Dessert

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

ByElena Hart October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat topping. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe is simple enough for any home cook to make and always delights the taste buds.

A square white baking dish filled with a golden brown apple crumble topped heavily with oats and crumbly bits, showing small chunks of cooked apple peeking through. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a purple cloth underneath, and there is a silver spoon placed beside it. Two apples, one red and one green, are partially visible at the top edge of the image. The crumble has a rough, crunchy texture with visible oats spread across the top in an uneven layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8 baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray, then set aside.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the apples, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Step 4: Add the cold diced butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to cut the butter into the dry ingredients, working until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Step 5: Evenly spread the topping over the apples in the baking dish and gently pat it down to level.

Step 6: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Step 7: Serve the apple crisp warm, optionally topped with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

Try using tart apples like Granny Smith for a more tangy flavor, or mix apple varieties for added texture.

Substitute quick oats if needed, but expect a slightly softer topping texture.
For a nutty crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture for extra warmth and spice.

Storage

Store any leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. This dessert can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a warm apple crisp dessert. The bottom layer has chunky, soft cooked apple pieces coated in a golden-brown cinnamon sauce, giving a shiny texture. On top of the apples is a thick, crunchy oat crumble that looks golden with a rough texture. Above this is a large scoop of smooth, white vanilla ice cream that is slightly melting and drizzled with light caramel sauce. A silver spoon is partially inserted into the bowl, touching the apple crisp near the front. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some out-of-focus colors in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Frozen apples can work in a pinch, but fresh apples yield the best texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar and spices.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free to keep this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.