I love making Old Fashioned Apple Crisp for its simple, nostalgic allure. I start with crisp, sliced apples lightly tossed with granulated sugar, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of lemon juice. The topping blends old fashioned oats, light brown sugar, and unsalted butter to create a delightful crunchy finish.

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I’ve always been inspired by the simple charm of classic recipes, and this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is no exception. I remember when I first came across an apple crisp that used nothing but basic ingredients, like 6 cups of peeled, cored and sliced apples, a pinch of ground cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg.

Mixing in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1/3 cup all-purpose flour for the apples gives it that subtle sweetness, while adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice really wakes up the flavors. The topping, made with 3/4 cup rolled oats, 1 cup of light brown sugar, a sprinkle of salt and 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter along with a dash of cinnamon, creates a crunchy layer that is damn irresistible.

I’ve seen variations from different kitchens and even folks wondering Can You Freeze Apple Crisp but this old fashioned version is always a winner. Enjoy trying it for yourself!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how the sliced apples in this recipe turn out so soft and flavorful after baking, and the lemon juice just adds that little extra zing that keeps things balanced. I also enjoy how the crumbly topping comes together with a mix of oats and butter – it’s kinda crunchy and sweet in all the right places, which totally reminds me of simpler days. This recipe always makes me feel nostalgic since it reminds me of when my grandma used to cook, and that homey vibe is something i really cherish. Finally, its super easy and forgiving to make, which means i can whip it up whenever i’m in the mood for a comforting, delicious treat that goes perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

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Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Granulated Sugar offers sweetness and helps create a smooth apple mixture.
Rolled Oats add hearty texture and serve as a healthy carb source.
Light Brown Sugar infuses rich molasses taste and lends extra moisture.
Unsalted Butter gives a creamy finish, helping bind the topping ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour works in both filling and topping to create structure and binding.
Ground Cinnamon warms the dish with a spicy aroma that makes it extra cozy.
Ground Nutmeg adds a deep, nutty spice that finishes the flavor just right.
Lemon Juice brightens the apples, adding a tangy kick to the mix.

Ingredient Quantities

6 cups peeled, cored and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 teaspoons lemon juice

3/4 cup all-purpose flour for the topping

3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the topping mix

How to Make this

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1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium sized baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, toss 6 cups of peeled, cored and sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated. Then, pour the apple mix evenly into your baking dish.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

4. Add 1/2 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry topping mix; use a fork or your fingertips to mix it in until the mixture becomes crumbly with little butter pieces still visible.

5. Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling in the dish.

6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

7. If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through the baking time.

8. Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

9. Serve warm on its own or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra goodness.

10. Enjoy this old fashioned treat like the one Grandma used to make, knowing all the simple ingredients work together just right.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheat to 375°F)
2. Medium sized baking dish (lightly greased)
3. Large mixing bowl (for tossing the apples in sugar, flour and spices)
4. Separate bowl (for mixing the topping ingredients)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate measurement of all the ingredients)
6. Fork (or use your fingertips to mix in the cold butter)
7. Aluminum foil (to loosely cover the dish if the topping begins to brown too quickly)
8. Cooling rack or plate (to let the apple crisp cool for 5-10 minutes before serving)

FAQ

Can I use different types of apples instead of the ones listed?

Sure, you can mix up the apples. But keep in mind that some apples might be too tart or soft so choose ones that hold their shape.

How do I know when my apple crisp is done?

The topping should be a lovely golden brown and the apples tender. If its still soggy, give it a few more minutes.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yeah, you can prep the apples ahead of time and even the topping. Just mix them both separately and combine when you're ready to bake.

What do I do with leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven.

Can I freeze this apple crisp?

Yup, you can freeze it. Wrap it well and it'll be good for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw before reheating.

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have unsalted butter, try using coconut oil or even a bit of margarine. It might change the flavor slightly but works just okey.
Instead of all-purpose flour in the apple mix, you can replace it with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if thats what you prefer.
Don’t have rolled oats? Quick oats can be used instead although the texture may be a bit softer after baking.
For the lemon juice, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar as a substitute. It gives a similar tangy kick.
If you’re out of light brown sugar, dark brown sugar is a great alternative that adds a little extra richness to the topping.

Pro Tips

1. When mixing in the butter for your topping, try using your fingertips instead of a fork sometimes, it creates a nice scrummy texture that really makes a difference in how it crunches when baked.
2. Watch your apples closely as they bake; if they turn too soft, check them a couple of minutes early because every oven heats a bit differently and you dont want them to completely mush over.
3. A little extra lemon juice can brighten up the whole dish if the apples seem a little bland, but be careful not to add too much or it might start tasting sour.
4. If youre feeling adventurous, tweak the spices a tiny bit next time you make it, or even add a bit of vanilla extract into the apple mix for extra warmth in flavor.