There's something so heartwarming about Old Fashioned Apple Crisp that takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen. I can still hear her humming softly as she peeled apples, the scent of cinnamon dancing in the air. Every autumn, we’d gather around her table, the crisp bubbling away in the oven, filling the house with a cozy warmth that wrapped around us like a favorite blanket. It was a simple dessert, but in those moments, it felt like pure magic, especially as we dug in with scoops of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's no better time to bake this classic dessert. Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just a quiet evening at home. It’s a recipe that celebrates the beauty of fresh apples and the joy of togetherness, making it a must-have for the fall season. Trust me, once you taste this, it'll become a cherished memory in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.
Why You’ll Love "Old Fashioned Apple Crisp"
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Minimal ingredients mean you can whip this up with what you likely already have on hand.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this dessert is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for later, making it a great option for meal prepping.
- Deliciously warm and comforting, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the fall season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 apples, thinly sliced (around 6 cups) - I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can mix them with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter touch.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (for apples) - This adds a lovely caramel flavor. If you're out, feel free to use granulated sugar, but brown sugar gives it that cozy depth.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apples) - Ground cinnamon is my go-to, but you could also use apple pie spice for an extra kick!
Apples
For this recipe, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples are perfect for adding that tangy flavor, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring in a delightful sweetness. If you want to experiment, try using some Cortland or Braeburn apples, too. Just make sure they are firm and fresh for the best texture when baked!
Sweeteners
You'll use light brown sugar for that warm, caramel-like sweetness, but if you find yourself without it, granulated sugar can step in just fine. If you're looking for a less refined option, coconut sugar works beautifully, too! It has a similar flavor profile and gives a nice earthy undertone.
Spices
Cinnamon is essential here, and I always opt for ground cinnamon. If you want to switch things up, you could use a bit of freshly grated nutmeg or even some vanilla extract to enhance those warm flavors. Just a pinch can elevate the entire dish!
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats - Use old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture; quick oats can work in a pinch but will be softer.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour - All-purpose is perfect, but if you're gluten-free, try using almond or oat flour instead!
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (for topping) - Again, this adds that lovely caramel taste; granulated sugar is fine too.
- ¼ teaspoon salt - Just a smidgen helps balance everything out.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping) - A little extra cinnamon for the topping really enhances the flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces - Make sure it’s cold to get that perfect crumbly topping! If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil can work as an alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your crisp is ready to go in!
Prepare the Apples
- In a large mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with ¼ cup of light brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Make sure all the apple slices are well-coated. This will help them caramelize beautifully as they bake.
- Once mixed, spread the apple mixture evenly in a baking dish. I usually use a 9x13 inch dish, but any similar size will do!
Make the Oat Topping
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of light brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Mix these dry ingredients until well combined. You’ll want a nice even distribution of flavors!
- Now, add your cold, cut-up butter pieces to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic happens!
Assemble the Crisp
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the prepared apple mixture in the baking dish.
- Try to cover as much of the apples as you can; this will ensure a nice crunchy topping in every bite!
Bake
- Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 to 35 minutes.
- You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbly. If you want to check for doneness, you can insert a fork into the apples; they should be tender!
Variations
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
- Try different spice blends like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
Serve your Old Fashioned Apple Crisp warm, straight from the oven, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic touch. It pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and a drizzle of caramel sauce if you're feeling indulgent!
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!
Helpful Notes
- If you want to add more fiber, consider mixing in some ground flaxseed with the oat topping.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts or use sunflower seeds instead.
- Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice to the apples for a brighter flavor.
- If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol.
- Remember, the crisp can be made ahead and baked later for a quicker dessert option!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Old Fashioned Apple Crisp?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Old Fashioned Apple Crisp! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What types of apples are best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples. Granny Smith adds a lovely tartness, while Honeycrisp and Fuji bring sweetness and juiciness. You could also try Cortland or Braeburn apples for a delightful twist!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use almond flour or oat flour as alternatives. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to ensure no cross-contamination!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp as I am! It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone together and fills your home with the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it on a quiet evening, every bite is a reminder of those cozy moments spent in the kitchen. So grab those apples, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something delicious together. Trust me, this will quickly become a cherished favorite in your household, just like it is in mine!
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Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert featuring baked apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture.
Ingredients
- 4 apples, thinly sliced (around 6 cups)
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (for apples)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for apples)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar (for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
- Add cold butter pieces and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and apples are soft.
Notes
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Old Fashioned Apple Crisp, Apple Dessert, Crisp Recipe
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