Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
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This easy Apple Crisp is a classic old-fashioned dessert recipe that has been in our family for years! The delicious filling is made with Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg topped with a crunchy oat crumble. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat!
Check out these Instant Pot Apple Crisp and Instant Pot Apple Cranberry Crisp recipes for more delicious crisp options.
Apple crisp screams fall and it is much easy to make than pie!
What you will need
- Granny Smith Apples – are tart enough to stand up to the sweet topping and stiff enough to not turn to mush in the oven.
- All-purpose Flour – holds the crumble topping together. Substitute your favorite gluten-free flour if needed.
- Old-fashioned Rolled Oats – help to create the crispy topping but can be omitted if needed. See note below.
- Brown Sugar – gives this dessert a touch of sweetness without being overly sweet.
- Fresh Ground Nutmeg – will give you the best flavor but store-bought can be substituted.
- Ground Cinnamon – the flavor that goes perfectly with apples and fall.
- Unsalted Butter – adds a rich flavor to the topping and is the glue that combines with the brown sugar to hold it all together.
- Chopped Pecans – are a family favorite, but any nuts will work. Omit if needed.
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
What makes this apple crisp recipe special?
Freshly ground nutmeg adds so much flavor and is more aromatic than the pre-ground nutmeg you purchase in a jar. The flavor comes from the volatile oils in the nutmeg that evaporate quickly.
I promise, it isn’t hard grind at all. You can use a ceramic grater like the one below, or the same microplane rasp grater that you use to zest lemons.
Perfectly sliced apples
For perfectly sliced apples I suggest that you use this handy dandy apple corer/peeler/slicer gizmo. It helps the apple cook more evenly for a consistent texture and makes the process much easier!
Since I don’t like apple peel, it is perfect for me! I just pull them off, slice them in half, and they are ready to use.
How to make easy Apple Crisp
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter an 8 x 8 x 2 baking dish. Set aside.
To make the crumble topping: Stir brown sugar, oats, flour, and spices together in a large bowl.
Mix in the softened butter to form a crumbly topping. Stir in the pecans (if using) and set aside.
Place the apple slices in your prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle topping mixture over the apples.
Bake for 25 – 35 minutes until the apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Serve warm with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Tender apples with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon and an oatmeal cookie type topping is the perfect way to warm up during those cold winter months!
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Baking times are guidelines, all ovens cook differently. My gas oven in Iowa took 35 minutes, my electric oven in Arizona took 25 minutes. Just keep an eye on it.
- Granny Smith apples are an excellent option for this recipe, but Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious or any tart apples will work as well.
- For a non-oat topping: omit the oats and add an additional 1/3 cup of flour and 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
Tools used to create this recipe
You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!
- Ceramic Grater or Microplane Zester
- Cutting Board & Chefs Knife
- Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer with suction base
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 8 x 8 Baking Dish
- Silicone Spatula
More delicious apple recipes
- Apple Pie for Two
- Apple Crisp for Two
- Puff Pastry Apple Tart
- Gourmet Caramel Apples
- Lattice Top Apple Pie
- Apple Streusel Pizza
- Apple-Berry Crumble with Irish Whiskey Cream
If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!
Enjoy!!
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 4 cups Granny Smith apples cored, sliced, peeled – about 4 medium
- .67 cups brown sugar lightly packed (2/3 cup)
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- .75 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- .75 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- .33 cup unsalted butter softened, plus more for pan
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8 x 8 x 2 baking dish. Set aside.
- Stir brown sugar, oats, flour, and spices together in a large bowl. Mix in the softened butter to form a crumbly topping. Stir in the pecans (if using) and set aside.
- Core and slice your apples and place in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle topping mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 25 – 35 minutes until the apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Baking times are guidelines, all ovens cook differently. My gas oven in Iowa took 35 minutes, my electric oven in Arizona took 25 minutes. Just keep an eye on it.
- Granny Smith apples are an excellent option for this recipe, but Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious or any tart apples will work as well.
- For a non-oat topping: omit the oats and add an additional 1/3 cup of flour and 1/3 cup of brown sugar.
Nutrition
I originally shared this recipe June 2013. Updated August 2022.
I don’t care what month it is, Lisa, I will eat apple crisp any place, any time. Fall is my favorite time of year, and I always love those foods. That apple peeler/slicer is awesome, and I want a piece of that crisp.
Where on earth did you get that awesome nutmeg grinder? That is too cool! I’m also not picky about the time of year I eat apple crisp. Forth of July is coming fast, and this will be perfect! Thank you for the sweet comment on my little dresser. Cheers.
Let’s be real: Apple crisp is awesome at ANY time of year! Also, I want that apple corer!
Oh how yum is this!! Hey, I don’t care if it’s 95, I’ll still eat this. Don’t you just love the apple dilly thing?! I use mine all the time but especially on Halloween night…I sit outside with a cute table set up at the end of the driveway. I have a bowl of cinnamon and sugar, warm caramel and a whole huge bucket of apples. As the kids come up to get candy, I give the parents (and kids) some apple slices (using this gadget) a fun little treat dipped in the cinnamon/sugar and drizzle the caramel over it! It’s been a hit every year…the fact the kids get a kick out the apple corer/slicer device!
Pinning this recipe! (=
There’s never a wrong time of year for apple crisp – it’s one of my absolute favorites! Love that nutmeg grater…I’m gonna have to get me one of those 😉
I love apple crisp any time of the year! This looks so delicious. I have to get my hands on that apple gizmo! That would make my life so much easier when I bake with apples. 🙂
Can´t go wrong with a good apple crisp, no matter what time of year it is. It looks delectable!
That’s a great little gadget to have for apples! And mmmm, apple crip.. It sounds so warm and delicious!
Apple Crisp is good any time! I have one of those apple peelers – it is a great kitchen tool!!
There’s nothing wrong with an apple crisp in June! It’s refreshing and really, who could pass this up!
Apple is my fave right after lemon. Ever since someone gifted me with my nutmeg grinder I would never use pre-ground again. I am loving your peeler. I never gave them much attention because I thought they didn’t work. Apparently I was wrong. Now I want one.
Oh, I am so sorry about your photo theft. I just do not understand unless they have no morals or ethics. grrrrrr…
I make this too! Looks so good! Thanks for linking up at happywifey.net! I will try to host every Monday 🙂
I need one of those apple peeler, corer, slicer things! I love apple crisp! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #17.
~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
Mmmmmm apple crisp! Such amazing comfort food! 🙂 Thank you so much for linking up with me this week at Tasty Tuesdays! I’ve pinned this & shared it with my followers!
YUM! Just wanted you to know I am featuring this on the Make Bake Create party tonight! Thanks for linking up!
First off, I can’t tell you how jealous I am of your weather. I hate the really cold winters but at least I can add a sweater and be warm but summertime? There’s only so much clothing I can take off and I’m still hot! And there is never a wrong time for Apple Crisp, one of my favorite comfort foods. Thanks for sharing at Thursday’s Treasures, I’m featuring you this week!
Thanks so much for sharing your recipe at the Say G’day Saturday linky party. I will be featuring you at this week’s party.
Best wishes and hope to see you again this weekend!
Natasha in Oz
This is such a great recipe to get into the oven when you just NEED desserts – which for me happens on a regular basis!
This looks delicious! Found you thru A Peek Into My Paradise hop.
I love healthy food like apple crisp. It would be perfect breakfast! I found your post from Pinterest! I’m also gonna pin this post on my Pinterest board my followers will love it. Thanks for sharing!
Wow. This apple crisp look is a pure combination of taste, I love healthy food.