Apple crisp is a beloved dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of tender, spiced apples and a crispy, buttery oat topping. This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks looking for a quick and satisfying treat. Using simple ingredients like golden delicious apples, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon, this dessert captures the essence of homemade goodness with minimal effort. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this apple crisp is sure to become a family favorite. Its make-ahead and freezing options also make it a convenient choice for busy schedules and impromptu gatherings. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia with every bite of this classic dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or sliced; other varieties can be used)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Prepare Apples: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon of cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to mix well, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the oat mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. Alternatively, you can use two forks or your hands to mix the butter into the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the topping over the apples in the baking dish and gently pat it down to smooth it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- The amount of chopped apples should be about 6-7 cups.
- Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check the crisp a little before the minimum time and bake longer if needed.
Make-Ahead Directions
- After Baking: Bake as directed. Once the crisp has cooled, cover and refrigerate until the next day. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Assembling Ahead: Although not tested, many readers have successfully assembled the crisp ahead of time. You may want to check comments for more information.
- Freezing: While not personally tested, freezing this recipe has been successful for many readers.
