This classic never goes out of style!
September is here and it’s officially apple season! Sigh. So many apples, so little time. No need to get fancy: Apple Crisp is a classic, old-fashioned recipe reminiscent of generations past. There is a reason it has stood the test of time: It is incredibly simple to make, and the taste is truly divine.
This Apple Crisp started from an old recipe card
This is from one of my mother’s recipe cards, which typically requires reading between the lines. In fact, she does list the ingredients for the “crunch topping,” but glosses over the rest. Only a simple instruction to layer it over sliced apples or other fruit, with no mention of cinnamon, pan size, etc. I think these details were just assumed.
A few important ingredients
I did make one batch of apples only – nothing added - and it was quite good. BUT, drop in the magic ingredient - cinnamon - and it’s sublime!
Some choose to put cinnamon in the streusel layer; I opt to mix with the apples, similar to making apple pie.
There are really only two layers to an apple crisp: apples and streusel. Tart apples are traditional, but I like to make a combo of something like granny smith and fuji, just to be more interesting.😀 Also, I typically use old-fashioned rolled oats but had just used my last ounce to make oatmeal, so substituted quick-cooking oats in the struesel and it was still great.
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How to make Apple Crisp
The apples are peeled, cored and sliced thin, and a mix of cinnamon and sugar is stirred in. (Note: if you have a mandoline slicer, it’s a great way to quickly create perfectly thin slices. Just watch your fingers!) This mixture is placed in a greased 8x8 pan.
(Example of a mandoline slicer here. Mine is a different model but I think they all work about the same.)
The streusel layer is made with oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and butter. Cover the apples with streusel and bake for 30 minutes.
Wonderful as-is and amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
This has all the flavors and texture of apple pie (and – our secret - it only takes 20 minutes to put together!).
📖 Recipe
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Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 4 medium tart apples peeled, cored and sliced thin
- 1 TB granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ cup oatmeal old-fashioned or quick cooking
- ¾ cup flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 4 TB butter
Instructions
- Grease an 8x8 baking pan and preheat oven to 375F.
- In a small bowl or cup combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a medium bowl combine cinnamon-sugar with the sliced apples and stir to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together oatmeal, flour and brown sugar. Cut the butter into small cubes and then add to the oatmeal mixture. Mix together until crumbly – a fork or pastry blender will help break the butter into even smaller pieces.
- Place the apples into the prepared pan. Layer the oatmeal mixture on top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Perfect!
For an even easier way to serve those apples, try some Heath bar apple dip!
Toni
Thank you so much for the recipe! Everyone loved it!
Sula
You're welcome! It really is a crowd pleaser!
Seanna Borrows
Such a favorite in our house! Love the combination of oats and flour. Amazing!
Sula
You can never go wrong with apple crisp!
Emily Flint
This was such an easy recipe, thank you! We will be making this all fall long!
Sula
Enjoy!
Sue Straub
Love the reference to your mom. I inherited many recipes that the ingredients were listed but no mention of how much!
Sula
Right! It's like "you should just KNOW" LOL