Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of warm cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy topping. This dessert has a deliciously crisp texture on top, while the apples underneath stay soft and sweet, absorbing the warm cinnamon and lemon juice. Whether you enjoy it as an after-dinner treat or as a cozy snack, this apple crisp will satisfy your craving for something sweet and comforting. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

The simplicity of this recipe is one of its most charming qualities. With just six apples, a few pantry staples, and a little bit of time, you’ll have a dessert that will fill your home with an irresistible, homestyle fragrance. Whether you top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it on its own, this old-fashioned apple crisp is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp recipe is not only easy to make, but it also delivers a perfectly balanced dessert. The apples are spiced with cinnamon and lemon juice, giving them a deliciously fragrant and slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, crumbly topping. The crisp topping, made from brown sugar, oats, and butter, creates a perfect contrast in texture, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it by using different types of apples based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. It’s also a great way to use up any extra apples you have lying around. This dessert is perfect for fall but can be enjoyed year-round for a comforting and easy-to-make treat that feels like home.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Apples:

• 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

For the Crisp 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 of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

Variations

This apple crisp recipe is easily adaptable. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add Nuts:

If you like a bit of crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping. The nuts will add extra texture and flavor to the dish.

Use Different Apples:

While golden delicious apples work beautifully in this recipe, you can use other apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish.

Make It Gluten-Free:

For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Add Dried Fruit:

If you want to add more texture and flavor, try mixing in some dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for an extra burst of sweetness.

Make It Vegan:

Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make this dessert vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, oats, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the cold, diced butter to the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will create the buttery, crumbly topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Transfer the spiced apples to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the crisp topping over the apples, making sure the apples are fully covered.

Step 4: Bake the Apple Crisp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the topping doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to use cold butter for the topping. It helps create a flakier, crispier texture.
• If you prefer a more tart apple crisp, opt for a variety like Granny Smith, which balances well with the sweetness of the topping.
• If you find the topping too dry or crumbly, add a little more butter to achieve the desired texture.
• You can prepare the apple crisp a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it the next day for a warm, fresh dessert.
• Add extra cinnamon or even nutmeg to the topping for additional flavor.

How to Serve

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with many accompaniments:

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a sweet, cold contrast to the warm apple crisp.
• Whipped cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the rich apple crisp and balances the sweetness.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for extra indulgence.
• Fresh cream or custard: For a more decadent option, serve it with fresh cream or a rich custard sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Allow the apple crisp to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unbaked apple crisp for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the dessert in a baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual.

Reheating:

Reheat apple crisp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

Yes, you can use white granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or maple sugar for the topping, but brown sugar adds a richer flavor.

2. How do I know when the apple crisp is done baking?

The apple crisp is done when the apples are tender, and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil and continue baking until the apples are soft.

3. Can I make the topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

4. Can I make this recipe in a smaller or larger pan?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the layers.

5. What other fruits can I use in this recipe?

In addition to apples, you can add pears, peaches, or berries for a delicious twist on the classic apple crisp.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make this dessert gluten-free.

7. Can I make this apple crisp with pre-sliced apples?

Yes, if you have pre-sliced apples, simply toss them with the cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice and follow the rest of the recipe.

8. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen apples, be sure to thaw and drain them before using them to avoid excess moisture in the crisp.

9. How can I make the topping crunchier?

For a crunchier topping, increase the amount of oats and bake a little longer until it’s golden and crispy.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, if you want to make a larger batch, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that brings together the perfect combination of spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s simple to prepare, comforting to eat, and sure to impress at any occasion. With its warm, sweet flavors, this apple crisp is the ultimate dessert for autumn but can be enjoyed year-round. Whether served on its own or with your favorite toppings, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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