Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe

Okay, picture this: it’s a chilly autumn evening, the leaves are doing that gorgeous color-changing thing, and the air smells like cinnamon and everything cozy. What’s the perfect dessert for a night like that? For me, it’s always been an Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe. I’d even say, it triumphs over the classic apple pie, because let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t want to deal with a pie crust. This is easier, faster, and honestly? Just as comforting. Think warm, tender apples, a buttery, crumbly topping, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Are you drooling yet? Because I am! Every bite feels like a warm hug, and it’s a dish that’s been a staple in my family for generations. My grandma used to make it, my mom makes it, and now, I’m sharing it with you.
What is an old-fashioned apple crisp?
What is apple crisp? Think of it as deconstructed apple pie’s more relaxed, down-to-earth cousin. It’s essentially a baked dessert featuring topped with sweet, spiced apples. What is a crumbly o What’s the beauty of pie? You just toss together some apples, mix up the topping, and bake it until golden and bubbly. The “old-fashioned” part simply refers to the traditional method of making it, using wholesome ingredients. What are the ingredients and a straightforward approach. No fancy techniques or hard to find ingredients here! Is it the kind of dessert that’s been passed down through families for years? What are some of the easiest ways to make a tomato soup? What is the best apple dessert?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? I could sing praises of this Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe for days, and that’s because it really is. What I love most is that it tastes absolutely amazing. You get that warm, sweet, slightly tart flavor from the apples, combined with the rich, buttery, and sour apples. What is the flavor of the topping? Is it a flavor explosion in your mouth? I’m not a baker, but I can nail this recipe. Is there any complicated step to do? I am the kind of person who loves easy dessert recipes, this apple crisp recipe will become one of them. What are your favorite apple recipes?
What is cost? What are the best ingredients for an apple? What pantry staples do you have on hand? Is it a budget-friendly dessert that won’t break the bank? Can you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? ), or with a dollop of whipped cream, or just on its own. What are some great ways to enjoy your breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a chilly evening? What are some good summer fruit desserts? How do you make an old-fashioned apple crisp? It’s a classic and it has stood the test of time. I’ve been making it for years, and I’ve never had anyone turn down a slice!
How can I make Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe?
Quick Overview
What makes this apple crisp as easy as pie? How do you toss sliced apples with some spices and a bit of flour? What’s a good crumb topping recipe? I like to layer apples in a baking dish, sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, and bake until golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool. Golden brown and bubbly. Is it easy to cook in the oven for 20 minutes? What are some of the best apple-cinnamon scents to bake? Is this one of those desserts that always impresses, even though it’s so simple to make?
Ingredients Notes
For the Apple Filling:
Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or mix – I like a little tartness to balance the sweetness.
All-purpose Flour: Just a tablespoon, helps thicken the juices as it bakes.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a lovely caramel flavor.
What is cinnamon and nutmeg What are some good fall spices to add?
A little acidity to brighten up the flavors and prevent the apples from browning too much.
For the Crisp Topping:
What is Rolled Oats?
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping together.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture.
Granulated Sugar: For extra sweetness and a slightly different texture.
Cold Butter: Cut into small cubes – the key to a crumbly topping.
Cinnamon: A little more cinnamon to tie the topping and filling together.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent apple crisp from sticking to the bottom? I always do this step first because I hate getting halfway through a recipe and realizing I forgot to do it.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour helps to thicken the apple juices, preventing the crisp from becoming too watery. How do you make sure the spices are evenly distributed in your mouth?
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside. Add the cubed butter to a bowl. Mix well. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is smooth. What is coarse crumbs? The colder the butter, the better the crumbly texture will be. If you don’t have a pastry blender, just make sure to work with your fingers. How do I make sure the butter doesn’t melt too much?
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
How do I make an apple mixture in a baking dish? Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface. What is the perfect apple-to-crisp ratio? If you notice any large clumps of butter in the topping, break them up with your fingers for a more uniform texture. Even distribution.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The topping should be nicely browned and the apple filling must be bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last time. 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. Why does apple filling thicken slightly? Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Or both!
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is the best old-fashioned apple crisp recipe? What are
For Breakfast:Start your day off right by serving a small portion of the crisp with some Greek yogurt. What is the best way to serve granola What is a good morning tea to serve with coffee?
For Brunch:How do you serve your brunch spread with vanilla ice cream? To each serving. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for a festive touch.
As Dessert:What are some of the best flavors for vanilla ice cream? Maple ice cream. For a lighter option, whipped cream or crème fraîche works wonderfully. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds extra flavor and texture.
For Cozy Snacks:On a chilly evening, apple crisp is the perfect way to warm up. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or milk for extra comfort.
My family loves it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and sprinkle of chopped pecans. What is the best way to end a meal? I even sneak a bite straight from the fridge sometimes – don’t judge!
What are some of the best ways to make Apple Crisps?
I’ve made this Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe countless times, and over the years, I have picked up some new recipes. How do I make it perfect every single time?
Apple Prep:What type of apple you use can make a big difference in the final result. I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness. Make sure to peel and slice the apples evenly, about 14 inch thick, so they cook evenly.
Mixing Advice:When making the crisp topping, it’s important to keep the butter cold. How do you create a crumbly texture? If butter gets too warm, the topping will be greasy and won’t crisp up properly. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is smooth. What is coarse crumbs?
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have rolled oats on hand, you can substitute with chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. For a gluten-free option, use gluten free all-purpose flour blend. If you prefer a less sweet crisp, reduce the amount of sugar to your liking. The amount of brown sugar and granulated sugar in the topping.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the crisp while it’s baking. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will prevent the topping from burning. The crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Glaze Variations: While a glaze isn’t traditional, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a nice finishing touch. For a more decadent option, try drizzling with a warm bourbon caramel sauce or a homemade vanilla bean glaze. I have even added a bit of maple syrup to the topping when it is baking. Trust me, it makes it taste like a dessert from a fancy brunch.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store it and reheat it to enjoy later.
Room Temperature: You can store the apple crisp at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. I usually leave it on the counter if I know we’ll be eating it the next day.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the apple crisp for up to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Refrigerating it is the best way to prevent it from going bad too soon.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to freeze the apple crisp, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven.
Reheating: To reheat the apple crisp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crisp. I like to add a fresh scoop of ice cream on top after reheating – it’s like having a brand new dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s a comforting classic that brings back memories of cozy autumn evenings and family gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and utterly delicious. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert that will impress your family and friends, look no further. I am pretty sure you are going to love it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other cozy dessert recipes, like my classic peach cobbler or my easy blueberry crumble. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Share your variations and tips – I’m always looking for new ways to make this classic even better. Happy baking!

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups apples peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, salt, and nutmeg until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting dessert on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.