Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a perfectly crunchy, buttery topping. This comforting treat is a favorite for fall gatherings, but it’s delicious enough to enjoy year-round. The juicy apples, spiced with cinnamon and a hint of lemon, pair beautifully with the sweet, crumbly topping made of brown sugar, oats, and butter. The result is a warm, cozy dessert that’s hard to resist.

This Apple Crisp recipe is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and just a few easy steps. It’s a perfect dish for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs who want a quick, delicious dessert. Whether served warm out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for later, this dessert will quickly become a household favorite. The balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

With easy-to-find ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.

2. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The spiced apples and the sweet, buttery topping create the perfect contrast, offering both tartness and sweetness in every bite.

3. Comforting and Cozy

Nothing beats the warm, comforting nature of an apple crisp. It’s the ultimate fall dessert but enjoyable all year round.

4. Versatile

You can make this recipe your own by adding nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or substituting different apples based on what’s in season.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

Apple crisp is universally loved and always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It’s a dessert that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

Spiced Apples:

Golden Delicious apples (peeled and chopped)
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Lemon juice

Crisp Topping:

Light brown sugar
Old fashioned oats (quick oats can be used for a different texture)
All-purpose flour
Ground cinnamon
Kosher salt
Cold unsalted butter (diced)

Variations

Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping.
Use Different Apples: While Golden Delicious are perfect for this recipe, you can also try other apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for different flavor profiles.
Add Caramel: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the finished apple crisp for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture for a spicier, more complex flavor.
Vegan Version: Swap the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version of this crisp.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces or slices, depending on your preference. Place the apples in a large mixing bowl and toss with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Add the cold, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Spread the spiced apples evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, covering them as evenly as possible.

Step 4: Bake the Apple Crisp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Firm Apples: Opt for apples that are firm and slightly tart to balance the sweetness of the topping. Varieties like Granny Smith or Jonagold are excellent choices.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: For the best texture, mix the butter into the topping just enough to form crumbles, but don’t overwork it.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake the crisp later for a more convenient dessert.
Serve Warm: Apple crisp is best served warm, and it pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Check for Doneness: The apples should be soft and bubbling, and the topping should be golden and crisp. If the topping isn’t crisping up, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end of baking.

How to Serve

Apple crisp is fantastic served warm, straight from the oven. For an indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Freezing

Apple crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat leftover apple crisp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you like. Tart apples like Granny Smith are excellent for a balance of sweet and sour flavors, but sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will work too.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crisp topping separately and refrigerate them. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, though they may result in a slightly different texture for the topping.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well.

5. Can I add nuts to the topping?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping will add a nice crunch and flavor.

6. Can I substitute the butter for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version of the crisp.

7. How long should I bake the apple crisp?

Bake the apple crisp for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.

8. Can I make this dessert without the topping?

While the topping is what makes this dessert a crisp, you can skip it for a simpler version, though it won’t have the same texture.

9. How do I know when the apple crisp is done?

The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and the apples should be tender and bubbling. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.

10. Can I serve this apple crisp cold?

Apple crisp is best served warm, but you can enjoy it cold if you prefer. Reheat it for the best experience.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining sweet, spiced apples with a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this apple crisp will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect indulgence.