Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Grandma’s old fashioned apple crisp is the ultimate fall comfort dessert. Tender spiced apples are baked under a golden, buttery crisp topping that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Where did the recipe come from?
Grandma’s old fashioned apple crisp comes straight from Grandma herself! It truly is the best apple crisp I’ve ever had, and I feel so grateful that she passed it down so I can now share it with you.
Apple crisp is the perfect autumn dessert, especially when apples are in season. If you’re lucky enough to have an apple tree or a nearby orchard, freshly picked apples make this dessert extra special. But don’t worry, grocery store apples will work beautifully too.
What are the best apples to use to make apple crisp?
Granny smith or honey crisp apples are the best options for making apple crisp. You can also mix the two together as well.
You can use whatever apples you have on hand however, the other types maintain their shape and texture better while baking.
Recipe Ingredients
Lets talk ingredients! Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these muffins.
- Apples- granny smith or honey crisp apples are best but you can use whatever apples you currently have
- Lemon juice- prevents the apples from turning brown during oxidation
- Brown sugar- dark or light brown sugar works, though dark brown sugar gives a deeper and more caramelized flavor
- Water- adds moisture and creates a thicker sauce
- Vanilla extract- pure or artificial
- Quick oats- are a softer texture and they help the topping stick together
- All-purpose flour- gives the topping structure
- Salt- balances out the sweetness and helps the other flavors pop
- Cinnamon- adds a warm and rich flavor that pairs well with apples
- Un-salted butter– melted, if you use salted don’t add the extra salt in the recipe
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make this recipe
Use these photos as a guide as you move along each step.
- Step 1: Add the apples to a bowl with lemon juice and water, mix. Add in the sugar, cinnamon and vanilla then mix again.
- Step 2: Add to a 8×8 or 9×9 pan and set aside.
- Step 3: In a bowl add in the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon then mix.
- Step 4: Add in the butter and mix again.
- Step 5: Add topping evenly over the apples, bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Step 6: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream if you’d like.
Hint: When its done baking the apples will be bubbling and the topping will be a golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Caramel sauce
- vanilla ice cream
Storage
Room temperature: You can store it at room temperature for up to 1-2 days.
Fridge: Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer safe storage container.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Bottom Layer
- 4 cups sliced, cored and peeled apples
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Top Layer
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/3 cup melted un-salted butter
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 375
- Peel, core, and slice you apples into evenly sized pieces.
- Add the apples to a bowl along with the lemon juice and water. Mix.
- Add in the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and mix again.
- Add the apple mixture to a 8×8 or 9×9 pan then set it aside while you make the topping.
- In a bowl, add in the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon and mix together.
- Add in the butter and mix well until crumbly.
- Evenly add the topping onto the apples
- Bake at 375 for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and apples are bubbling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if wanted
Video
Notes
- You can double the recipe and make it in an 8×11 pan, which I prefer or in a 9×13 pan.
- Store it on the counter for up to 1-2 days, in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months
More Fall Recipes
Looking for more comforting fall recipes like this? Try these:
