Name: Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

If you’re craving a comforting, classic dessert that feels like a warm hug from Grandma, you’ve gotta try this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe. It’s simple, super tasty, and honestly, one of those dishes I turn to when I want a little slice of cozy nostalgia without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, the combo of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with that buttery, crunchy oat topping? Pure magic. Keep reading, because once you make this, it’ll become a family favorite for sure.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge, which makes this a go-to anytime dessert.
Classic Flavor: The balance of cinnamon, brown sugar, and tart apples is timeless and always a crowd-pleaser.
Perfect Texture: That crisp oat topping with tender baked apples is unbeatable for warming up chilly evenings.
Family Tested: My family goes crazy for this recipe every time I make it, and I bet yours will too.

A white square baking dish filled with a golden brown apple crumble, featuring a thick crumbly oat topping that covers soft, cooked apple pieces underneath, which are light yellow with hints of cinnamon. A metal spoon is scooping out a portion from the right side, showing the chunky apple filling beneath the textured topping. In the background, a red apple and a green apple sit on a white marbled surface with a purple cloth underneath the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, and together, they create that classic flavor and texture we all love. Here’s a quick glimpse into what makes each ingredient work so well in this dessert.

Golden Delicious Apples: These apples are sweet, tender, and perfect for baking—they hold their shape but soften just right. You can swap in Granny Smith or Honeycrisp if you like a tarter bite or firmer texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the apples, balancing their natural tartness without overpowering the cinnamon.
Ground Cinnamon: My favorite spice here! It infuses warm, cozy flavor that’s a hallmark of this crisp.
Lemon Juice: A little acidity helps cut through the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning before baking.
Light Brown Sugar: This gives the topping that rich, caramel-like flavor and a hint of moisture for the oats to crisp up beautifully.
Old Fashioned Oats: These provide the hearty, chewy texture – quick oats work in a pinch but can give a softer, less rustic bite.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the filling and topping together so every bite holds its shape.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to brighten all the flavors, especially balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Cubed and cold, this is the secret for that crumbly, buttery topping everyone raves about.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe is wonderful as is, I love to switch it up depending on the season or my mood. Feel free to personalize it — the base recipe is forgiving and delicious every way you try it!

Mix in Nuts: Adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping gives an extra crunch and depth that my family loves.
Spice it Up: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a little warm spice twist that’s perfect for fall evenings.
Fruit Combo: Don’t be afraid to blend in pears or berries with the apples for a fresh take. Blueberries and apples work nicely together!
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing texture.

How to Make Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples with Care

Peel and chop your golden delicious apples into bite-sized pieces. I always aim for pieces that’re roughly the same size so they bake evenly. Toss them with the granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mix allows the apples to get that lovely cinnamon flavor while keeping their freshness and preventing browning. Give it a good stir, then set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the topping.

Step 2: Create Your Buttery, Crunchy Topping

For the topping, combine brown sugar, old fashioned oats, flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl. Now here’s the trick: use cold, cubed unsalted butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want bits of butter still visible—that’s what makes it crumble perfectly in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake to Perfection

Spread the apple mixture evenly in a buttered baking dish, then sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apples. Pop it into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp. If you spot the edges browning too fast, just tent lightly with foil. Patience here really pays off; the baking time gives the perfect balance of tender apples and crunchy topping.

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Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I learned that Golden Delicious offer consistent sweetness and softness perfect for this crisp, but mixing in Granny Smith gives a fun tart kick.
Don’t Skip Cold Butter: Keeping your butter cold before cutting it in is key to achieving that delightful crumbly topping texture.
Layer Evenly: Spreading apples and topping evenly helps them cook uniformly—uneven layers sometimes mean soggy spots.
Watch the Bake Time: If your topping browns too quickly, tent with foil to avoid burning and ensure the apples cook through perfectly.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with an apple crumble dessert, featuring two main layers. The bottom layer consists of cooked apple pieces, yellowish in color and coated with a brown cinnamon sauce, visibly soft and juicy. The top layer is a thick, crumbly oat topping that is golden brown and textured with small oats. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the dish, revealing both layers clearly. The background surface has a white marbled texture with blurred fruits and a purple cloth in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I absolutely adore serving this apple crisp warm with a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting right on top—that combo never fails to bring smiles. Sometimes I drizzle a little salted caramel sauce over the ice cream for that extra indulgent touch. Each bite feels like the perfect balance of warm, sweet, and cool.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this for a bigger meal, it pairs wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee or chai tea. For brunch, I like to offer it alongside scrambled eggs and maple sausage—sweet and savory make a killer combo. It’s flexible enough to work as a dessert or a special breakfast treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to serve the crisp in individual ramekins topped with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and festive flair. Sometimes I even add a dollop of whipped cream flavored with a hint of cinnamon to elevate the presentation. It’s those little touches that make guests go, “Wow!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After my family devours most of the crisp, I wrap the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. It keeps well for up to four days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this apple crisp before baking—just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding some extra baking time until it’s bubbly and golden. It’s a lifesaver for prepping desserts ahead of time!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer using the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked crispiness without drying it out. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the topping soggy, so I only use that if I’m in a real hurry.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe?

Absolutely! While Golden Delicious are my go-to, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples also work wonderfully. Just keep in mind that tart apples like Granny Smith might need a little extra sugar, and firmer apples might take slightly longer to bake. Mixing varieties can give you a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. This tweak keeps the crisp safe for gluten sensitivities without losing the delicious texture.
How do I store leftover apple crisp?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to refresh the crisp topping, which helps keep the texture nice and crumbly.
Can I prepare the apple crisp ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the whole dish a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully before baking—just add a bit of extra bake time when cooking from frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those desserts that instantly makes any day feel a little warmer and sweeter. I love how easy it is to whip up, and I know you’ll enjoy sharing it with your family and friends as much as I do. If you need a reliable, comforting apple dessert that never disappoints, this is it. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it!