’s a simple look at what’s in it.

• Apples provide fiber and vitamin C.
• Oats add whole grains and more fiber.
• Using a mix of sugars can help balance sweetness.
• You can boost the nutrition by serving with a smaller scoop of ice cream or even a dollop of Greek yogurt.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?

I don’t recommend it. Quick oats are cut smaller and will give you a more powdery, less chunky topping. Old-fashioned oats give you that perfect, hearty crunch we all love.

Do I have to peel the apples?

You don’t *have* to, but I always do for my kids. The peels can get a bit chewy when baked, and that’s a common texture turn-off for picky eaters. Peeling makes the filling super smooth and inviting.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

I use a mix for the best flavor and texture! Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add a little tartness. Sweeter apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, break down more and create a wonderful saucy filling. Using two kinds is my best trick.

So there you have it—our family’s go-to dessert that actually gets eaten. It fills the house with the most amazing cinnamon smell and creates a moment of pure joy around the table. If you’re looking for another fantastic breakfast or brunch treat with similar flavors, you must try our Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

That’s what it’s all about, right? Less stress, more sweet moments. I really hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home, too.

I’d love to know if this was a hit with your family! Did your kids help sprinkle the topping? What’s their favorite part? Please leave a comment and rating below!