Traditional Apple Crisp
For a warm, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall, it’s hard to beat a traditional old-fashioned apple crisp. This beloved classic celebrates seasonal apples with a soft, baked filling and a crunchy topping infused with cinnamon and spice. Passed down through generations, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender, juicy apples and a crisp, fragrant crumble come together in a dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare—and once you’ve made it, it’s sure to become a yearly autumn favorite.
Choosing the Best Apples for Apple Crisp
Selecting the right apples makes all the difference. A combination of sweet Honeycrisp apples and tart Granny Smiths creates a deep, balanced flavor. Avoid softer varieties such as Red Delicious, which tend to become mushy when baked. Thin slices ensure the apples cook evenly, turning tender and rich while perfectly supporting the crisp topping.
How to Make Classic Apple Crisp
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apples, thinly sliced | About 4 cups |
| Light brown sugar (apple layer) | ½ cup |
| Cinnamon (apple layer) | ½ teaspoon |
| Oat flour or all-purpose flour (topping) | ½ cup |
| Old-fashioned rolled oats (topping) | ¼ cup |
| Light brown sugar (topping) | ⅓ cup |
| Cinnamon (topping) | ½ teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Butter, melted | ¼ cup |
Directions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8-, 9-, or 10-inch baking dish.
- Place the apple slices into the dish. Sprinkle with ¼ cup brown sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, tossing gently to coat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and blend using a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Evenly distribute the topping over the apples.
- Bake for 30–32 minutes, until the apples are soft and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
