Apple crisp is one of those timeless desserts that never goes out of style. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples tucked beneath a buttery oat topping, this old-fashioned recipe is the kind of cozy, comforting treat you’ll come back to every fall—or any time of year. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes just like grandma used to make.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavor: Sweet, spiced apples and a golden, crisp topping
- Simple ingredients: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items
- Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and fills the house with amazing aroma
- Customizable: Use your favorite apples and optional add-ins like nuts or caramel
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake it fresh or reheat for easy serving
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 6 medium golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (about 6–7 cups)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
For the crisp topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. - Mix the Apples
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir well, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. - Make the Topping
In another bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter (or two forks) to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Assemble the Crisp
Evenly spread the topping over the apples and gently press it down to cover them. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. - Serve Warm
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~65g
- Fat: ~17g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugar: ~40g
Note: Values vary by apple type and topping portion.
Tips & Variations
- Best apples for crisp: Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, or a mix
- To peel or not to peel: Your call! Peeled gives a softer texture; unpeeled adds rustic charm
- Add crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping
- Make it gluten-free: Use GF oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Not too sweet? Add a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8×8-inch dish.
- In a bowl, toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Add to dish.
- Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Spread topping over apples.
- Bake 40–50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
– To reduce liquid, add 1 Tbsp flour to the apple mixture
– Can be baked ahead and reheated
FAQs
Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it fully, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20–30 minutes.
Can I freeze it?
While not tested by all, many readers freeze it successfully after baking. Let it cool completely first.
What’s the best topping?
Vanilla ice cream is classic, but try salted caramel sauce or whipped cream for an upgrade.
Conclusion
This apple crisp is the ultimate nostalgic dessert—warm, spiced apples with a golden oat topping that’s crispy in all the right places. Whether you’re celebrating fall or just craving something sweet and simple, this recipe hits all the right notes. Don’t forget the ice cream!