If you’re craving a cozy, classic dessert that wraps you up in all the scents and flavors of home, this Grandma’s Apple Crisp is simply a must-make. Each forkful bursts with tender Granny Smith apples coated in warming spices, then crowned with a golden, crumbly oat topping that’s just sweet enough. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan, Grandma’s Apple Crisp brings together simple ingredients and a pinch of nostalgia in every perfect bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the beauty of the basics: each ingredient in this apple crisp serves a delicious purpose, lending texture, brightness, or that irresistible aroma the moment it comes out of the oven. Gather these kitchen staples and you’ll see just how easy and rewarding homemade comfort food can be.
- Granny Smith apples (6 cups, peeled and thinly sliced): Their firm texture and tart flavor hold up beautifully during baking and balance the sweet topping.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the apples and helps prevent browning while you prep.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Brings just the right amount of sweetness to the fruit layer.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and that signature spiced aroma.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the cozy, old-fashioned flavors without overpowering.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon for apples, 1/2 cup for topping): Thickens the juicy apple filling and helps the topping form delicious little clumps.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Give the crisp its rustic, chewy texture that everyone loves.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Deepens the flavor of the topping with caramel notes and subtle moisture.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Ensures every bite of the topping is perfectly rich and crumbly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make Grandma’s Apple Crisp
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you the ideal temp for crisp, bubbly apples and a golden topping. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and every scoop comes out easily.
Step 2: Toss Apples with Flavor
In a big mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and one tablespoon of flour. Make sure every apple slice gets a kiss of spice and sugar—this ensures the filling bakes up flavorful and thick, not watery.
Step 3: Spread Out the Apples
Pour that beautifully coated apple mixture right into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it into an even layer—this consistency helps everything bake through evenly and lets the topping nestle down into the apples as it cooks.
Step 4: Mix the Oat Crumble Topping
Grab a clean bowl and add your oats, brown sugar, remaining half-cup of flour, and salt. Now, drop in the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or just your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you see moist, crumbly clumps starting to form—this is the magic that makes Grandma’s Apple Crisp so irresistible.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Generously sprinkle your oat topping all over the apples, making sure every inch is covered. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The apples should be bubbling, and the topping will be gloriously brown. Let it cool just a bit before serving so you don’t lose any of those lovely juices.
How to Serve Grandma’s Apple Crisp
Garnishes
Nothing completes a generous serving of Grandma’s Apple Crisp quite like a classic garnish. Top each warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a luxurious dollop of whipped cream, and a light sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling indulgent. The contrast between melty ice cream and the crisp, warm topping is truly heavenly.
Side Dishes
For a homey dessert spread, try pairing your apple crisp with freshly brewed coffee, hot apple cider, or even a small pitcher of cold cream. If you’re creating a dessert buffet, offer alongside pumpkin pie or spiced gingerbread for the ultimate fall feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add a little wow factor, serve Grandma’s Apple Crisp in individual mason jars or mini ramekins—guests will love the personal touch. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the top before serving, or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To save leftover apple crisp, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container or wrapping the baking dish tightly in foil. It will keep well in the fridge for up to four days, and you’ll love how the flavors continue to meld overnight.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra Grandma’s Apple Crisp, you can absolutely freeze it! Wrap well and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To thaw, simply place in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat as desired the next day.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes. If the topping looks a bit soft, broil for 1–2 minutes to restore its crisp finish—just keep a close eye!
FAQs
What are the best apples to use in Grandma’s Apple Crisp?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet topping and they hold their shape when baked. However, you can mix in others like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for extra flavor and texture.
Can I make Grandma’s Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The crisp turns out just as delicious and no one will know the difference.
How do I keep the topping crisp after storing?
If your topping loses a bit of crunch in the fridge, just reheat the crisp uncovered in the oven for the last few minutes. A quick pass under the broiler will revive that golden, crumbly texture.
Is it possible to prep Grandma’s Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish (without baking) and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve, adding just a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Can I use less sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup?
You can reduce the sugar a bit or experiment with sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, especially in the filling. The topping relies on dry sugar for texture, so keep an eye out for any changes in crispiness if substituting.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive in and savor all the cozy joys of Grandma’s Apple Crisp. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weeknight treat, or a nostalgic taste of home, this recipe never fails to impress and comfort. Gather your apples, invite a friend or two, and prepare to fall in love with every bite all over again!
Print
Grandma’s Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Apple Crisp is a classic dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crispy oat topping. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for fall and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Oat Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Oat Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *