Nothing beats the warm, cozy aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or just a day you crave something sweet and nostalgic, Old Fashioned Apple Crisp always hits the spot. Think of it like a warm hug from your grandmother’s kitchen – simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a classic, foolproof recipe that turns just a handful of ingredients into a dessert that feels like home. Let’s dive into the magic of this timeless favorite.
1. What is Old Fashioned Apple Crisp?
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a traditional American dessert made with baked apples and a crumbly, buttery topping. Unlike apple pie, there’s no crust to roll out—just a simple, rustic topping made with pantry staples. It’s the kind of dessert that generations have passed down, often scribbled on a recipe card tucked in a cookbook.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just 8 basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your kitchen:
5-6 cups peeled and sliced apples
1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 unbeaten egg
1/3 cup melted butter
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
These ingredients come together to create a warm, slightly crispy topping that perfectly contrasts with the tender baked apples beneath.
3. Why This Recipe Works So Well
The beauty of this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is in its simplicity. No fancy gadgets. No complex techniques. Just honest-to-goodness ingredients doing their job. The egg binds the dry topping into crumbles, the butter crisps it up, and the apples bring in their natural sweetness and tartness.
It’s like a symphony with just a few instruments that still manages to move you.
4. Choosing the Right Apples
Not all apples are created equal, especially for baking. Some turn mushy, while others hold their shape perfectly.
Best apples for this recipe:
Granny Smith (tart and firm)
Honeycrisp (sweet and crisp)
Fuji (sweet with a soft texture)
Braeburn (balanced flavor)
A mix of tart and sweet apples often results in the most flavorful crisp.
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps of making this heartwarming dessert:
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2:
Arrange peeled and sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 3:
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and unbeaten egg. Mix until crumbly and evenly blended.
Step 4:
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 5:
Pour the melted butter over the top.
Step 6:
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the top is golden and crisp.
Enjoy warm with ice cream or a drizzle of cream!
6. Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp
Don’t skip the egg – It helps bind the topping into a nice crumble.
Slice apples evenly – This ensures uniform cooking.
Use real butter – Margarine won’t give the same flavor or texture.
Add a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth if you like.
7. How to Serve Apple Crisp
The best way? Warm and cozy. Serve your crisp fresh out of the oven (after cooling slightly) with:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of whipped cream
A splash of heavy cream or caramel sauce
It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to the table instantly.
8. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storage:
Cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
9. Can You Freeze Apple Crisp?
Yes, and it freezes beautifully!
To freeze:
Let it cool completely.
Cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label and date it.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for best results.
10. Old Fashioned Apple Crisp vs. Pie
Think of apple crisp as the laid-back cousin of apple pie.
No crust to fuss with.
Faster to prepare.
Crunchier topping that many prefer over pastry.
If you love the flavor of apple pie but not the work, apple crisp is your best friend.
11. Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/6th of the recipe):
Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 3g
This dessert isn’t low-cal, but it’s definitely worth the indulgence every now and then.
12. How to Make it Gluten-Free
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it’s one that can be substituted 1:1 and contains xanthan gum or a binder.
All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free—but always double-check your baking powder and cinnamon for cross-contamination if you’re celiac.
13. Variations to Try
Want to add a twist? Here are some fun ideas:
Add oats to the topping for extra texture.
Toss in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Mix in other fruits like pears or berries.
Add vanilla extract or a touch of maple syrup to the apples.
This recipe is a great base to build your own signature dessert.
14. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overbaking – Check at 30 minutes to avoid a dry topping.
Using too soft apples – They can turn mushy and watery.
Skipping the butter drizzle – It’s essential for that golden finish.
15. Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is still on dessert menus and family tables today. It’s not just about the taste—it’s about the feeling it brings. The nostalgia, the simplicity, and the warmth that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
So next time you want to whip up something that feels like a hug in a bowl, give this classic recipe a try. Your taste buds—and your soul—will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. What’s the best way to peel and slice apples for this recipe?
Use a Y-peeler and slice uniformly (about 1/4 inch thick) for even cooking.
3. Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
Absolutely! It will give a richer, caramel-like flavor to the crisp.
4. Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes—use a plant-based butter and replace the egg with 1/4 cup applesauce or flax egg.
5. Why is my topping not crispy?
Too little butter or overmixing the crumble can lead to a dry, soft topping. Be sure to follow measurements and drizzle butter evenly.
If you’re craving something classic, cozy, and ridiculously easy, Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is always a winner. Now go ahead, gather your apples, and let the magic begin!
