Description
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Perfectly sweetened with lemon juice to balance flavors, it’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe that can be served warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped (or sliced)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1½ tsp lemon juice
Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the crisp doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Prepare the Apple Filling – In a mixing bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds a brightness that complements the sweetness. Transfer this mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping – In a separate bowl, combine light brown sugar, old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Add the cold diced butter to the mixture, then use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend everything together until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. This crumbly mix will form the crunchy topping.
- Assemble & Bake – Evenly spread the topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Lightly press down to help it hold together during baking. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Serve – Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for a classic and comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Use golden delicious apples for a sweet, tender filling; other apple varieties like Granny Smith can be used for a tarter flavor.
- Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes so it creates a crumbly, buttery topping.
- Let the crisp cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the topping.
