When crisp autumn air swirls around the kitchen, nothing brings me more joy than preparing a big, bubbling dish of Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp. This classic dessert transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into a soul-warming treat with irresistibly tender apples under a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you of childhood baking sessions, family gatherings, and the magic of comfort food. Plus, it’s super approachable whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro wanting something stress-free and crowd-pleasing. If you’re searching for an easy way to capture fall in dessert form, Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is your go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp lies in its simple pantry staples, each playing a starring role in flavor and texture. Let’s break down just why you shouldn’t skip a single one.
- Apples: Pick tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of juicy and tangy, and don’t forget to peel and slice them for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Lemon Juice: A splash keeps your apples bright and lively, preventing browning and balancing out the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Brings out the natural juices in the apples to create that luscious, syrupy filling.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warms up the filling, adding that nostalgic, cozy flavor you expect from apple desserts.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch deepens the spice profile and makes every bite fragrant.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: The secret to an irresistibly chewy and crisp topping—don’t substitute with instant oats!
- All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the topping so it stays crumbly rather than cakey.
- Light Brown Sugar: Lends a caramel note and helps the topping brown to perfection.
- Unsalted Butter: Using cold, cubed butter ensures the topping bakes up with that signature rustic crumble.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the sweet and spicy notes in the dish.
How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish a light coating with nonstick spray or butter. This step keeps your crisp from sticking and makes serving so much easier—plus, it helps you get those beautiful, clean edges when you dish out “just one more scoop.”
Step 2: Toss the Apples
In a large bowl, combine your peeled and sliced tart apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a gentle toss until the apples are nicely coated. This not only infuses the fruit with spice and brightness but also ensures a juicy, thickened filling as the crisp bakes.
Step 3: Load the Baking Dish
Pour the spiced apple mixture evenly into your prepared dish, spreading the slices right into the corners. You want a fairly even layer so every bite delivers the perfect apple-to-topping ratio.
Step 4: Mix the Oat Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Scatter the cold, cubed butter over the dry mix, then use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend it all together until it resembles coarse, buttery crumbs. This is where the magic happens—those pea-sized pockets of butter melt as they bake, yielding a crunchy, golden topping.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly across the apples, making sure to cover every bit. Pop the dish in your oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until you see bubbling, syrupy apples and a topping that’s golden and crunchy. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to help everything set and make serving so much easier.
How to Serve Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Garnishes
For that bakery-style finish, crown your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of softly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a handful of chopped toasted pecans adds extra flair and texture that’ll make your guests swoon.
Side Dishes
Apple crisp is wonderfully satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of piping hot coffee or mulled cider. If you’re hosting brunch, a scoop alongside tangy Greek yogurt balances the sweetness and turns your dessert into something breakfast-appropriate!
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties. Layer the warm crisp into parfait glasses with alternating spoonfuls of vanilla ice cream, or let it take center stage on a rustic wooden serving board surrounded by fresh apple slices and sprigs of mint for a showstopping dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container before slipping it into the fridge. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days, ready for you to sneak spoonfuls whenever a dessert craving hits.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes beautifully. Cool the crisp completely, then wrap it well or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep its deliciousness for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that oven-fresh flavor all over again.
Reheating
For the ultimate crispy-topped result, warm individual portions in your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes. The microwave works too, but the topping might soften—still delicious, just a bit less crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness and texture, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji for more sweetness and complexity. Combining types can create an even more flavorful filling.
How can I make this crisp gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for their traditional counterparts. The crisp turns out just as delicious and comforting as the original.
Is it possible to make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp vegan?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a vegan butter substitute or solid coconut oil. Everything else in the recipe is already plant-based, so it’s an easy adjustment with great results.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping every time?
Make sure your butter is cold when you mix it into the topping—this creates those irresistible, crunchy bits. Also, don’t cover the crisp while baking, as this lets the topping brown and crisp up beautifully.
Can I add nuts or extra spice to the topping?
Definitely! Add a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch, or toss in more cinnamon, ginger, or even a hint of cardamom for deeper warmth and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There are few desserts as simple, satisfying, and universally loved as Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just want to make an ordinary day feel extra cozy, give this recipe a try. I truly think you’ll fall in love with every warm, buttery, cinnamon-scented bite!
Print
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp recipe is a classic dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a crispy oat topping. Perfect for autumn, this sweet and comforting dish is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
- Serve: Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
