Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe You’ll Love

There’s nothing like the smell of Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp baking in the oven—warm, spiced apples bubbling beneath a golden, buttery oat topping. This timeless dessert is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to bring back memories of cozy fall days.

Apple crisp is perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want a comforting dessert without the fuss of making a pie crust. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this dish is pure nostalgia in every bite. Let’s bake some happiness!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Tools:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
• Peeler and apple corer
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

1. Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape while baking and provide a nice tart balance to the sweet topping.
2. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and enhances the flavor of the filling.
3. Balance the Topping: For a perfectly crumbly topping, make sure your butter is fully melted and evenly mixed with the dry ingredients.
4. Pre-Chill the Topping (Optional): For an extra crisp texture, chill the topping in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling it over the apples.
5. Serve Warm: Apple crisp is best enjoyed warm from the oven, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the spiced apple filling.

Substitutions and Variations

• Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a deeper flavor. You can also substitute pears or a mix of apples and berries.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and certified gluten-free oats.
• Add Nuts: Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch.
• Less Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the filling or topping by 1/4 cup for a less sweet dessert.
• Extra Spices: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

• Prepare in Advance: Assemble the apple crisp (both filling and topping) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the crisp, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.

Instructions: How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 cup flour. Mix until the apples are evenly coated, then spread them evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup oats, 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Gently press the topping down with your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.

Step 5: Bake the Crisp

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the apple crisp cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled apple crisp in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for when you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and bursting with the flavors of fall. With its tender spiced apples and crunchy oat topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or as a simple weeknight treat, this dessert is always a hit!

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out. Did you stick with the classic or add your own twist? I’d love to hear about your apple crisp adventures in the comments below. Happy baking!