There’s something truly special about making an Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp. This dessert isn’t just about the taste—it’s about the experience. The comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples brings back memories of crisp autumn days and family gatherings. Unlike the complexity of a pie, this dish is simple to throw together but equally satisfying. The buttery, crumbly topping contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling, making it a staple dessert in many homes. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a cozy treat, Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is always the perfect choice. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dessert makes the transition from fall into winter even sweeter. You’ll soon discover why generations keep coming back to the comforting simplicity of Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: No rolling pins required! Toss the ingredients together and bake.
- Incredible Flavor: Sweet and spiced apples topped with a golden crumble make every bite divine.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is easy to scale up and guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks.
- Warm and Cozy Vibes: It’s the essence of fall in dessert form—comforting and aromatic.
- Great with Ice Cream: The warmth of the crisp combined with cold ice cream is pure perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Layer
- 6 medium Golden Delicious apples – These provide a balanced sweetness without being too tart. Fuji or Honeycrisp are also great alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apples without overpowering them.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and depth to the filling.
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and subtle caramel notes.
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats – These give the topping its signature crunch.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Helps bind the crumble together.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Enhances the warmth of the dessert.
- Pinch of kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into evenly sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread them evenly across the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Dish: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture, making sure to cover all the apples. Lightly press the topping down for even baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cooking Tips
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) adds complexity to the flavor.
- Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter creates a flaky, crunchy topping. If it starts to soften, pop the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Avoid Soggy Crisp: Make sure the topping is evenly distributed and lightly pressed to avoid uneven baking.
- Watch for Bubbling Apples: The apples should be tender, and the juices should bubble at the edges—this signals that the crisp is ready.
Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
- Scaling the Recipe: If you’re making this for a crowd, double the ingredients and use a 9×13 dish instead.
- Leftover Ideas: Apple crisp is also great for breakfast—try it with some yogurt and a drizzle of honey!
- Freezing: Assemble the crisp, wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~301
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely—use plant-based butter instead of regular butter for a vegan-friendly version.
3. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional! Leaving the skins on adds texture and fiber, though the finished dish will have a more rustic feel.
4. Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crisp topping.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the unbaked dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to bring the topping back to life.
Related Recipes
If you loved this apple crisp, try these other comforting desserts:
Conclusion
This old-fashioned apple crisp is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make yet brimming with flavor. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with a crunchy oat topping, making it a dish everyone will love. Whether served as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a guaranteed hit. Best of all, it’s a versatile recipe you can tweak to your liking—try adding nuts, changing the apple varieties, or even drizzling caramel on top. This is one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again.
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Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Description
There’s something truly special about making an Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp. This dessert isn’t just about the taste—it’s about the experience. The comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples brings back memories of crisp autumn days and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Apple Layer
- 6 medium Golden Delicious apples – These provide a balanced sweetness without being too tart. Fuji or Honeycrisp are also great alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apples without overpowering them.
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings warmth and depth to the filling.
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and subtle caramel notes.
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats – These give the topping its signature crunch.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Helps bind the crumble together.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Enhances the warmth of the dessert.
- Pinch of kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes – Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly topping.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into evenly sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread them evenly across the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Dish: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture, making sure to cover all the apples. Lightly press the topping down for even baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Apple Varieties: While Golden Delicious apples are recommended, combining different varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp adds complexity with sweet-tart balance.
- Butter Temperature: Keep the butter cold to create a crumbly texture in the topping. If it softens, chill the mixture for a few minutes.
- Scaling the Recipe: Easily double this recipe and bake in a 9×13 dish for larger crowds.
- Texture Maintenance: For a crisp topping, reheat leftovers in the oven instead of the microwave to keep it crunchy.