Apple Crisp with Canned Apple Pie Filling

If you are looking for a deliciously simple dessert - this apple crisp is the one! It's quick and easy to make with canned apple pie filling and bursting with warm gooey flavor from tender apples, crunchy rolled oats, and cinnamon-sugar. Yum!

This isn't just any apple crisp- it's an apple crisp that takes shortcuts seriously, using canned apple pie filling to speed up the process without sacrificing any of that homemade taste. 

I have always loved a good apple crisp, but just don't often have the time to peel, core, and slice all of those apples. So after being inspired by the popularity of my peach crisp made with canned peaches, I decided to try a similar hack here with this apple version. 

And it turned out so much better than I could have thought! 

This easy apple crisp is: 

• Effortless: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and handy canned apples, it's practically making itself.
• Family friendly: The kids will love making and eating this dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for a casual family dinner or a more festive gathering.
• Total comfort food.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rolled Oats

For that perfect crunch, use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different.

Brown Sugar

It adds that deep, caramel-like sweetness. If you're out, combine white sugar with a tablespoon of molasses for a handy substitute.

Canned Apple Pie Filling

The star of the show! Any brand of canned apple pie filling works, like Comstock More Fruit Apple Pie Filling. If you're feeling adventurous or have extra time, homemade apple pie filling could also be used.

Butter

You can never have too much butter. It brings everything together, literally, and makes the topping irresistibly crumbly and delicious. Coconut oil is a good alternative for a dairy-free version.

Helpful Tips & Variations

Top with ice cream! 

Apple crisp is best served with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or for a lighter option, try it with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.

Add Nuts

Add some walnuts, almonds or pecans to the topping for a little extra crunch and nuttiness.

Spice It Up

Feel free to experiment with spices. A dash of nutmeg or allspice can elevate the flavors in your apple crisp. Or try some pumpkin pie spice for a fun fall twist.

Berry Bliss

Who says you must stick to apples? Mix a handful of fresh blueberries or blackberries in with the canned apples for a burst of fruity flavor.

Top it with a sauce

A homemade fudge sauce or sweet caramel sauce would be a great final touch.

Make it Vegan

Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Serve it with your favorite nice cream! 

Storing & Freezing

The apple crisp will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator in a covered container. I recommend reheating in the oven to get the crunchy finish back!

To freeze, let the baked apple crisp cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly (or divide it into freezer-safe containers) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and the topping crisps up again.

Apple Crisp vs. Apple Crumble (and Cobbler)

Apple crisp, apple crumble and apple cobbler are close cousins, and the names are often used interchangeably. A crisp has a streusel-style topping made with oats, like this one, that bakes up crunchy and golden. A crumble usually has a flour, butter and sugar topping (sometimes with oats, too) that comes out a little sandier. A cobbler is topped with biscuit or cake-style dough instead.

If you were searching for an apple crumble with canned apples, this oat-topped version is what you are looking for. Want to turn it into a pie? Try our Easy Apple Crumble Pie, or browse our best apple recipes.

Apple Crisp FAQs

Can you make apple crisp with canned apple pie filling?

Yes! That is exactly what this recipe does. Canned filling is already sliced, sweetened and spiced, so you skip the peeling, coring and slicing and go straight to the oat topping.

Do I need to drain the apple pie filling?

No. Pour the filling, syrup and all, into the baking dish. As it bakes, the syrup bubbles up around the apples for a saucy, gooey filling under the crisp topping.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats give the best crunch. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture of the topping will be slightly different.

Can I use a different pie filling?

Yes. Cherry, blueberry or peach pie filling all work with the same topping and method. Just keep an eye on the crisp near the end of baking. You can also try our Peach Crisp with canned peaches.

Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it up to a day ahead, store it covered in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the oven so the topping crisps up again before serving.

More Tasty Recipes

If you love this easy apple crisp, be sure to check out these other delicious treats: 

• Peach Crisp (with canned peaches!)
• Apple Baked Oatmeal
• 15+ Best Apple Recipes

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