Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp: A Timeless Dessert

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s simple to make, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall (or any season!). Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort food experience.

What is this Recipe?

Apple crisp is a classic dessert made with a layer of sweet, spiced apples topped with a crispy, crumbly mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Unlike apple pie, there’s no need for a fussy crust—just layer, bake, and enjoy! This recipe stays true to the old-fashioned version, with a focus on simplicity and flavor.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or equipment required—just mix, layer, and bake.
  • Comforting Flavors: Warm apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy topping are the ultimate comfort combo.
  • Versatile: Perfect for dessert, breakfast, or even a sweet snack.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, and great for potlucks or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic dessert. I’ve also included substitutions and variations to suit different dietary preferences:

For the Apple Filling

  • 6-7 medium apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your apples.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, spiced flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth to the spice profile (optional).
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the filling.

For the Crisp Topping

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and crunch.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For structure. Use gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For extra sweetness and crispiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the apples.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed: Cold butter is key to achieving a crumbly topping.

Optional Add-Ins or Toppings

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream: For serving.

How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp

Follow these simple steps to create this comforting dessert:

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices (about 1/4-inch thick).
  3. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

  1. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. (If using nuts, add them here.)

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

  1. Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate treat.

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp turns out perfectly every time:

  1. Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor and texture.
  2. Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter is essential for a crumbly, crispy topping. If the butter melts too much, the topping can become dense.
  3. Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your apples before adding sugar. If they’re very sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the filling.
  4. Add Nuts or Spices: Customize the topping with chopped nuts or extra spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
  5. Don’t Overmix the Topping: Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping.
  6. Make Ahead: Assemble the crisp ahead of time and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.
  7. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispiness.
  8. Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and double all the ingredients.