If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable fall dessert, Old Fashioned Apple Crisp absolutely needs to be at the top of your list. This cozy classic pairs tender, sweet apples with a crumbly, buttery oat topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven. Every spoonful offers comforting warmth and simple flavors that feel like home, making this a bake everyone will want seconds of—especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into all those juicy apples. Whether you’re new to baking or a dessert pro, this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp will steal the show at any gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is how it transforms a handful of honest, everyday ingredients into something absolutely delicious. Each element brings something special, so take a peek at these essentials before you start baking!
- Apples (6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced): The heart of the crisp—choose a mix of varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness to the apples, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides that irresistible, warm spice that screams autumn comfort.
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): A splash brightens the apples and keeps them from browning.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (1 cup): These give the topping its signature chewy, hearty texture.
- All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): Helps bind the topping and creates a delightful crumble.
- Light Brown Sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Infuses the crisp with a deep, caramel sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, nutty warmth to complement the cinnamon.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): The secret to that delicious crumble—cold butter keeps the topping light and crisp.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for serving, optional): The ultimate finishing touch—creamy, dreamy, and totally optional (but highly recommended!).
How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready to bake. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of butter or nonstick spray; this keeps the apples from sticking and makes scooping out servings a breeze.
Step 2: Toss the Apples
Grab a large bowl and add your sliced apples. Sprinkle over the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Give everything a good toss until the apples look evenly coated and glistening with cinnamon goodness. Spread them out evenly in your prepared dish.
Step 3: Mix the Topping
In another large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, light brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or a sturdy fork, work the butter into the dry mix until you have a chunky, crumbly mixture that looks like coarse sand with some pea-sized bits of butter throughout. This is what gives Old Fashioned Apple Crisp its iconic texture!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle that beautiful, crumbly oat topping evenly over the apples, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for tender baked apples with a golden, bubbly crisp topper that smells amazing and looks even better!
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let your Old Fashioned Apple Crisp cool for about 10 minutes out of the oven—just enough to thicken the juices and keep you from burning your mouth. Scoop into bowls while still warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pure bliss!
How to Serve Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Garnishes
A shake of ground cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can take your Old Fashioned Apple Crisp from “wow” to “WOW.” Don’t underestimate the power of a little fresh contrast—try thin ribbons of lemon zest or even a few pomegranate seeds in the fall for color and zing.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider. If you want to keep it classic, a chilled glass of milk balances the sweetness beautifully. For a special holiday touch, serve it alongside a cheese board with sharp cheddar—old-school, but so good!
Creative Ways to Present
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a casual treat, but you can dress it up! Try baking individual portions in ramekins for a charming dinner party finale. Or layer the baked crisp with ice cream in parfait glasses for a pretty presentation. It even makes a fabulous topping for pancakes or waffles at brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cool your apple crisp to room temperature, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, making for an easy treat whenever a craving hits.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Old Fashioned Apple Crisp! Let it cool completely first, then wrap well and store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat apple crisp in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on top—about 15 to 20 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the topping may soften a bit. Either way, it will be delicious!
FAQs
Which apples are best for an Old Fashioned Apple Crisp?
Firm, flavorful apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or even a blend of several varieties work best for texture and taste. Mixing tart and sweet types keeps the dessert from turning mushy or overly sweet.
Can I make the crisp topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the oat topping up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, then spread it over the apples and proceed as usual.
Is it possible to make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as tasty and crowd-pleasing.
Could I add nuts or other fruits?
Go for it! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch to the topping, and berries or pears mixed with the apples make for a fun twist. Just keep proportions about the same, and you’re set.
Why is my apple crisp topping not crunchy?
If your topping seems soggy, it could be due to too much butter or not baking long enough. Make sure your butter is cold and use the upper end of the baking time to ensure a golden, crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless and utterly joyful about sharing an Old Fashioned Apple Crisp with friends or family—warm from the oven, scented with cinnamon and buttery oats. Don’t wait for a special occasion; any chilly evening is the perfect excuse. Give this recipe a try, and I think you’ll fall in love as much as I have!
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Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp recipe is a classic dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Oat Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
- Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides a nice balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
