There is something irresistibly cozy about this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. It combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a delightfully crumbly oat topping that is perfectly golden and buttery. This dessert is pure comfort in a dish, reminding me of those warm family gatherings and crisp fall afternoons when the house smells like sweet apples and spices. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity paired with classic flavors that everyone loves, making it an absolute must-have in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white square baking dish filled with a two-layer dessert sits on a purple cloth with lace edges on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a chunky apple filling, showing soft pieces of reddish and greenish apple. The top layer is a golden-brown crumbly oat topping made of oats and sugar, scattered unevenly with some larger oat flakes. A silver spoon lies next to the dish, partly resting on the purple cloth. In the background, there are two whole apples, one red and yellow, and one green, placed close together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, contributing texture, flavor, and that inviting aroma that makes this dessert so special.

6 golden delicious apples: Peeled and chopped, these apples provide a sweet and tender base, though feel free to swap your favorite baking apples for a slightly different twist.
2 Tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the apples with warm spice that’s classic and comforting.
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice: Brightens the fruit and keeps the apples from browning.
1 cup light brown sugar: Brings rich caramel notes and moisture to the oat topping.
3/4 cup old fashioned oats: Adds hearty texture and a pleasant chew to the crumble.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the topping and helps bind the oats and sugar together.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Sprinkled in the topping for an extra layer of spice.
Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter: Cubed and incorporated into the topping, responsible for that golden, melt-in-your-mouth crumbly finish.

How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Getting this ready upfront means you’re all set to assemble your apple crisp without missing a beat.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Apples

In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mix ensures the apples are coated evenly, combining sweetness and spice while the lemon keeps the fruit fresh and vibrant. Then, spread this mixture in the prepared baking dish as the juicy base of your crisp.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, old fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the cold, diced butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter works best here to blend the butter into the mixture, aiming for pea-sized crumbs that hold just enough butter to bake golden and crunchy. If you don’t have a pastry cutter handy, two forks or your fingers will do the trick—just keep it cool and work quickly for that perfect texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple layer and gently press it down to even it out. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the apples are bubbling with sweet-spiced goodness underneath. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will practically beg you to dig in.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe warm, ideally straight from the oven. It’s wonderful on its own, but pair it with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish that takes this rustic dessert to the next level.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

A white baking dish filled with a warm apple crisp, showing two layers: the bottom layer made of soft, chopped apple pieces mixed with cinnamon and juices, giving a light brown and slightly shiny look; the top layer is a crumbly oat topping with a rough, golden-brown texture. A silver spoon scoops into the dish, holding both apple pieces and oat topping. The background shows a slightly blurred purple cloth and some whole apples, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a little extra something on top of your apple crisp makes the experience even more special. Vanilla ice cream melting over the warm topping is a classic choice, but fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans also add wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This apple crisp pairs beautifully with cozy beverages like hot tea, coffee, or even a spiced cider. For a brunch setting, it works nicely alongside creamy yogurt or on its own as a sweet finish after a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to dress up this simple dessert for a crowd or special occasion, serve it in individual ramekins or Mason jars. Layer with some caramel sauce drizzled between the apple layer and the topping, or offer a side of lightly salted caramel sauce for dipping. These small touches make the classic recipe feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crisp stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making the next-day treat just as tasty.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully before baking. Assemble the crisp in your baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen but add extra baking time, checking until it’s bubbly and golden.

Reheating

Reheat leftover apple crisp in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp. Microwave will work in a pinch but may soften the topping. Serve warm for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While golden delicious apples work wonderfully here because of their natural sweetness and texture, tart or firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn can add wonderful flavor balance. Feel free to mix varieties for complexity.

Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

You can use quick oats if that’s what you have, but keep in mind the texture of the topping might be slightly less chewy and more crumbly. Old fashioned oats provide the ideal hearty bite in this recipe.

Can I prepare this apple crisp in advance?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate without baking. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a little extra time if chilled. Preparing in advance is a great time saver for busy days or entertaining.

What’s the best way to make the topping crumbly?

Keeping the butter cold and cutting it into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form is the key. Cold butter creates steam during baking, which helps create the crumbly, golden texture we all love.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans mixed into the topping add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You could also sprinkle some raisins or shredded coconut into the apple mixture for fun variations.

Final Thoughts

There is something so heartwarming about the Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe that it deserves a special place in your dessert rotation. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, you can easily whip up this comforting classic to share with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s not just a dessert but a nostalgic hug on a plate—perfect for any time the craving for something sweet and cozy strikes.

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe