Classic Apple Crisp Recipe: An Old-Fashioned Fall Favorite

Welcome to a truly comforting dessert that warms the soul! This easy apple crisp recipe brings together tender, spiced apples with a golden, crunchy oat topping. It is an old-fashioned treat perfect for any season, but especially delightful during fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel for a timeless dessert everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp

This homemade apple crisp recipe is a go-to for so many reasons, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

• Simple Ingredients, Straightforward Steps: You’ll use common pantry staples, making this a fuss-free dessert for any skill level.
• Perfectly Crispy Oat Topping: Achieve that irresistible, golden-brown crunch with our easy method, complementing the soft apples beautifully.
• Ultimate Comfort Dessert: Experience the warm, spiced aromas and flavors that evoke pure comfort, ideal for a cozy night in.
• Versatile for Apple Preferences: Easily switch out apple varieties to match your taste, whether you prefer sweet, tart, or a mix.
• Nostalgic, Crowd-Pleasing Treat: This classic dessert brings back cherished memories and is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful apple crisp recipe. Make sure everything is prepped before you begin for a smooth cooking process.

Spiced Apples

• 6 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (other varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji also work beautifully)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Crisp Topping

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats (quick oats can be used, but may result in a slightly different texture)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

Notes & Substitutions

• Apples: Feel free to use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor profile. Granny Smith offers tartness, Fuji adds sweetness, and Honeycrisp provides a crisp texture.
• Oats: While old-fashioned oats offer the best chew, quick oats are a fine substitute if that’s all you have on hand. Avoid instant oats.
• Butter: Using cold butter is crucial for a crumbly, crispy topping. It helps prevent the topping from melting too quickly in the oven.
• Spice: Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking. A touch of nutmeg or allspice can also enhance the fall flavors.
• Acidity: The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and brightens their natural sweetness, balancing the overall flavor profile.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy apple crisp recipe. Here’s what will help you in the kitchen:

• 8×8 inch baking dish (or a similar 2-quart oven-safe dish)
• Two large mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter (or two forks, or your fingertips)
• Vegetable peeler (optional, for peeling apples)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating this cozy apple crisp recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfect dessert every time.

1. Prepare Oven & Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter an 8×8 inch baking dish, or spray it thoroughly with a non-stick cooking spray. Set your prepared dish aside.
2. Prepare Apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped apples, granulated sugar, the 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the fresh lemon juice. Stir all the ingredients together gently until the apples are evenly coated with the spice and sugar mixture. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
3. Transfer Apple Mixture: Carefully transfer the coated apple mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly in a single layer to ensure consistent baking.
4. Make Topping: In a separate, clean mixing bowl, add all the crisp topping ingredients: light brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients together briefly.
5. Incorporate Butter: Add the diced, cold unsalted butter to the dry topping mixture. Use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the mixture. Work with a slight downward twisting motion until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, two forks or even your clean fingertips can work to achieve this crumbly texture.
6. Assemble & Bake: Evenly spread the crumbly oat topping over the apples in the baking dish. Gently pat the topping down slightly with the back of a spoon or your hand to create an even layer. This helps the topping bake uniformly and stay together.
7. Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The apple crisp is ready when the topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the topping to set and the apples to firm up a bit. Serve warm with your favorite accompaniments!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect apple crisp recipe is easy with these helpful tips and tricks.

• Prevent Watery Crisp: Apples release moisture as they bake. If you prefer a thicker apple filling, toss the chopped apples with an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch before baking.
• Crispy Topping: Always use very cold butter, diced small. This prevents it from melting too quickly, ensuring a delightfully crumbly and crispy topping. Avoid overmixing the topping once butter is added. Understanding the culinary reasons for using cold butter can elevate your baking results. For more details, explore why recipes call for cold, soft, or melted butter.
• Apple Texture: Adjust baking time based on apple variety and desired tenderness. Firmer apples may need a few extra minutes, while softer ones will bake faster.
• Doneness Check: Look for vigorously bubbling edges, indicating the apples are cooked through. The topping should be a deep golden brown for maximum crunch.
• Cooling: Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Allowing the crisp to cool for 10-15 minutes helps the topping set and prevents a soupy consistency.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile apple crisp recipe offers many ways to enjoy, store, and even customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a generous scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful hot and cold contrast.
• Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over each serving for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy topping that complements the tender apples.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.

Storage Instructions

• To store leftovers, allow the apple crisp to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the topping is crisp again.

Make-Ahead Directions

• Unbaked: You can prepare the spiced apple mixture and the crisp topping separately. Store both in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving.
• Baked: Bake the crisp fully, then cool completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Reheat as per storage instructions.

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked: Assemble the crisp (either with the topping on or stored separately). Wrap the baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked: Cool the baked crisp completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.

Variations

• Mixed Fruit: Introduce other fruits like sliced pears, fresh berries, or tart cranberries to the apple mixture for new flavor dimensions.
• Nutty Twist: Fold chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the crisp topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the apple filling for a warmer spice profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure you use certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this classic apple crisp recipe.

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and serving size. Individual results may vary depending on specific brands and modifications.)

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect apple crisp? Here are some common inquiries answered.

• What are the best apples for apple crisp?
  Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, or a blend of these varieties work wonderfully, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavors. For more detailed guidance on selecting the perfect fruit, Sally’s Baking Addiction offers insights into the best apple varieties for baking.
• Do I have to peel the apples?
  Peeling is optional; it largely depends on personal preference. If you choose not to peel, ensure you wash the apples thoroughly beforehand.
• How do I prevent a watery apple crisp?
  To ensure a thicker filling, mix an extra tablespoon of all-purpose flour or cornstarch into the apple mixture before baking.
• Can I prepare this apple crisp in advance?
  Yes, you can assemble the components and refrigerate them separately for up to 24 hours, then combine and bake just before serving.
• How do I reheat leftover apple crisp?
  Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated through and the topping crisps up again.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy creating and sharing this wonderful apple crisp recipe! It truly is a perfect blend of tender, sweetly spiced apples and a golden, irresistibly crispy oat topping. Ideal for any occasion, especially during the autumn months, this classic dessert is simple to make and always impresses. Gather your loved ones, bake up this delightful homemade treat, and create lasting, joyful memories around the table.

Classic Apple Crisp Recipe: An Old-Fashioned Fall Favorite

A delightful old-fashioned apple crisp, perfect for a fall treat. This recipe features a sweet and spiced apple filling topped with a buttery oat and brown sugar crumble, baked until golden brown and bubbly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• 8×8 baking dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Pastry cutter

Ingredients

  

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Apple Filling

• 6 golden delicious apples peeled and chopped (other varieties can be used, can also be sliced)
• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Topping

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats quick oats can be used, but it may have a slightly different texture
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter diced into small cubes

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F and butter an 8×8 baking dish, then set it aside.
• In a mixing bowl, combine chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, and lemon juice, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
• In a separate mixing bowl, add the topping ingredients: brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, salt, and diced cold butter.
• Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to cut the butter into the oat mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
• Spread the prepared topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish and gently pat to level it out.
• Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the crisp is golden brown and bubbly; serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSodium: 75mgFiber: 5gSugar: 35g

Keyword apple crisp recipe, homemade apple crisp recipe

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