Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

There is something so comforting about old fashioned apple crisp This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a warm satisfying dessert with a buttery crunchy topping Over the years this has become my favorite quick fix for cold evenings or any time I want to bring the essence of autumn into my kitchen

Every time I make this apple crisp the house smells irresistible and it always disappears before it has a chance to cool

Ingredients

• Thinly sliced apples: About six cups Use firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith for best flavor and texture Always choose apples without bruises and with a fresh scent
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel sweetness and balances the tartness Choose soft and moist sugar for easy mixing
• Ground cinnamon: Provides cozy warmth Look for fresh fragrant cinnamon for the fullest flavor
• Old fashioned rolled oats: Give the topping a hearty crunch Select thick rolled oats for the best texture avoid instant oats
• All purpose flour: Acts as a base for the topping Choose unbleached flour for a cleaner flavor
• Ground nutmeg: Offers a hint of spicy depth Always buy small amounts and keep it fresh for increased aroma
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens flavors Fine kosher salt works well and dissolves evenly
• Softened butter: Binds the topping and provides that classic crisp texture Make sure the butter is soft but not melted for perfect crumbles

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly in a buttered baking dish Any baking dish between eight and ten inches will work perfectly Sprinkle the apples evenly with a quarter cup of brown sugar and half a teaspoon of cinnamon then gently toss everything together with your hands until the slices are coated

Make the Topping:

In a medium bowl combine the flour rolled oats brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and salt Mix thoroughly so that the spices and flour are evenly distributed Add the softened butter and use a fork spoon or your fingers to blend everything together until it forms a crumbly texture with both large and small chunks

Assemble the Crisp:

Evenly sprinkle the crumbly oat mixture over the coated apples in your baking dish Make sure the topping covers the apples right up to the edges for maximum crunch on every bite

Bake to Perfection:

Place the dish in your preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees Bake for thirty to thirty two minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling and the apples underneath are tender when pierced with a fork

Serve and Enjoy:

For the ultimate treat serve the crisp warm either as is or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream The aroma alone will have everyone lining up for seconds

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This apple crisp always reminds me of autumn afternoons at my grandmother’s kitchen table where the scent of baked apples and cinnamon filled the whole house My favorite part is always the crispy oaty topping I have to admit I sometimes sneak extra from the pan

Storage Tips

Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to four days Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the whole pan in a low oven for ten minutes to restore the topping’s crunch Avoid freezing as the topping can lose its crispness

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap part of the apples for pears for a subtle twist If you want a gluten free dessert simply use a one to one gluten free flour blend in place of all purpose or try almond flour in the topping A vegan version is easy with plant based butter

Serving Suggestions

Serve as dessert with ice cream for celebrations For a more wholesome treat try it cold with Greek yogurt for breakfast I have even served leftovers over pancakes for a decadent brunch

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A Bit of History

Apple crisp is a classic North American dessert that became especially popular during the early 1900s A simple way to use up plentiful apples it delivers all the flavor of pie but requires less time and effort The oats in the topping are a nod to early recipes meant to stretch scarce pantry ingredients

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Which apples are best for this dessert?

Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for tender, non-mushy slices with bright flavor.

→ How do I achieve a crisp, golden topping?

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and thoroughly combine it with the oat mixture for an even, crumbly texture.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked. Bake fresh for best texture, or reheat briefly to restore crispness.

→ What can I serve alongside?

Vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream pair wonderfully, adding creamy contrast to the warm crisp.

→ Are there substitutions for oats or flour?

For gluten-free options, use oat-based or almond flour. Quick oats can substitute rolled oats if desired.