Description
Grandma’s Apple Crisp is a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked beneath a buttery, oat crumb topping. This easy-to-make dish combines the tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with warm spices and a crunchy, golden crust, perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple family treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Mix the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are evenly coated with the sugars and spices for a flavorful base. Then spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and the butter is well distributed throughout.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly oat topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish, making sure to cover the apples completely for a nice crunchy layer.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The apple filling should bubble around the edges and the topping will turn a beautiful golden brown when done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. For extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Cold unsalted butter ensures the topping gets a nice crumbly texture and browns evenly.
- Letting the crisp cool a bit before serving helps the filling to set and prevents burns.
- Optional: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
