The smell of baked cinnamon apples drifting through the kitchen? Pure time travel. Takes me straight to fall Sundays in my childhood home. This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is having a moment againthanks to all those TikToks and food boards going wild over quick, cozy desserts.
This one’s got all the charm of grandma’s crisp, minus the fuss. Canned pie filling, buttery oat topping, and a hint of spice. That’s it. It’s kinda like a shortcut to fall comfort in a bowl. Think apple crisp with canned apple filling meets bakery vibes. Full details in the blog!
When I first made this for my sister’s picky toddlers, I figured they’d pick out the oats. Nopegobbled it in five minutes. I’ve tested lots of versions, but this one’s got the simplest bones and the tastiest crunch. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is the dessert equivalent of a cozy knit sweater. It’s simple, nostalgic, and the perfect way to wrap up any meal. Love fall baking? Then this one’s for you! The warm cinnamon-spiced apples paired with a buttery, crumbly topping create a flavor combo that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Here’s why this recipe will have you coming back for more:
Beginner-friendly: No fancy techniques or toolsjust classic, tried-and-true methods.
Quick assembly: Ready for the oven in just 15 minutes. Perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
Flexible ingredients: Works beautifully with fresh apples, canned filling, or even a mix of both for convenience.
Classic comfort: If you’re craving a taste of childhood or Grandma’s baking, this brings all the feels.
Plus, the smell of this baking? Absolute magic. Warning: it might lure the whole house into the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Nothing beats a recipe with simple pantry stapleswe’re talking comfort food with zero fuss. Here’s what you need to bring this dream dessert to life:
Golden Delicious apples: These are wonderfully sweet and bake down into soft perfection. Use what you haveGranny Smith or Fuji also work!
Cinnamon & sugar: Because apples and cinnamon are besties, and a little sugar gets those juices bubbling.
Lemon juice: A touch of brightness to balance the sweetness.
Oats & flour: These are the secret to that golden, crumbly Apple Crisp Topping Recipeand it’s absolutely worth every bite.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key for that irresistible crunch and flavor in the topping.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a pastry cutter to mix in the butter, a couple of forks or your hands will work just fine. It doesn’t have to be perfectthe messiness is part of the charm!
Ingredient
Substitution Idea
Golden Delicious Apples
Granny Smith, Fuji, or canned apple filling
Old-Fashioned Oats
Quick oats (texture will vary slightly)
Brown Sugar
White sugar + 1 tsp molasses
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make this irresistible dessert? Here’s how simple it is to whip up this homemade apple crisp easy!
Prep your apples: Peel and chop your apples (or slice them if you prefer a more rustic look). Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a bowl until every piece is coated. Spread the spiced apples into a greased 8×8 dish.
Mix the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the diced butter, cutting it in with a pastry cutter or forks until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Assemble & bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, gently pressing it down with your hands to create a little crust. Bake at 350°F for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly.
Shortcut: Want to save even more time? Use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples. It’s the ultimate hack for quick apple desserts!
Pro Tips & Customizations
Let’s make this recipe even better for your kitchen:
Add some crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for a nutty twist.
No oats? No problem! Use all-purpose flour in place of oats for an equally delicious topping.
Make it gluten-free: Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Boost the spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for a spiced-up fall feel.
Pro Tip: Feeling fancy? A drizzle of salted caramel on the warm crisp is a game changer. Trust me, it’ll take this from delicious to unforgettable.
Serving & Storage
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp shines brightest when served warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for ultimate comfort vibes.
Storing leftovers: Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 monthsperfect for quick apple desserts later!
Storage Method
Details
Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
And there you have itApple Cobbler Easy 3 Ingredients may grab attention for simplicity, but this crisp is in a league of its own. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s the best apple crisp recipe ever in my book!
Expert Insight: The Charm of Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
Apple crisp recipes like this old fashioned easy apple crisp rely on simple, wholesome ingredients to highlight natural sweetness and texture. The balance of tart apples with a buttery, crunchy topping creates a comforting dessert that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward, proving that classic techniques never go out of style.
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The Long Road to My Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp
After several attemptslike the time I under-sugared it so much my family called it “just baked apples”I finally nailed this old fashioned easy apple crisp. Years of tweaking the spice blend and crisp topping means this recipe now delivers that cozy, comforting warmth with every bite.
FAQs ( Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp )
How do I make the crisp topping crunchier?
For a crunchier topping, use cold butter cut into the dry ingredients to create coarse crumbs. Baking the crisp uncovered allows moisture to evaporate, enhancing crunch. Adding a small amount of quick oats can also improve texture without overpowering the classic crunch.
Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?
Yes, canned apple filling works well and saves prep time in this meal. Just drain any excess syrup to avoid a soggy base. Adjust sugar and spices as canned apples tend to be sweeter and softer than fresh ones.
What is the best apple to use for this dish?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to hold shape and balance sweetness. These varieties create a nice contrast with the tender topping. Avoid soft apples that turn mushy during baking for best results.
How long can I store leftover apple crisp?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain a crisp topping. Avoid microwaving as it can make the topping soggy. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Ensure oats used in the topping are certified gluten-free. This change keeps the dish just as easy and tasty without compromising texture.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp comes together in no time and fills your kitchen with that irresistible warm, cinnamon-sweet aroma. You’ll love how the crunchy topping plays perfectly with the tender, bubbly appleslike a little nostalgic hug in every bite. From prep to plate, it’s cozy, comforting, and honestly, one of the easiest quick apple desserts you’ll make all season.
Want to shake things up? Try adding a handful of chopped pecans to the apple crisp topping recipe for extra crunch or swap fresh apples for canned pie filling for a real time-saver without losing flavor. Leftovers? Just reheat gently in the oven or microwavethey taste just as dreamy the next day. A tip from my own kitchen: a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes this classic feel absolutely divine.
I’d love to hear your storiesdo you have a favorite apple dessert memory or a quick apple crisp trick you swear by? Snap a photo, share your tweaks, or save this recipe to make later. Cozy recipes like this are best when shared… because nothing says home like a warm apple crisp and good company.
This easy apple crisp is made the old fashioned way like Grandma used to make. Perfect for quick apple desserts, it features a delicious apple crisp topping recipe and is ideal for homemade apple crisp easy preparations.
Ingredients
Scale
6 golden delicious apples peeled and chopped other varieties can be used can also be sliced
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup old fashioned oats quick oats can be used but it may have a slightly different texture
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch of kosher salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter diced into small cubes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F degrees and butter an 8×8 baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, add chopped apples granulated sugar 3/4 tsp cinnamon and lemon juice then stir to combine and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar oats flour 1 tsp cinnamon salt and cold diced butter then cut butter into mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
Spread topping evenly over apples and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve warm optionally topped with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
