Why I’ll Love Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
I love how simple this recipe is to prepare with everyday pantry ingredients.
I enjoy the combination of soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy buttery topping.
I appreciate that it comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for weeknight desserts or family gatherings.
I like that I can use different apple varieties depending on what I have available.
I find that it tastes amazing on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
Spiced apples
6 golden delicious apples peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced)
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 it may have a slightly different 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
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F and butter an 8×8 baking dish or coat it with non-stick cooking spray.
I combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl until evenly coated.
I transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
In another bowl, I combine the light brown sugar, old fashioned oats, flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.
I cut the cold diced butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, two forks, or my hands until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
I evenly spread the crisp topping over the apples and gently pat it into an even layer.
I bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
I let the crisp cool slightly before serving it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if I like.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 301 per serving
Variations
I like using Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples for slightly different flavors and textures.
I sometimes mix two or three apple varieties to create a more complex flavor.
I enjoy adding a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice for extra warmth.
I occasionally stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch.
I like serving it with salted caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When I want to reheat it, I let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake it at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
I can also warm individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, although the topping stays crispest when reheated in the oven.
I have found that many home bakers freeze baked apple crisp successfully for longer storage. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
I can use nearly any baking apple, including Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or a combination for more depth of flavor.
Do I have to peel the apples?
I prefer peeling them for the softest texture, but I can leave the skins on if I enjoy a little extra texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
I can substitute my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
Why is my apple crisp watery?
I know some apples release more juice than others. If I want to reduce excess liquid, I can mix a little all-purpose flour into the apple filling before baking.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
I like baking it the day before, refrigerating it after it cools, and reheating it before serving.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
I can freeze the baked crisp once it has cooled completely, then thaw it overnight before reheating.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
I look for a golden brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges of the baking dish.
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
I can use quick oats, although I know the topping will have a slightly different texture.
What should I serve with apple crisp?
I love serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or salted caramel sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
I can easily double the ingredients and bake everything in a larger baking dish, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Conclusion
I always come back to this old fashioned easy apple crisp because it delivers comforting flavors with very little effort. The combination of juicy cinnamon apples and a buttery oat topping never goes out of style, making it a dessert I enjoy serving for holidays, family dinners, or whenever I want a classic homemade treat.
This old fashioned easy apple crisp features tender cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a buttery golden oat topping. It’s a comforting homemade dessert that’s delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Author:Amy
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:6 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or other baking apples, chopped or sliced)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup old fashioned oats (or quick oats)
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
Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter or lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and kosher salt.
Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples and gently pat it into an even layer.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or salted caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
Use Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, or a blend of apples for different flavors.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice for extra warmth.
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 30 minutes or microwave individual servings for 30 to 60 seconds.
Baked apple crisp can be frozen, thawed overnight in the refrigerator, and reheated before serving.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats.
