Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
Spiced apples
6 golden delicious apples peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Crisp topping:
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup old fashioned oats quick oats can be used, but it may have a slightly different texture
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter diced into small cubes
Instructions:
Prepare;
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Butter an 8x8 baking dish, or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Make spiced apples;
In a mixing bowl, add chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp of the cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir to combine, then transfer to prepared baking dish.
Make topping;
In a separate mixing bowl, add topping ingredients (brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter).
Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the oat mixture, using a slight downward twisting motion, until mixture resembled pea-sized crumbs. Alternatively, you can use two forks or even your hands to cut butter into the mixture.
Bake:
Spread topping over apples in baking dish, and gently pat to even it out. Bake 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve:
Serve warm and enjoy! We love to top ours with some vanilla bean ice cream, or whipped cream.
Notes:
(1.) The amount of chopped apples would be about 6-7 cups.
(2.) Note that all ovens bake differently, so yours may take a little less or a little more time to bake.
(3.) I don't have an issue with my crisp being watery (due to the water content in the apples), but if a little juice at the bottom is something you want to avoid, you can try adding a little all purpose flour to the apple mixture.
Make-Ahead Directions:
Bake as directed. After the crisp cools, cover and refrigerate until the next day. When you’re ready to reheat, set it out at room temp for 20 minutes or so, then bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until hot throughout.
I haven’t tested assembling this ahead of time (although I’m pretty sure other readers have done this successfully – you’d have to check the other comments).
I haven't tested freezing this recipe, although many other readers have frozen it successfully.
Nutrition
Calories: 301kcal
Apple crisp is a timeless dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a crumbly, buttery topping, making it a favorite comfort food especially in the fall season. This recipe uses golden delicious apples, known for their balance of sweetness and tartness, but you can experiment with other apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Fuji to adjust the flavor profile to your liking. When selecting oats for the topping, traditional old fashioned rolled oats provide a heartier texture, while quick oats will give a slightly softer and finer consistency — so choose based on your texture preference. The use of cold, unsalted butter is key to creating pea-sized crumbs in the topping, which becomes crisp and golden when baked, delivering a satisfying crunch. A splash of lemon juice not only enhances the apples’ flavor but also prevents them from browning during preparation. The ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice, beautifully complementing the fruit and oats. For baking, it is important to preheat the oven to 350°F and use a buttered or non-stick sprayed baking dish to prevent sticking. The baking time of 40 to 50 minutes allows the topping to become bubbly and golden brown while ensuring the apples soften just right. Keep an eye on your unique oven as baking times can vary slightly. To enjoy at its best, serve this apple crisp warm, topped with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an indulgent treat. The recipe also offers flexibility for make-ahead preparation: bake ahead and refrigerate, then reheat for convenience, making it a great option for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights. Some prefer to reduce excess liquid that naturally occurs from the apples by mixing in a bit of all-purpose flour with the fruit. This can help the crisp hold together better and prevent a watery bottom layer. For those who love to prepare desserts in advance, community feedback suggests that apple crisp can be assembled ahead of time or even frozen successfully, although results may vary and slight adjustments in baking time after freezing might be necessary. Overall, this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings together wholesome ingredients and nostalgic flavors, perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s a versatile recipe that invites personalization through apple variety, topping texture, and serving accompaniments.
