Old Fashion Apple Crisp

Few desserts bring the same nostalgic comfort as a classic old fashion apple crisp. With its tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and golden, buttery topping, this dish is the perfect way to welcome fall flavors. Easy to make, yet irresistibly delicious, this recipe will quickly become a go-to treat for any occasion. Follow along for step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect old fashion apple crisp, as well as tips for success and serving ideas.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, I MAY EARN A COMMISSION.  PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS.  AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashion Apple Crisp Recipe

This apple crisp recipe strikes a perfect balance between tart, tender apples and a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. The old-fashioned oats in the topping give it the perfect texture, and the apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, offer a sweet and tangy contrast.

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Recipe

For the Filling:

• 6 apples (about 6 cups), peeled and sliced
• 2 Tbsp white sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp lemon juice

For the Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats (not quick oats, more on that later!)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed

Choosing the Best Apples

For the best flavor and texture in your old fashion apple crisp, consider using a combination of tart and sweet apples. Here are some great options:

• Granny Smith: A classic choice for apple crisp due to its tart flavor and ability to hold its shape when baked.
• Honeycrisp: Adds a sweet, crisp texture that balances the tartness of Granny Smith apples.
• Fuji: Naturally sweet and juicy, making it a great complement to more tart varieties.
• Braeburn: A sweet-tart apple that becomes tender yet holds its shape well during baking.
• Jonagold: Known for its balance of sweetness and tanginess, ideal for baked desserts.
• Golden Delicious: Mildly sweet and softens nicely, pairing well with firmer apples like Granny Smith.

Mixing two or more varieties will give your apple crisp layers of flavor and texture!

Instructions for Apple Crisp Recipe

1. Prepare the Apples:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Peel, core, and slice your apples. You’ll need about 6 cups, depending on the size of the apples.

Once the apples are prepped, place them into the prepared dish. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. This mixture will not only enhance the flavor of the apples but also help prevent them from browning as they bake. Pour the mixture over the apples and toss until they are evenly coated.

2. Make the Topping:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, ¾ cup of old-fashioned oats, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, buttery topping.

3. Assemble and Bake:

Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering the entire surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the apple juices start bubbling up around the edges.

4. Let Cool:

After baking, allow the apple crisp to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This will give the juices time to settle, ensuring the perfect balance of softness and crunch with every bite.

Why Use Old-Fashioned Oats?

Old-fashioned oats are recommended for the topping in this apple crisp recipe because they provide a chewy, hearty texture that quick oats simply can’t match. Quick oats tend to become mushy when baked, while old-fashioned oats maintain their structure, resulting in a crisp and satisfying bite.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This Old Fashion Apple Crisp recipe is an excellent dessert to make ahead. It can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, unbaked, until ready to serve. When it’s time to bake, just pop it in the oven and extend the baking time by a few minutes if needed.

For leftovers, apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through. The topping will remain crisp if reheated in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Apple crisp is best served warm, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a special touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. Whether enjoyed on its own or with these added yummies, this apple crisp recipe is sure to impress.

Old Fashion Apple Dumplings

Apple Puff Pastry Rolls

Old Fashion Potato Candy

The Best Homemade Blueberry Muffins

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

APPAREL FOR THE FOODIES & GRILLERS