If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a timeless classic that balances tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crumbly, buttery topping made of oats and brown sugar. The magic lies in its simplicity—using straightforward ingredients you probably already have, it transforms into a cozy, nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dessert or a centerpiece for sharing with loved ones, this recipe invites you to savor the comforting flavors of fall all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing together flavors and textures that deliver old-fashioned charm with minimal fuss. From the sweet and tangy apples to the crispy oat topping, these simple essentials create the heart of a homemade dessert that tastes like pure love.
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped: These apples offer a sweet, mellow flavor and firm texture that softens beautifully when baked.
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps draw juices from the apples for a luscious filling.
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the apples with warm, spicy notes that complement their natural sweetness.
- 1½ tsp lemon juice: Brightens the apples and prevents browning for a fresh, vibrant taste.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Gives the topping its rich caramel undertones and moist texture.
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats: Provides a rustic crunch and hearty texture to the crisp topping.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Binds the topping ingredients together while keeping it tender and crumbly.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds extra warmth and depth to the topping for balanced flavor.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes: The key to that irresistibly flaky, crumbly topping that melts into every bite.
How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish liberally with butter or non-stick spray; this simple step ensures your crispy delight won’t stick and will slide right out when it’s ready to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss your peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The lemon juice not only prevents browning but also adds a lovely brightness that lifts the sweetness of the apples. Once everything is evenly coated, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer.
Step 3: Make the Topping
Grab another bowl to combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Then, add the cold, diced butter. Using a pastry cutter or your clean hands, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until you get pea-sized clumps sprinkled throughout the mixture. This crumbly texture is what makes the topping so wonderfully crisp and flaky after baking.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Gently spread the topping evenly over the apple filling, pressing lightly to help it adhere. Then pop your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a gorgeous golden brown, and the apple juices have bubbled up through the cracks, filling your kitchen with that irresistible warm-spicy aroma.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe warm straight from the oven. It’s absolutely divine topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream, which adds a creamy contrast to the crisp’s crunchy topping and tender fruit.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped walnuts or pecans adds an extra crunch and nutty contrast to the sweet, buttery crisp topping. A dash of ground cinnamon dusted on top right before serving also highlights the cozy spice theme and makes it visually inviting.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream to balance the warm, spiced apples. If you prefer something lighter, a dollop of Greek yogurt can add a tangy depth as well, making each bite refreshing and velvety.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. For a rustic touch, layer the crisp in a trifle dish with alternating layers of whipped cream, or add warm caramel drizzle over the top to amplify that fall-flavored indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your apple crisp, let any leftovers cool completely before covering them tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions briefly in the microwave or oven for a freshly baked feel.
Freezing
If you want to make the most of your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the crisp in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time, usually an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Reheating
To bring your crisp back to life, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warm and bubbling. Microwaving works too, but the oven ensures the topping stays wonderfully crisp instead of soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While golden delicious apples are perfect for their balance of sweetness and firmness, you can substitute with Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just keep in mind that firmer apples hold their shape better during baking.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is traditional and results in a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer extra fiber and a bit of added color in your crisp. Just be sure to wash them well and chop them smaller if keeping the skins on.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This adjustment keeps the crisp delicious while accommodating dietary needs.
What is the best way to achieve a crunchy topping?
Use cold butter and avoid over-mixing when combining the topping ingredients. Keeping the butter chilled helps create small clumps that bake into a beautifully crisp and flaky texture.
How do I prevent the apple filling from being too runny?
The combination of sugar, oats, and flour in the topping helps absorb excess moisture. Also, baking until bubbling and golden encourages the juices to thicken naturally. If you prefer a thicker filling, toss the apples with a bit of cornstarch before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is a timeless dessert that never fails to bring smiles and cozy vibes to the table. Its simple ingredients and straightforward process make it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, while the warm, comforting flavors keep everyone coming back for seconds. I highly encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy of a classic apple crisp that feels made just for you.
Print
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a comforting and classic dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat crumb. Perfectly baked to golden brown perfection, it’s a quick and simple treat that pairs wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or sliced)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine light brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the cold unsalted butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the topping forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the crumb topping evenly over the apple filling, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender underneath.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- You can substitute golden delicious apples with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tangier or sweeter flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Make sure the butter is cold before mixing into the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the topping adds extra crunch and flavor.
