There’s nothing like a warm, comforting apple crisp to bring a little nostalgia and coziness into your home. This Old-Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is packed with tender, spiced apples and topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel for the ultimate Fall dessert!
Whether you grew up baking with your family or are simply craving the flavors of autumn, this recipe is simple, classic, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in about an hour, perfect for a weeknight treat or holiday gathering.
- Classic flavor: Tender apples spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Crunchy topping: Old-fashioned oats and buttery crumble create the perfect texture contrast.
- Customizable: Use your favorite apple varieties—Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Fuji all work beautifully.
- Perfect with ice cream: Vanilla bean or whipped cream takes this crisp over the top.
Ingredients
Spiced Apples
- 6 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or your favorite variety)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats (quick oats can be substituted)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
1. Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8 baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Make the Spiced Apples
In a medium bowl, combine chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples, then transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to combine until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
4. Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples, gently patting it down. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
5. Serve
Enjoy warm, straight from the oven. Top with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream and, if desired, a drizzle of salted caramel for extra indulgence.
Chef Tips
- Apple quantity: This recipe uses about 6–7 cups of chopped apples.
- Avoid watery crisp: If the apple mixture releases too much juice, stir in a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
- Make-ahead: Bake as directed, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat at 350°F for about 30 minutes until warm.
- Peeling apples: Optional, depending on personal preference. Kids often prefer peeled apples.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20–30 minutes or microwave individual portions for a quick treat.