If you are craving a dessert that speaks of warmth, nostalgia, and cozy home kitchens, this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe is your perfect go-to. Bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a satisfyingly crunchy oat crumble, this classic treat feels like a big hug on a chilly day. It’s wonderfully simple to make but so richly satisfying that it often steals the spotlight at any family gathering or casual dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this apple crisp will quickly become a treasured favorite you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From crisp apples that provide natural sweetness and tartness, to the oaty crumble that adds delightful texture, every component plays a key role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors.
- 6-7 medium apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold shape after baking.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just enough without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice that’s essential in apple desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a slightly nutty layer of flavor that complements cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the filling, making it perfectly luscious.
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides hearty texture and a rustic feel to the topping.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the crumble so it’s satisfyingly crumbly.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel sweetness and moist crumb topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the oat topping’s spice profile for continuity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth quality in the crumble.
How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go once your apple crisp is assembled. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and add a touch of buttery flavor to the edges.
Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a large mixing bowl, combine your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch if you’re using it. Make sure every piece of apple is coated evenly so each bite captures that perfect balance of sweet and spiced goodness. This step ensures the fruit stays fresh and achieves a luscious consistency once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Oat Crumble Topping
Next, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Add in the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs with little pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This uneven texture is crucial because it creates that signature crisp topping with tender pockets of buttery flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Then, generously sprinkle the oat crumble topping all over the apples, making sure to cover them fully for an even bake and that perfect crunchy crust on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling with fragrant juices. To keep the topping from browning too quickly, check around 30 minutes and tent loosely with aluminum foil if needed. This careful baking ensures the fruit is tender but not mushy and the topping remains beautifully crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your apple crisp cool for a few minutes to allow the juices to thicken just slightly. This little wait makes serving easier and the texture even more enjoyable. Now, it’s ready to bring smiles to your table.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
While the crisp is incredible all on its own, some simple garnishes can elevate it to dessert royalty. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over warm apples is pure magic. Whipped cream adds a light, airy finish, while a drizzle of sticky caramel sauce introduces an extra layer of indulgence that’s deeply satisfying.
Side Dishes
This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides depending on the occasion. For a casual treat, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai. At dinner parties, a dollop of crème fraîche or a small bowl of sharp cheddar cheese can wonderfully complement the sweet and tart flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in rustic ramekins or mason jars for a charming presentation. You can also add chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and visual appeal. Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving can enhance all the flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover apple crisp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the crisp but don’t bake it, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
To reheat your crisp, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that perfect crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their tartness and texture, you can mix in Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter or more complex flavor.
Is the cornstarch necessary?
Cornstarch is optional but recommended if you want a thicker, less runny filling. It gives the apple juices a lovely glaze-like consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a delicious, allergy-friendly version.
What’s the best way to peel apples quickly?
A good vegetable peeler or an apple peeler tool makes the job much faster and easier compared to peeling with a knife.
How long can I store leftovers in the freezer?
For optimal flavor and texture, consume frozen apple crisp within two months. After that, it may still be okay but the quality could decline.
Final Thoughts
Making this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe is like capturing the essence of comfort and tradition in a single dish. It’s approachable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply savoring after a long day. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find that the warm, cozy flavors make this crisp one of those recipes you’ll want to keep returning to, no matter the season.
Print
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced apples baked under a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. With a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors from Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, this easy-to-make apple crisp is an ideal treat for fall or any time you crave a warm homemade dessert. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6–7 medium apples (about 5 cups), peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
Crumble Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cornstarch. Mix until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices to enhance flavor and thicken the filling during baking.
- Make crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter chunks. This creates a crisp, crumbly topping.
- Assemble the crisp: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely to ensure an even bake and crunchy texture.
- Bake the crisp: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Check after about 30 minutes; if the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing apples to cook through.
- Cool and serve: Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the filling if you prefer less juice.
- Butter should be cold when cutting into the topping mixture to create a crumbly texture.
- Cover the crisp with foil if the topping browns too fast before apples are cooked through.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
