Description
Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp recipe for a warm, sweet, spiced dessert. My kitchen’s favorite, simple to make with tender apples and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- Apple Filling Stars:
- 6–7 medium apples (about 6 cups sliced), like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Crisp Topping Essentials:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Flavor Enhancers:
- Extra pinch of nutmeg (optional, for that cozy spice)
- Dash of allspice (optional, for added warmth)
- Serving Suggestions:
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Freshly whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Prep Those Apples: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, get those apples peeled, cored, and sliced into about 1/4-inch thick pieces. I usually aim for a consistent size so they cook evenly – nobody wants crunchy bits mixed with mushy ones! This is the part where my kitchen counter always gets a bit messy, with apple peels everywhere. Honestly, it’s worth it for the deliciousness to come. I always smell that fresh, crisp apple scent, which is just the best start.
- Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Make sure every apple slice gets a good coating. This is where I always double-check that I actually added the flour; I’ve had a few soupy incidents in my past, and you learn from those oops moments! Give it a good stir, like you’re gently persuading them to get along.
- Whip Up the Crisp Topping: Now for the best part, the crisp! In a separate medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk those dry ingredients together. Then, add your cold, cubed 1/2 cup butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces remaining. My hands always get a little buttery here, but that’s the sign you’re doing it right!
- Assemble Your Masterpiece: Pour the apple mixture into an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish. Try to spread them out evenly. Then, sprinkle that glorious crisp topping all over the apples. Don’t be shy; get it everywhere! This is where you can see the magic starting to happen, like a cozy blanket for your fruit. I always make sure there are no naked apple spots, because who doesn’t love maximum crisp?
- Time to Bake: Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like pure heaven – that warm, sweet, spiced aroma is unmistakable! I always peek in at about 30 minutes, just to make sure things aren’t getting too dark too fast. If they are, a loose foil tent works wonders.
- Cool and Enjoy Your Classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp: Once it’s beautifully baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This lets the filling set up a bit, preventing a molten apple lava explosion on your plate. Honestly, this is the hardest part for me, but the wait is so worth it for that perfect scoop. It should look bubbly, smell incredible, and feel warm and comforting.