The Best Warm & Cozy Fall Dessert
Few desserts capture the taste of comfort and nostalgia like a classic Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples bubbling under a golden, buttery, oat-filled crumble topping, this timeless recipe has been a favorite for generations. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dessert or a holiday treat to share with family, this apple crisp is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
In this full recipe article, you’ll learn how to make the best apple crisp with simple pantry ingredients, how to choose the right apples, how to achieve that perfect crumble topping, and expert tips to elevate your dessert every time.
🍏 Why This Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Is the Best
✔ Requires simple ingredients
✔ No mixer needed
✔ Warm, comforting, and perfectly spiced
✔ Crunchy on top, soft and juicy underneath
✔ Easy enough for beginners
✔ Perfect with vanilla ice cream
This recipe delivers everything you love about classic home baking—with the aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar filling your kitchen.
🥘 Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
For the Apple Filling:
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6–7 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning and enhances flavor)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, thickens the filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
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3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
🍽 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Add sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Tip: Slice your apples about 1/4-inch thick for the perfect tender-but-firm texture.
Step 2 — Assemble the Crisp Filling
Pour the seasoned apples into a greased 9×13 baking dish or deep pie dish. Spread evenly so they cook uniformly.
Step 3 — Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, combine:
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oats
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flour
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brown sugar
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cinnamon
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salt
Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
The topping should be crumbly—not too wet, not too dry.
Step 4 — Add the Topping
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
Step 5 — Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until:
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The topping is golden brown
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The apples are bubbling around the edges
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Your kitchen smells like heaven
Step 6 — Cool & Serve
Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the juices to thicken.
Serve warm with:
🍨 Vanilla ice cream
🥛 Whipped cream
🍯 A drizzle of caramel sauce
🍏 Best Apples for Apple Crisp
Some apples turn mushy during baking, while others retain the perfect texture. The best choices include:
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Granny Smith
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Honeycrisp
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Fuji
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Pink Lady
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Braeburn
A mix of tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor profile.
