Heirloom Apple Crisp

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp isn’t just a dessert; it’s a timeless celebration of comfort, a warm hug in a bowl that evokes cherished memories of autumn afternoons and family gatherings. This classic recipe delivers a perfect symphony of flavors and textures: tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling generously crowned with a buttery, crunchy brown sugar and oat topping. It’s the quintessential fall treat, deceptively simple to prepare yet utterly satisfying. For an unparalleled indulgence, serve this warm apple crisp with a scoop of rich caramel ice cream – a truly magical combination that elevates every bite.

A generous serving of Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp in a white bowl, topped with melting caramel ice cream.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate fall dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make, look no further than this Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp. Fruit crisps, or crumbles as they’re sometimes known, are renowned for their simplicity and delicious results. This apple crisp recipe, in particular, stands out for several compelling reasons:

Effortless Elegance: Forget the complexities of pie crusts and intricate baking techniques. This apple crisp comes together in just three straightforward steps, making it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. It’s the perfect solution when you crave that comforting, saucy, sweet apple filling without the fuss of an apple pie.
Irresistible Texture Contrast: Each spoonful offers a delightful interplay between the soft, cinnamon-kissed apple filling and the golden, crunchy streusel topping made with brown sugar and wholesome oats. This contrast creates an addictive experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Perfectly Spiced Fall Flavors: The blend of warm cinnamon and a hint of ground cloves perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the apples, creating an aroma that will fill your home with the inviting scents of autumn.
Make Ahead Magic: Planning a dinner party or simply want to prep a sweet treat for later? This apple crisp is incredibly versatile. You can easily prepare both the apple filling and the oat topping ahead of time, storing them separately until you’re ready to bake. The oat topping can even be frozen for up to three months, ensuring you always have a delicious crisp at your fingertips whenever a craving strikes.
A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Whether it’s a weeknight dessert, a holiday gathering, or a cozy evening by the fire, this apple crisp is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a nostalgic comfort food that appeals to everyone.

This apple dessert is truly perfect during the fall season, much like other autumnal favorites such as a rich Apple Crumb Cake or a decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that captures the essence of autumn in every warm, comforting bite.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Apple Crisp

Creating the perfect Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather for both the luscious apple filling and the irresistible crunchy topping:

Apples: A crucial component! Opt for a mix of firm, slightly tart, and sweet varieties for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Gala are excellent choices.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetening the apple filling to perfection.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.
Cinnamon: The star spice of any apple dessert, providing warmth and aroma to both the filling and the topping.
Ground Cloves: A touch of this spice adds depth and a classic autumnal note to the topping.
Cornstarch: Key for thickening the apple filling, ensuring it’s beautifully saucy rather than watery.
Old-Fashioned Oats: Essential for the signature chewy and crispy texture of the topping. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but old-fashioned oats provide superior texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crumbly topping, providing structure and holding the ingredients together.
Brown Sugar (packed): Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness and a delightful chewiness to the topping.
Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled): Crucial for binding the topping ingredients and creating that golden, crunchy texture.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors in the topping.

Various fresh ingredients for apple crisp laid out on a marble board, including apples, oats, sugar, and spices.

How to Make the Perfect Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp: Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delightful dessert is incredibly straightforward, broken down into three simple stages: preparing the apple filling, crafting the crunchy oat topping, and finally, assembling and baking. You’ll achieve a wonderfully saucy apple layer beneath a perfectly crispy, golden-brown topping.

Step 1: Prepare the Irresistible Apple Filling

Prep Your Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your chosen apples into uniform pieces. Aim for slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick so they cook evenly.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the apple slices with the fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a bright tang but also prevents the apples from browning.
Thicken it Up: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the apple mixture and toss gently until the apples are lightly coated. This secret ingredient is what will create that luscious, saucy filling you crave.
Sweeten and Spice: Add the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to the apples. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the sweet, aromatic spices.
Ready the Dish: Spread this perfectly prepared apple filling evenly into your buttered baking dish.

A bowl filled with sliced apples tossed with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon, representing the first step of making apple crisp.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Oat Topping

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In the same large bowl (no need to wash it!), combine the old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
Melt and Cool Butter: Melt the unsalted butter, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s crucial that the butter is melted but allowed to cool slightly – it should not be hot when you add it to the dry mixture. This cooling step helps create the best crumbly texture.
Form Crumbles: Pour the cooled melted butter over the dry oat mixture. Use a fork to mix everything together, gently pressing until distinct crumbles begin to form. Avoid overmixing; you want a rustic, crumbly texture, not a smooth dough.
Top it Off: Evenly sprinkle this delightful crumbly topping over the apple layer in your baking dish, ensuring good coverage for maximum crunch.

A bowl containing the oat and brown sugar topping mixture, ready to be spread over the apple layer.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Initial Bake (Covered): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the apples to soften and release their juices without the topping browning too quickly.
Final Bake (Uncovered): Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s perfectly cooked and saucy.
Serve Warm: Allow the apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s absolutely divine served warm, especially when accompanied by a scoop of ice cream.

A baked apple crisp in a baking dish, bubbling around the edges with a golden-brown topping.

Can I Make Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is an excellent dessert for making ahead, which can be a real time-saver, especially when entertaining. You have a few options for prepping in advance:

Separate Storage: You can prepare the apple filling and the oat topping separately. Store the prepared apple filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The oat topping can be kept in a separate container in the fridge for a few days, though it might soften slightly. For best results with the topping, keep it chilled and then sprinkle it over the apples just before baking.
Freezing the Topping: For even longer storage, the oat topping can be frozen! Simply prepare the topping mixture, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just sprinkle the frozen topping over your fruit filling and bake as directed. This is a fantastic trick for quick, homemade crisps anytime.
Assemble and Refrigerate: You can assemble the entire crisp (apple filling layered with topping) in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, add about 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since you’ll be starting with a colder dish.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Crisp Every Time

Achieving a truly exceptional Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is easy with these simple yet effective tips:

Uniform Apple Slices are Key: Whether you prefer to slice or chop your apples, ensure all pieces are roughly the same size. This promotes even cooking, so you don’t end up with some mushy pieces and some still-crunchy ones. Aim for about ¼ to ½ inch thickness for slices.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to your apple mixture is crucial for creating that perfectly saucy filling. Without it, the apples can release too much liquid, resulting in a watery, rather than luscious, base for your crisp. It helps to thicken those delicious juices into a beautiful glaze.
Melted and Cooled Butter for the Topping: For the ultimate crisp topping, melt your butter first, then let it cool until it’s no longer hot, but still liquid. This allows it to evenly coat the dry ingredients, creating distinct crumbles that bake up incredibly crunchy and golden, rather than a dense, cake-like layer.
Choose the Right Baking Dish: A 2-quart baking dish, such as an 8-inch square or round dish, is ideal for this recipe. Ensure it’s buttered to prevent sticking and aid in serving.
Watch for the Bubble: When baking, pay attention to the edges of the crisp. When the filling is actively bubbling, it’s a good sign that the apples are tender and the juices have thickened. The golden-brown topping is your cue for perfect crunch.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Apple Crisp

While the classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is a masterpiece on its own, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Since old-fashioned oats and cornstarch are naturally gluten-free, transforming this into a gluten-free dessert is incredibly simple. Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend (ensure it’s a blend designed for baking, not just a single flour). Almond flour or a homemade oat flour (blended from certified gluten-free oats) can also work beautifully, often adding a delightful nutty flavor.
Dairy-Free Apple Crisp: Easily make this crisp dairy-free by swapping out the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. If using coconut oil, ensure it’s melted and cooled, just like butter, before mixing it into the topping. The flavor will still be fantastic!
Multi-Fruit Crisp: Elevate your crisp by introducing other fruits alongside or in place of apples. Frozen berries (no need to thaw), sliced pears, peaches, or plums make fantastic additions. You can even create seasonal blends like apple-blackberry, peach-apple, or pear-cranberry for exciting new flavor profiles. Adjust sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of your chosen fruits.
Canned Pie Filling Shortcut: For those incredibly busy days or when you need a quick fix, you can go the easiest route by using a ready-made canned apple pie filling. While homemade is always preferred for flavor, this shortcut still delivers a warm, comforting dessert with minimal effort. Just ensure the filling isn’t overly sweet, as your topping will also add sweetness.
Nutty Topping: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the oat topping mixture for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
Spice It Up: Experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger in addition to or in place of ground cloves for a different aromatic experience.

Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp in a rectangular glass baking dish, fresh from the oven with a golden-brown oat topping.

The Ultimate Serving Suggestion: Caramel Ice Cream

Two words: caramel ice cream. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – apple crisp, crumbles, and even apple pies are simply transcendent when served with creamy, melting ice cream. But to truly unlock a new dimension of deliciousness, try pairing your warm Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp with a generous scoop of rich, buttery caramel ice cream. The cool, creamy caramel perfectly complements the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. A little extra drizzle of caramel sauce never hurt anyone either!

Beyond caramel ice cream, this versatile crisp also pairs beautifully with:

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A classic pairing that lets the apple and cinnamon flavors shine.
Whipped Cream: A light and airy contrast to the warm, hearty crisp.
Crème Fraîche or Sour Cream: For a slightly tangy, sophisticated touch that cuts through the sweetness.
A Drizzle of Maple Syrup: Especially fitting for a fall-themed treat.

Choosing the Best Apples for Your Apple Crisp

The type of apples you choose can significantly impact the final texture and flavor of your Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp. The most recommended varieties are firmer apples, as they hold their shape better during baking and don’t break down into a mushy consistency. I often use a delightful mix of Golden Delicious for sweetness and Granny Smith for a welcome tartness, creating a balanced and flavorful filling.

Here’s a guide to some popular apple varieties and why they work well for crisps:

Granny Smith: Known for their tartness and firm texture, these apples maintain their shape and provide a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness of the crisp. They’re excellent for baking.
Golden Delicious: Sweet and slightly soft, Golden Delicious apples break down a bit more but contribute a wonderful sweetness and help create a saucy filling. They pair beautifully with tarter varieties.
Honeycrisp: A fantastic all-around apple for baking. Honeycrisp are firm, juicy, and have a good balance of sweet and tart flavor. They hold their shape well.
Fuji: Crisp and sweet with a slightly firm texture, Fuji apples are another great choice for baking.
Braeburn: These apples offer a nice tart-sweet balance and a firm flesh that holds up during baking.
Gala: While slightly softer than some baking apples, Gala can be used, especially when mixed with firmer varieties. They contribute a mild sweetness.

A note on softer apples: If you opt to use softer apple varieties exclusively, be mindful that they will cook down more quickly. To prevent an overly soft or mushy filling, consider cutting down the baking time by approximately one-third. A blend of firm and slightly softer apples often yields the most complex flavor and appealing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?: While fresh apples are always preferred for the best texture, you can use frozen sliced apples. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before tossing them with the other filling ingredients to prevent a watery crisp.
How do I know when my apple crisp is fully baked?: The apple crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. You can also gently pierce an apple slice with a knife; it should feel tender.
Why is my crisp topping soggy?: A soggy topping can occur if the butter wasn’t cooled sufficiently before mixing, or if the crisp was covered for too long during baking, trapping steam. Ensure your butter is just melted and cooled, and don’t bake covered for longer than recommended. Also, ensuring the topping is spread evenly and not too thick can help.
Can I reheat leftover apple crisp?: Yes! Leftover apple crisp reheats beautifully. For best results, reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping crisps up again. You can also microwave individual servings, but the topping won’t be as crunchy.
How should I store apple crisp?: Store any leftover apple crisp covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If refrigerating, allow it to come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

More Delicious Fall Dessert Recipes to Try

Cinnamon Apple Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe

Apple Dump Cake from Scratch

Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp

Author: Anna

This old-fashioned apple crisp features a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling with crunchy brown sugar and oat topping. This crisp is best served with caramel ice cream!

Highly rated by home bakers!

Print Recipe
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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5 people

Calories: 477 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

4 cups chopped or sliced apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious recommended)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Butter a 2-quart (8-inch square or round) baking dish. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped or sliced apples with lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
Add cornstarch to the apples and toss gently again, ensuring they are lightly coated.
Stir in the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly seasoned.
Spread the prepared apple filling evenly into your buttered baking dish.
In the same large bowl (no need to wash), whisk together the all-purpose flour and old-fashioned oats.
Add the packed brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground cloves to the oat mixture. Stir until well combined.
Melt the ½ cup unsalted butter, then let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature (it will remain liquid).
Pour the cooled melted butter over the dry oat topping mixture. Mix with a fork, gently pressing until distinct crumbles form.
Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apple filling in the baking dish.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.
Allow the apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving warm, ideally with caramel ice cream.

Notes

The most recommended apples for crisp are firmer varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious, as they hold their shape better during baking. I used a mix of Golden Delicious and Granny Smith for balanced flavor. If you are using softer apples, consider reducing the baking time by about one-third to prevent them from becoming too mushy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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