Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Introduction

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is the ultimate dessert for cozy, fall-inspired indulgence. With its tender spiced apples and a crisp, buttery topping, this classic dessert is both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. The sweet and tangy apples are perfectly balanced with a warm, spiced cinnamon flavor, while the crumbly topping adds the ideal amount of texture. This apple crisp recipe is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home.

What makes this apple crisp so delightful is how simple the ingredients are. You don’t need any complicated techniques or fancy equipment to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug. The apples soak up the cinnamon and sugar, creating a juicy, flavorful base, while the crisp topping bakes to golden perfection. It’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds, and it’s a great way to celebrate apple season or enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

This apple crisp is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients.

2. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The spiced apples paired with the sweet, buttery crisp topping create a balanced dessert that is not too sweet but just right.

3. Customizable

You can easily swap out apple varieties, adjust the sweetness, or add nuts to the topping for a more personalized touch.

4. Comforting and Cozy

The warm cinnamon-scented apples and the crunchy topping make this a perfect dessert for chilly evenings or fall gatherings.

5. Can Be Made Ahead

Apple crisp is a great make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

Spiced Apples

• Golden Delicious apples (peeled and chopped, or sliced)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Lemon juice

Crisp Topping

• Light brown sugar
• Old-fashioned oats (quick oats can be used but may change the texture)
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Cold unsalted butter (diced into small cubes)

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
• Other Fruits: Combine apples with pears or berries for a mixed fruit version of this crisp.
• Spices: Experiment with adding nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a different spice profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make this dessert gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish (around 9×9 inches) with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Apples
   Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are well-coated.
3. Make the Crisp Topping
   In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir to combine. Add the diced cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the Apple Crisp
   Spread the spiced apples evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake
   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
6. Cool and Serve
   Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect when served warm, and you can top it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Apple Variety: Golden Delicious apples work well for a sweet, soft filling, but feel free to mix in other apple varieties like Granny Smith for a touch of tartness.
• Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is cold when preparing the topping. This helps achieve a crumbly, flaky texture rather than a greasy topping.
• Check for Doneness: The apples should be soft and bubbly, and the topping should be golden brown. If you’re unsure, test with a fork to ensure the apples are tender.

How to Serve

• Serve your apple crisp warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For a richer flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce or top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
• Enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a comforting dessert after a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or place the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked apple crisp for up to 3 months. Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, uncover, and bake as directed (you may need to increase the baking time slightly).

Reheating

Reheat the apple crisp in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
   Yes! While Golden Delicious apples are great, you can also use Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for different flavor profiles and textures.
2. Can I make the topping ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
   Quick oats can be used, but they may result in a slightly different texture. Old-fashioned oats give the topping a chewier, more substantial bite.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute, though it may affect the crisp’s texture slightly.
5. How do I know when the apple crisp is done?
   The topping should be golden brown and the apples should be bubbling. Test the apples with a fork to make sure they’re tender.
6. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.
7. Can I freeze apple crisp before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked apple crisp. Be sure to cover it tightly and bake from frozen, adding a little extra baking time.
8. Can I use a different sweetener?
   You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup, but this will slightly alter the texture and flavor of the crisp.
9. Can I add nuts to the topping?
   Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping for added texture and flavor.
10. Is apple crisp gluten-free?
    You can make this gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring the oats are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the warmth of spiced apples with a sweet, buttery topping. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to please everyone. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a cozy treat at home, this classic dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it warm with ice cream for an irresistible dessert that’s both simple and delicious!

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