Crumbly, buttery, sweetand ready before your kitchen even cools down. This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is blowing up on TikTok and Pinterest for good reason: it’s cozy, fast, and tastes like it came straight from grandma’s oven window. Basic skills welcome. Just 10 minutes to prep and a warm, bubbling finish you’ll be proud to serve.
This is that classic fall dessert, simplified. We’re talking cinnamon-spiced apples (yep, apple crisp with canned apple filling works great), a golden oat topping, and a few pantry basics. Like one of those apple cobbler easy 3 ingredients recipesbut crispier, with crunch for days. Full details in the blog!
I grew up watching my aunt toss together “dessert emergencies” with whatever fruit she had in the pantry. That stuck. So I tested this crisp again and again till the topping was just right. You’ll love the shortcut I use for max crunch with less sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Imagine taking your first bite of a warm, cinnamon-filled crisp and being transported straight into your favorite memories of fall evenings. Here’s why this recipe is a must-make:
Simple and Quick: Just 15 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients.
No Fancy Tools Needed: A mixing bowl, basic utensils, and a baking dish are all it takes.
Flexible: Swap in your favorite apple variety or use canned apple filling for a true “quick apple crisp” solution.
Perfect for Beginners: This recipe walks you through every cozy, crumbly stepno stress allowed.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This recipe favors pantry staples and fresh produce to make a classic dessert without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:
Golden Delicious Apples: Their natural sweetness is perfect for this crisp, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work too! For a shortcut, use apple crisp with canned apple filling.
Oats and Flour: Old-fashioned oats bring texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch.
Brown Sugar: Adds that deep molasses flavor to the topping.
Cold Butter: The secret to achieving that crumbly, buttery golden topping we all love.
Cinnamon: Just the right touch of warmthit makes the house smell heavenly!
Pro Tip: Need an even faster option? This works as an easy apple crisp with pie filling, too!
Step-by-Step: Bring Your Apple Crisp to Life
Preheat and Prep: Set the oven to 350°F and butter your baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier.
Make the Spiced Apples: Toss your peeled, chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Layer them evenly in your baking dish.
Craft the Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the mixture using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers. You’re aiming for pea-sized crumbs.
Assemble and Bake: Spread the topping over the apples, gently pressing it to even out. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Pro Tip: If the topping browns too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Swaps, Tips, and Storage
This recipe is forgiving and great for adapting to suit your needs. Let’s make it even easier:
No Golden Delicious Apples? Swap for Granny Smith for tartness or use apple crisp with canned apple filling to save time.
Want Gluten-Free? Use almond flour or a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
Leftovers? You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispiness!
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Tips
Fridge (airtight container)
Up to 3 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer (tightly wrapped)
Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight, then reheat as above.
Ideas for Serving Your Apple Crisp
Every warm, spiced bite just begs for a cozy pairing. Here are some of my favorites:
Classic: A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the crisp.
Fancy: A drizzle of salted caramel turns this into the best apple crisp recipe ever.
Nostalgic: Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon take me right back to family dinners at Grandma’s.
Pro Tip: For a twist, serve it cold the next morningit tastes just like apple pie for breakfast!
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Old fashioned easy apple crisp combines tender baked apples with a buttery, crumbly topping that balances sweetness and texture. The key is using tart apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape and provide a pleasant contrast to the rich oat topping. This recipe highlights simple techniques that maximize flavor and comfort in every bite.
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Perfecting My Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp took several attempts to get just right. Early on, I learned the balance between tart and sweet apples really matters, and that crisp topping needs to be perfectly crumbly. After much testing and tasting, this recipe is a warm, comforting classic you can trust every time.
FAQs ( Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp )
How do I make the crisp topping crunchier?
For a crunchier topping, use cold butter cut into the dry ingredients to create coarse crumbs. Baking the crisp uncovered allows moisture to evaporate, enhancing crunch. Adding a small amount of quick oats can also improve texture without overpowering the classic crunch.
Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?
Yes, canned apple filling works well and saves prep time in this meal. Just drain any excess syrup to avoid a soggy base. Adjust sugar and spices as canned apples tend to be sweeter and softer than fresh ones.
What is the best apple to use for this dish?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to hold shape and balance sweetness. These varieties create a nice contrast with the tender topping. Avoid soft apples that turn mushy during baking for best results.
How long can I store leftover apple crisp?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain a crisp topping. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Ensure oats used in the topping are certified gluten-free. This change keeps the dish just as easy and tasty without compromising texture.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp comes together in no time, delivering that perfect balance of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. It’s approachable, comforting, and just right for any day you crave something homemade and soul-satisfying.
Feel free to customize with different apple varieties or try it as an easy apple crisp with pie filling when time’s tight. For a fun twist, sprinkle chopped nuts into your apple crisp topping recipe or keep it classic with canned apples for a true quick apple crisp. Leftovers store beautifully, and reheating restores that fresh-baked magica tip I picked up from a savvy home cook just like you.
Did this recipe bring back any cherished memories or family stories? Share your photos or little tweaksI always love hearing how these easy desserts land in your kitchen. Pass it along to anyone who deserves a simple sweet moment. Trust me, you’ll wanna make this cozy classic again and again.
Yesica Andrews
Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp: Irresistibly Quick Recipe
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a quick and homemade apple crisp easy to prepare, bringing back the nostalgic flavors Grandma used to make. Perfect as a Quick Apple Crisp dessert topped with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel sauce, it combines tender spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. A delightful treat for any season, this recipe is a beloved classic and one of the best apple crisp recipes ever.
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter diced into small cubes
Method
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees and butter an 8×8 baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine peeled and chopped apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Transfer the spiced apple mixture to the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt.
Cut cold diced butter into the oat mixture using a pastry cutter, two forks, or hands until pea-sized crumbs form.
Spread the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish and gently pat down.
Bake for 40-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple mixture is bubbly.
Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
You can use different apple varieties if desired. Quick oats can substitute old fashioned oats but may alter texture slightly. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated. This crisp pairs wonderfully with salted caramel sauce for a richer dessert.
