Description
A classic Old Fashioned Apple Crisp featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat crumble, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a warm, fruity treat.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6-7 medium apples (about 5 cups), peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
For the Crisp Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch (if using). Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices for balanced flavor and texture.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized chunks.
- Assemble the Crisp: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely to ensure a crisp, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Check after about 30 minutes and cover loosely with aluminum foil if the topping is browning too quickly to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra indulgence, top it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
- Optional cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling if desired.
- Cold butter is essential for a crispy, flaky topping texture.
- Cover with foil mid-baking if topping browns too fast.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.
