I’m so excited to share this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe with you because it’s genuinely one of those timeless, cozy desserts that never fails to impress. When I first tried making it, I was amazed at how the combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat topping came together so effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a comforting fall treat or a quick weekend dessert, this recipe will become your new go-to for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its Best: No fancy techniques here—just straightforward steps that anyone can follow.
- Classic Flavors: The cinnamon, lemon, and brown sugar combo brings out the best apple flavors, just like Grandma made.
- Perfect Texture: A crunchy oat topping with tender, juicy apples underneath that’s pure comfort food.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this crisp always disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is how these everyday ingredients work together so perfectly. I always suggest using golden delicious apples if you can—they soften nicely but also keep their shape, giving you those lovely apple chunks in every bite.
- Golden Delicious Apples: Their natural sweetness means you can rely less on added sugar and still get that delicious flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the apples’ sweetness without overpowering.
- Ground Cinnamon: A classic warming spice that pairs beautifully with apples; it’s a must-have here.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a subtle tang and prevents the apples from browning as you prep.
- Light Brown Sugar: This gives the crisp topping its signature caramel-like sweetness.
- Old Fashioned Oats: Choose old fashioned over quick oats for a heartier, more textured topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the oat topping and gives it that perfect, crumbly texture.
- Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness and deepen the flavors.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Cubed cold butter is key—it creates those flaky, crisp bits that make this dessert irresistible.
Variations
I love that this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is super forgiving and versatile—once you know the basics, you can make it your own! I’ve tried a few tweaks over time to suit different tastes or occasions, and I encourage you to experiment too.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture creates a warmer, deeper flavor that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat topping for an extra layer of texture and richness.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend—just keep an eye on the texture.
- Fruit Mix: Sometimes I like to mix in pears or berries with the apples for a twist on classic apple crisp.
How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling and chopping your golden delicious apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The lemon juice is a little secret I swear by—it keeps the apples nice and bright, so no brown spots before baking. Make sure everything is evenly coated so every bite has that lovely sweet-tart balance.
Step 2: Mix the Crisp Topping
While the apples marinate, whisk together the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. Then cut in your cold butter cubes using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks until the mixture looks crumbly and clumpy—kind of like coarse sand. This step is where the magic happens: those little butter pockets create a perfectly crispy and flaky topping as it bakes.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the apple mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apples, covering every spot because you want that crunch everywhere. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown topping and bubbling apples underneath—this means it’s ready!
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, give it about 10 minutes to cool slightly—that way, the juices set a bit and won’t run everywhere when you scoop. I love serving this with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling warm salted caramel sauce on top. Trust me, this is where the “old fashioned” comfort gets turned into an indulgent treat!
Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Choosing Apples: I’ve found that mixing tart and sweet apples can give a more dynamic flavor, but sticking to golden delicious is foolproof if you want simplicity.
- Butter Temperature: Always use cold butter for the topping. I learned this the hard way—soft butter just makes a soggy topping instead of the crisp crunch you want.
- Even Layering: Spread topping evenly, but don’t press it down. Keeping it loose helps it bake up crumbly and crisp instead of dense.
- Watch Your Bake Time: If your topping browns too fast, tent with foil to prevent burning while the apples finish cooking through.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
I almost always top this crisp with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream because the cold, smooth ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples and crispy topping. On special occasions, I drizzle salted caramel sauce for that extra sweet-salty kick that makes it irresistible. If I’m feeling festive, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This apple crisp pairs beautifully with a simple cup of strong black coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For holiday dinners, it makes a perfect complement to roasted pork or glazed ham, adding a sweet finish to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I love using individual ramekins instead of a big baking dish—it’s a charming way to serve guests, and everyone gets a perfect portion. You could also try layering the apple crisp in glass jars with whipped cream for a rustic trifle vibe. It’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover any leftover apple crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze apple crisp! I like to freeze just before baking: prepare the crisp, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, just add extra baking time until bubbly and warmed through.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover apple crisp in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top. Avoid microwaving if possible because the topping can get soggy. That oven warmth brings back the fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling every time.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for this apple crisp?
Absolutely! While golden delicious apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and texture, you can mix or substitute with Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just keep in mind that different apples may affect the texture slightly—as some soften faster than others.
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Can I make the crisp topping ahead of time?
Yes! The oat and butter topping can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just keep it covered so the butter doesn’t soften too much before baking. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle it over the apples and proceed as usual.
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What kind of oats should I use for the topping?
I recommend old fashioned rolled oats because they provide a hearty texture and hold up well when baked. Quick oats can work, but the topping will be a bit softer and less crunchy.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can! Swap the butter for a firm coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and crisp.
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How do I know when the apple crisp is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown topping that’s crisp to the touch and apple filling that’s bubbly along the edges. You can test by poking a fork in the apples—they should be tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
Making this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe always feels like a warm hug from the past. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and just so easy to pull together anytime you want something comforting but not complicated. I hope you give it a go—you’ll quickly see why my family goes crazy for this dessert, and it might just become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too!
Print
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a nostalgic dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat and brown sugar crumble. Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, this classic apple crisp is comforting and delightful. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or sliced, other varieties can be used)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats (quick oats can be used, but may slightly change texture)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop (or slice) the apples into uniform pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. This mixture will provide the juicy and flavorful base of the crisp.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, old fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the cold, diced unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping will become golden and crunchy when baked.
- Assemble the Apple Crisp: Transfer the coated apple mixture into a baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the oat and brown sugar topping evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dessert is delicious served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for enhanced indulgence.
Notes
- This easy apple crisp is made the old fashioned way like Grandma used to make, providing a classic and comforting dessert experience.
- Golden delicious apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, but other apple varieties can be substituted based on preference.
- Quick oats can be used in place of old fashioned oats for a slightly different topping texture, but old fashioned oats yield the best traditional crisp.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel sauce to elevate the dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 301 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
