Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that brings the essence of fall to your table any time of the year. With tender, juicy apples enveloped in a cinnamon-spiced filling and topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, this classic dish is the epitome of homey goodness. It’s the perfect way to celebrate apple season, and its delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around for a taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This old fashioned apple crisp recipe is beloved for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The sweet and tart combination of fresh apples melds beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Not only is it easy to prepare—requiring minimal hands-on time—but it also fits seamlessly into a variety of lifestyles, be it a comforting family dessert or a delightful potluck offering. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, making it a great choice for those seeking plant-based options.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance enhances the overall taste.
- Use Cold Butter: When making the crisp topping, ensure your butter is cold and cubed. This helps create a flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the topping ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping rather than a light and crispy one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Peeling the Apples: Leaving the skin on can lead to a chewy texture. Be sure to peel your apples for the smoothest filling.
- Overcooking: Keep an eye on your crisp while it bakes. Overcooking can lead to mushy apples and a burned topping.
- Neglecting to Let it Cool: Allowing the crisp to cool slightly before serving helps the juices thicken, making for a more enjoyable texture.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just toss the apples with lemon juice and spices to prevent browning. The topping can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to bake, simply combine the two and proceed as directed.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for an extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular oats with gluten-free oats and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the topping.
- Fruit Mix-In: Incorporate other fruits like blueberries or pears for a delightful twist.
How to Serve
Serve your old fashioned apple crisp warm from the oven, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top or a drizzle of heavy cream. For an elegant touch, sprinkle some cinnamon on the ice cream, and serve it in a rustic dish with a scoop of crisp alongside.
Pairing Suggestions
For a cozy drink pairing, consider serving a spiced hot apple cider or a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as Moscato. Complement the crisp with a dollop of whipped cream or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a classic touch.
How to Store
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it will last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium bowls for mixing the apple filling and crisp topping.
- Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for peeling and slicing the apples.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener if desired. For a nut-free version, simply omit any nuts from the topping.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, opt for freshly picked apples from your local orchard for peak flavor. In winter, consider using frozen apples; just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using. You could also add seasonal spices such as cardamom for a unique twist.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for this old fashioned apple crisp recipe is around $10 for 8 servings, making it about $1.25 per serving. To save money, purchase apples in bulk or use whatever you have on hand.
Kitchen Hacks
Peeling apples can be tedious. Use an apple peeler for quick results, or simply cut the apples into quarters and slice off the skin with a knife. For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before adding the apple filling.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use other fruits? Yes! Pears, peaches, or berries can be delicious alternatives.
- How long does it take to bake? The crisp typically takes about 30-40 minutes at 350°F, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Can I make it ahead and freeze? Absolutely! Just follow the freezing instructions above.
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that brings the essence of fall to your table any time of the year. With tender, juicy apples enveloped in a cinnamon-spiced filling and topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, this classic dish is the epitome of homey goodness.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith are a great choice)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly, then pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 331Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 31mgSodium 142mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 4gSugar 31gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This old fashioned apple crisp recipe is a timeless treat that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. With its comforting flavors and ease of preparation, you’ll want to make it again and again. Happy baking!