Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Looking for a delightful fall dessert that embodies the essence of the season? The Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a timeless classic that combines tender apples with a crispy, cinnamon-spiced topping, creating a warm and cozy treat that’s perfect for autumn gatherings. This recipe is a personal favorite of mine, as it never fails to impress with its perfect blend of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into how to recreate this nostalgic dessert at home.

I’ve been baking apple crisps for years, and there’s something truly magical about the way the fragrant topping melds with the softened apples to create a symphony of flavors. This simple yet scrumptious dessert is a must-have on your fall baking list.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

– Fall Comfort: A comforting dessert that captures the essence of autumn.
– Perfect Flavor Balance: Delicate sweetness of apples paired with a warm, cinnamon-spiced topping.
– Easy to Make: Simple steps that result in a delicious treat that’s easier than you think.
– Homey Nostalgia: A nostalgic recipe that brings back memories of warm, cozy days.

Ingredients

– Apples, thinly sliced: 4 (around 6 cups)
– Light brown sugar: ¼ cup (for apples)
– Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (for apples)
– All-purpose flour: ½ cup (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
– Old-fashioned rolled oats: ½ cup
– Light brown sugar: ⅔ cup
– Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
– Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
– Kosher salt: ¼ teaspoon
– Butter, softened: ⅓ cup

How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter a baking dish (8, 9, or 10 inches).

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Place the thinly sliced apples in the baking dish. Evenly distribute ¼ cup of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon over the apples, mixing well with your hands.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, ⅔ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of salt for the topping. Add the softened butter and blend with a fork or fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Step 4: Bake

Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the apples in the baking dish. Bake for 30-32 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are soft.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the apple crisp warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Options

To store any leftovers, refrigerate the apple crisp for up to a week in a sealed container. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20 seconds before enjoying.

Variations and Substitutions

– Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour for a gluten-free version.
– Sweetener Swap: Replace half the brown sugar with a granulated sweetener for a lower-sugar version.
– Extra Crunch: Increase the oat content in the topping for added texture.
– Seasonal Twist: Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles.

What to Serve With Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

– Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic pairing for a warm and cold contrast.
– Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy topping that enhances the richness of the dessert.
– Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the apple crisp for a decadent touch.
– Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

– What apple varieties work best ? :

Mixing sweet Honeycrisp apples with tart Granny Smiths creates a nice balance of flavors.

– Does the topping need to be cold ? :

No, room temperature butter blends easily with the dry ingredients.

– What if I don’t have nutmeg ? :

Cinnamon can stand alone for warm spice flavor.

– How long does it keep ? :

Refrigerate leftovers for up to a week for best freshness.

After baking this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp, you can expect a mouthwatering dessert that combines the tender sweetness of apples with a crispy, spiced topping. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, and each bite will evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, making it the perfect dessert for cool fall evenings.