Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a sweet, buttery crisp topping. This classic recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy fall dessert or a sweet treat to enjoy year-round. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples, while the crisp topping adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is simple to prepare, making it a great option for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. Apple crisp is the perfect dessert to bring to a family gathering, enjoy after a weeknight dinner, or serve at a special holiday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple to Make

This recipe comes together quickly with easy-to-find ingredients. There’s no complicated steps involved, making it perfect for beginner bakers or when you’re in a rush to whip up a dessert.

2. A Classic Comfort Dessert

With spiced apples and a buttery crisp topping, this apple crisp is a nostalgic treat that everyone loves. It’s a true classic that never goes out of style.

3. Versatile

This apple crisp can be made with various types of apples. Golden Delicious are great, but you can use any variety you prefer, from tart Granny Smiths to sweet Fuji apples.

4. Perfect for Fall

Although delicious year-round, apple crisp is especially perfect during fall when apples are in season, making it a go-to comfort food for cozy autumn evenings.

5. Can Be Served in Different Ways

Serve this apple crisp warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or enjoy it on its own as a slightly lighter option. It’s versatile and can be served with different toppings based on your preferences.

Ingredients

For the Spiced Apples:

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

For the Crisp Topping:

• Light brown sugar
• Old fashioned oats (quick oats can be substituted for a slightly different texture)
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Cold unsalted butter (diced into small cubes)

Variations

1. Use Different Fruits

While apples are the classic choice, you can switch things up by adding other fruits such as pears, berries, or peaches. A combination of fruits also works well for a more complex flavor.

2. Add Nuts

For added crunch and flavor, consider mixing in chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the topping. They pair beautifully with the sweet apples.

3. Make It Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

4. Spice it Up

Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra warmth and depth of flavor. You can also increase the cinnamon if you prefer a stronger spice flavor.

5. Use Brown Butter

For a richer flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the topping. The nutty, caramelized flavor will elevate the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and chop the apples into small chunks. In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are well-coated with the mixture, then set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Add the cold, diced butter to the bowl. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Pour the spiced apples into the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly. Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, making sure to cover the apples entirely.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect treat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Choose the Right Apples

Golden Delicious apples are sweet and tender, making them perfect for apple crisp, but you can use any variety of apples you prefer. For a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples work well too. A mix of sweet and tart apples will create a balanced flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice

The lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents them from turning brown while you’re preparing the crisp. It also adds a subtle brightness to the flavor.

3. Use Cold Butter

For the best crisp topping, make sure your butter is cold and diced into small cubes before mixing it into the dry ingredients. Cold butter helps to create a crumbly texture when baked.

4. Add Extra Crunch

If you love a bit of crunch, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping. They’ll add extra texture and flavor to your crisp.

5. Make It Ahead

Apple crisp can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.

How to Serve

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent treat, try serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It can also be paired with a hot beverage like coffee or spiced cider for a cozy dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze apple crisp before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, allow the crisp to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, place the apple crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds, but the topping may lose its crisp texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! While apples are the traditional choice, you can use pears, peaches, or berries as alternatives or even a mix of fruits for added flavor.

2. Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?

Yes, you can substitute quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats create a chewier, more rustic topping, while quick oats will give it a finer, softer texture.

3. Can I make this apple crisp gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple crisp ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.

5. Can I use salted butter for the topping?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe, but if you only have salted butter, just reduce or omit the pinch of kosher salt in the topping.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger baking dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds are a great addition to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

8. How do I know when the apple crisp is done?

The apple crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges of the dish. You can also check the apples with a fork; they should be tender.

9. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar for the apples?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. It will enhance the richness of the dish.

10. How can I make this apple crisp more tart?

To make your apple crisp more tart, use a variety of tart apples like Granny Smith or add a splash of lemon juice to the apple mixture for a more pronounced tang.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that combines the comforting flavors of spiced apples with a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s incredibly easy to make, and its warm, sweet aroma will fill your kitchen with the perfect autumn scent. Whether you enjoy it with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own, this classic dessert is always a hit. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that will bring smiles to the table every time. Enjoy this easy apple crisp for a delicious, cozy treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

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