Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in nostalgia with every warm, cinnamon-kissed bite, this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is sure to steal your heart. Bursting with juicy apples under a buttery, crumbly oat topping, it’s comfort food at its finest and couldn’t be simpler to make. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because apples are in season, this is the perfect way to bring a little joy (and a mouthwatering aroma) into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp doesn’t fuss with complicated steps or exotic ingredients. Every element is purposeful, building layers of flavor that come together in a rustic symphony of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors—so don’t skip a thing!
- Apples (6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced): Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for the perfect balance and a hearty apple bite.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps the apples from browning and brightens their flavor for that classic crisp zing.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and draws out the juicy goodness from the apples as they bake.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds the spicy warmth you crave in an autumn dessert.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 cup): Create that irresistibly chewy, golden topping unique to a true Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Gives the topping structure, so you get perfect nooks and crannies in every scoop.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Brings rich caramel notes and a little extra color to your crisp topping.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to make every flavor pop and keep the sweetness from overwhelming the dish.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): It’s subtle but essential, adding a gently nutty, spiced undertone.
- Unsalted Butter, melted (1/2 cup): Helps everything brown up beautifully while keeping that topping sumptuously tender.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for serving): Completely optional, but highly recommended for the ultimate indulgence!
How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, peel, core, and slice your apples, then toss them into a big mixing bowl. Drizzle them with lemon juice, sprinkle in the granulated sugar and cinnamon, then give it all a gentle toss. The lemon not only preserves their color but also melds wonderfully with the sugar and spice to set the stage for that mouthwatering apple filling.
Step 2: Arrange the Apples
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (a little butter or spray works perfectly), and spread your dressed apples out evenly. Take a moment to admire their juicy simplicity—you’re already halfway to something magical! Spreading them out ensures every forkful delivers that signature sweet-tart apple burst.
Step 3: Mix the Crisp Topping
In a new bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Don’t rush; this is where the magic for that Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp comes together. Pour in the melted butter and stir patiently until clumps start to form. It should look crumbly, like coarse sand or chunky cookie dough—totally irresistible even before it bakes!
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Scatter the oat topping evenly over your apple layer, making sure to get right to the corners. The secret: don’t pack it down! That way, the topping bakes up crisp and golden, never dense. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is deeply golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up in sweet, sticky rivers from underneath. Your kitchen will smell like a cozy autumn day.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp cool for a few minutes to set the filling, but for the best experience, serve it warm (not hot) in generous scoops. Don’t forget a big dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—trust me, the contrast of warm and cold is where the true magic happens.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Garnishes
Give your classic crisp a finishing touch with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted nuts for crunch. For a showstopping presentation, dust lightly with powdered sugar right before serving, or drizzle with a little caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Fresh mint leaves or even a few apple slices fanned on top can brighten up the plate for special occasions.
Side Dishes
While this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is absolutely stellar on its own, it pairs nicely with a sharp, aged cheddar on the side, which balances out the sweetness (a true throwback to traditional New England apple pies!). Or, try it with a refreshing fruit salad for a lighter and fresher contrast to the rich, spiced crisp.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, bake the crisp in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own mini dessert. Want to be extra fancy? Layer warm crisp with vanilla ice cream in parfait glasses for an easy apple trifle. During the holidays, serve it from a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm—and don’t forget, a big spoon in the center always invites people to dig in together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil or transfer your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; it’ll keep its lovely flavor, though the topping may lose some crunch (which can easily be rescued with a quick reheat).
Freezing
This crisp freezes beautifully! You can freeze the baked crisp, well wrapped, for up to three months. For best results, let it cool completely before freezing, and cover with both plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and your dessert will taste just like you remembered.
Reheating
To bring back the just-baked crispiness, pop portions into a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. Microwaving works in a pinch (about 1-2 minutes per serving), though the topping will be a bit softer. Reheat only what you plan to eat so every bite remains as irresistibly inviting as the first!
FAQs
What’s the best apple variety for Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp?
Mix it up! Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and provide a tangy base, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp add natural sweetness and juiciness. The combination brings incredible depth to your crisp.
Can I prepare Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble your crisp a few hours ahead, keep it in the fridge (uncooked), and bake when you’re ready. Alternatively, bake it entirely, cover, and store. Just reheat before serving for a freshly made feel.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the regular flour for a good-quality gluten-free blend, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as comforting and delicious—no one will know the difference!
What if I want a nutty topping?
You can absolutely add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture. They’ll toast up perfectly in the oven for extra crunch and a hint of earthy richness.
Is it possible to make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan-friendly alternative like coconut oil or plant-based margarine, and top with non-dairy ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a vegan treat everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of homey flavors, simple ingredients, and the undeniable joy that comes from sharing good food. If you’re searching for a dessert that always feels like a hug, you’ve just found it. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of sweet apples and spiced oats—you won’t regret it!
Print
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and simple recipe for Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp that brings together tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Spread the apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the topping: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Serve: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a nuttier topping, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Enhance flavor with a tablespoon of maple syrup mixed with the apples.
- To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
