Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe: Warm Dessert Bliss (Print Version)

Whip up an Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe! This warm, buttery dessert is comforting, easy to make, and perfect for any autumn evening.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Topping

01 - 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup (70g) old-fashioned rolled oats
03 - 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
04 - 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Apple Filling

06 - 6-8 medium firm apples (about 6 cups sliced, e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji)
07 - 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Flavor Enhancers for Filling

09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Goodies

12 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for topping)
13 - A splash of apple brandy or Calvados (for filling)

# Instructions:

01 - Peel, core, and slice those apples! I usually aim for slices about a quarter-inch thick; too thin and they'll turn to mush, too thick and they won't cook through evenly. This is where I often get a little messy, apple peels everywhere, but it's part of the fun, right? Pop them into a big bowl, and don't worry if they start to brown a tiny bit, the lemon juice will help.
02 - Toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good stir to make sure every apple slice is coated in that delicious, aromatic mixture. This is when the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible, and honestly, I always sneak a little taste of the raw apple mix – it's just too tempting!
03 - In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Now, cut in that cold, cubed butter. I like to use my fingertips, squishing the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Don't overmix; we want texture, not a paste, for our Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe topping.
04 - Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the apple filling into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle that wonderful, crumbly oat topping all over the apples. I try to get it fairly even, but honestly, a little unevenness adds character, right? It's going to bake into such a lovely golden crust.
05 - Pop that dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You're looking for a bubbly, golden-brown topping and apples that are tender when pierced with a knife. This is the hardest part, waiting for it to bake! The aroma filling your home is just pure magic, making this Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe truly special.
06 - Once it's beautifully baked, pull it out of the oven. Now, here's the tough part: let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes. Those apples are super hot, and the juices need a moment to set up. I know, I know, it's hard to wait, but it's worth it for that perfect scoop. I usually serve it warm with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream. Pure bliss!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the crisp topping; a few lumps are good for texture.
02 - For make-ahead, prepare the filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
03 - Try swapping out half the apples for pears for a fun twist; it works surprisingly well!
04 - Serve warm with a scoop of good vanilla bean ice cream-it's non-negotiable, trust me.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - apple peeler (optional)
04 - knife
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Protein: 3g