This Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp recipe offers a comforting, classic apple dessert that’s simple to make. You’ll love its warm, spiced apples topped with a sweet, crumbly oat topping. It’s an ideal apple dessert recipe for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples: Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture in this apple dessert.
- Oats: Rolled oats are best for the topping; instant oats will become too soft.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly. A gluten-free 1:1 baking flour can be used as a substitute.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred. Margarine or a plant-based butter alternative can also be used.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that classic apple dessert flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of allspice or ground cloves.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (about 2 lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 60-70 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking for your apple dessert.
2. Mix the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the apple mixture into your 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
5. Cool and Serve
Allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This lets the filling set slightly. Enjoy your warm, delightful apple dessert.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Topping: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for extra crunch.
- Berry Boost: Mix in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) with the apples for a different fruit flavor.
- Ginger Spice: Include 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger with the other spices for a warm, zesty kick in your apple dessert.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala all work well for this apple dessert recipe.
What if my topping is too crumbly or too wet?
If it’s too crumbly, add a tiny bit more cold butter. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon more flour or oats.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the apple filling and the topping separately, then combine and bake just before serving. You can also assemble the entire crisp and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I know when the crisp is done?
The topping should be golden brown, and you should see the apple filling bubbling around the edges. A knife inserted into the apples should meet little resistance.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked apple crisp. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. For unbaked, freeze up to 3 months; for baked, up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
What do I serve with apple crisp?
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is wonderful on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.