There is something magical about cinnamon on a crisp autumn evening. The house smells warm, sweet, and totally inviting. This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is my favorite way to celebrate fall.
It delivers a perfect balance of tart fruit and crunchy topping. You do not need fancy skills to make this dessert. It is simple, honest, and truly delicious every single time.
Why This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Works
This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy fall weeknights. You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now. It is much easier than making a traditional pie crust.
The buttery oat topping stays perfectly crisp against the soft apples. Your family will love the contrast of textures in every bite. It is the ultimate comfort food for any chilly night.
Simple Method
Preparing this dish is a breeze for any beginner cook. You just slice your apples and toss them with a little sugar. The topping comes together quickly by mixing oats, flour, and butter.
Even if you have never baked before, you can do this. The oven does all the hard work for you. You will have a golden brown masterpiece in less than an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a nostalgic and heartwarming treat.
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar and lemon juice, then spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Spread the oat crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apples.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving warm.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this dessert warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melting into the warm cinnamon apples is pure heaven. You can also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
This is the perfect treat for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Set the table, pour some coffee, and enjoy it with your family. It also makes a wonderful after-school surprise for the kids.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to five days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the topping from getting too soft.
To reheat, place a serving in the oven at 350°F for ten minutes. This helps the oat topping crisp up again beautifully. You can use a microwave for a quick thirty-second warm-up too.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best tart flavor and firm texture.
- Do not skip the lemon juice as it prevents the apples from browning.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for a crumbly topping.
- Avoid overmixing the topping to keep those delicious chunky oat clusters.
- For a holiday crowd, double the recipe and use a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Check the crisp at 35 minutes to ensure the topping does not burn.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap half the apples for fresh pears for a seasonal twist.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this a gluten-free treat.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spicier fall flavor.
- Replace light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses taste.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the topping and slice the apples a day early. Store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This makes holiday entertaining much less stressful.
What are the best apples for baking?
Granny Smith apples are the gold standard because they hold their shape. Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples also work very well in this recipe. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious which can turn mushy.
Will my kids enjoy this recipe?
Absolutely, kids love the sweet cinnamon flavor and the crunchy topping. It is a great way to get them to eat more fruit. Let them help you mix the crumble for a fun kitchen activity.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Ingredients
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup old -fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all -purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon sal t
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar and lemon juice, then spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the softened butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Spread the oat crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apples.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving warm.
