Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

If you’re craving a warm, cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the comforting scents of cinnamon, butter, and sweet apples—then this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is just the recipe you need! Think tender, spiced apples tucked beneath a crispy, golden topping that’s perfectly buttery and crumbly. It’s the kind of dessert that reminds you of home, family, and autumn afternoons, no matter the season. Trust me, this one will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, this apple crisp delivers on every level. It’s simple, delicious, and feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Here’s why this classic dessert will quickly become a favorite:

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Tart

The apples bring just the right amount of sweetness, balanced with a hint of tartness—especially if you mix in some Granny Smiths. The cinnamon-sugar mixture perfectly complements the apples without overwhelming them.

Easy to Make

No complicated techniques here! This recipe uses basic ingredients that come together easily. All you need is a bit of stirring, some patience while it bakes, and you’ve got a dessert that’s bound to impress.

Buttery, Crumbly Topping

The crisp topping is the star of the show! A mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar forms a golden, crumbly crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apples underneath.

Serve It Warm

There’s something about a warm apple crisp that just makes it perfect. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’re in dessert heaven.

Classic Comfort Food

Apple crisp is one of those nostalgic desserts that remind you of family gatherings, fall festivals, or Sunday dinners. It’s a classic for a reason—always a crowd-pleaser and never goes out of style.

Ingredients

This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp recipe uses a handful of pantry staples to create a rich and flavorful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

Apples

For the filling, you want apples that hold their shape and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both work wonderfully.

Sugar

Both brown sugar and white granulated sugar are used in the filling to sweeten the apples and create that irresistible syrupy goodness.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg

These warm spices give the filling its comforting flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add a pinch of cloves or ginger!

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the apples and helps balance out the sweetness.

Butter

Melted butter forms the base of the crispy topping and gives it that golden, irresistible texture.

Oats

Old-fashioned rolled oats create that perfect crumble on top. They give the crisp topping a satisfying chewiness that pairs beautifully with the tender apples.

Flour

A bit of all-purpose flour helps to hold the topping together, giving it a slight crunch without being too thick or doughy.

Vanilla Extract

A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of both the apples and the topping. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! This apple crisp is incredibly straightforward and easy to make.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when the crisp is assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them into a large bowl. Sprinkle the apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly. The topping should have a sandy texture with small clumps.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Evenly spread the crisp topping over the apples in the baking dish. It doesn’t have to be perfect—some areas can have a little more topping, some a little less. The unevenness adds to the charm!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. You might want to check the crisp halfway through and loosely cover it with foil if it’s browning too quickly.

Step 6: Let It Cool (But Not Too Long!)

Once the crisp is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the juices settle and make it easier to serve—but don’t wait too long to dig in! The best part is still ahead.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop a generous serving into bowls, and for the ultimate indulgence, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more indulgent with a few fun pairings. Here are some ideas:

Vanilla Ice Cream

The classic combo! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm apple crisp is a match made in dessert heaven. The cold creaminess balances the warmth of the apples beautifully.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a fluffy, light contrast to the richness of the crisp. You can even add a little vanilla or cinnamon to the whipped cream for extra flavor.

Caramel Sauce

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over your apple crisp for a little extra sweetness and depth.

Tea or Coffee

For a more refined touch, pair this crisp with a cup of tea or coffee. A strong, dark roast coffee or a spiced chai would be perfect to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Additional Tips

Use Different Apples

Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite combination! A mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal, but you can also use all one type if you prefer.

Make it Ahead of Time

This apple crisp can be assembled a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake! You can also prepare the topping ahead and keep it in the fridge.

Add Nuts

If you love a little crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping. They’ll toast up beautifully while baking and add extra flavor.

Make it Gluten-Free

To make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven to enjoy it again. It’s just as good the second time around!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
A1: Fresh apples are best for this recipe, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Q2: Can I make this without oats?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the oats with crushed graham crackers or even a mixture of flour and chopped nuts for a different texture.

Q3: Can I freeze apple crisp?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze apple crisp before baking, or after baking it. Just make sure it’s tightly covered. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q4: How do I know when the apple crisp is done?
A4: The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the topping should be golden and crispy. If you’re unsure, give it a few extra minutes in the oven.

Q5: How can I make this healthier?
A5: You can reduce the sugar or swap it for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. You can also use whole-wheat flour or almond flour in the topping for a slightly healthier option.

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This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s warm, sweet, and comforting, with a delicious combination of tender apples and a buttery, crispy topping. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Enjoy!

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