Name: Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 5-6 cups Peeled and sliced apples ((Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)); 1 cup All-purpose flour; 3/4 cup Sugar; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 unit Unbeaten egg; 1/3 cup Melted butter

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Creamy, juicy, and irresistibly comforting, this Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with warm, spicy aromas and brings everyone to the table. A golden, crisp topping gives way to tender, cinnamon-scented apples — simple ingredients that combine into a homey favorite. Fun fact: apple crisps became popular in America during times when baking with fewer ingredients was a necessity, so they’re delicious and practical. If you love easy classics, you’ll find this version especially satisfying and kid-approved. For a slightly different take or extra tips, check out this old-fashioned apple crisp resource that inspired some of these ideas. Try it tonight — it’s quick, familiar, and perfect for sharing.

What is Old Fashioned Apple Crisp?

Why call it “old fashioned”? Is it because Grandma served it on Sunday nights or because it refuses to be trendy? Maybe both. An Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is basically baked apples under a buttery, crumbly topping — timeless, no-fuss comfort food. Ever wonder why people say “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This dessert proves that very well, especially when the house smells like baked cinnamon and caramelized apples. Give it a whirl and see why everyone keeps coming back for seconds — you might just start calling it a family staple.

Why You’ll Love This:

Melts-in-your-mouth contrast: tender, slightly tart apples meet a golden, crispy topping for a texture combination that hits all the right notes.
Budget-friendly and homemade: making this at home costs a fraction of buying prepared desserts, and you can use store apples or late-season fruit from your local market.
Flavor-packed but simple: cinnamon, sugar, and butter are the stars; add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel and you’re in heaven.
If you enjoy other orchard-inspired desserts on the blog, try our classic apple crisp recipe for another delicious take. Ready to make a crowd-pleaser? Let’s bake.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is straightforward and satisfying. Prep is quick: peel and slice apples, mix a simple crumb topping, layer, and bake. You get tender, lightly spiced apples beneath a crisp, buttery finish. Total time is about 10–15 minutes prep and 30–40 minutes baking — a one-dish dessert that’s ideal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend treat.

Ingredients

5-6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 unbeaten egg
1/3 cup melted butter

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange the peeled and sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and unbeaten egg until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the crumb layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the topping is golden brown.

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

What to Serve With:

Classic pairing: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for warm-and-cool contrast.
Sauces: warm caramel sauce or a drizzle of heavy cream-infused caramel for extra decadence.
Drinks: pair with hot coffee, a cup of spiced tea, or dessert wine like a tawny port for an evening treat.
Add-ons: chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch; a sprinkle of sea salt on caramel for a salted-caramel twist.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Apple choice: use a mix of tart and sweet apples (Granny Smith plus Honeycrisp or Fuji) for balanced flavor and texture.
Even slices: slice apples uniformly (about 1/4-inch thick) so they cook evenly.
Topping texture: don’t overmix the crumb topping — you want coarse crumbs, not a paste; this keeps the crisp crunchy.
Butter distribution: drizzle melted butter carefully over the crumb layer so it bakes up golden and flaky.
Baking time: if the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes while the apples finish cooking.
Make it gluten-free: substitute a gluten-free flour blend cup-for-cup if needed.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: reheat single portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm a larger portion in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispness. For best texture, reheat uncovered until the topping is crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced apples or frozen apples?
Yes, you can use pre-sliced fresh apples from the store. Frozen apples work in a pinch but may release more liquid; thaw and drain them slightly before assembling.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely. Double the ingredient amounts and use a larger baking dish (such as 9 x 13 inches). Increase baking time slightly and check for tenderness.

How do I prevent a soggy topping?
Make sure the crumb mixture is crumbly and not overly wet. If apples are very juicy, toss them with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to absorb excess liquid.

Can I add oats or nuts to the topping?
Yes — for extra texture stir in 1/2 cup rolled oats or 1/3 cup chopped nuts into the crumb mixture before sprinkling over the apples.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute that melts well. The texture will be similar though slightly different in flavor.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is proof that a simple list of pantry staples can create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. It’s easy to prepare, forgiving for beginners, and endlessly adaptable to what you have on hand. Share slices warm with ice cream and watch it disappear — you’ll be glad you tried it. For another straightforward take on this dessert, explore this Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp – The Chunky Chef recipe for additional ideas and inspiration. Enjoy, and happy baking!