Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Imagine a dish that sings with the vibrant flavors of ripe, juicy apples, wrapped in a warm and crunchy topping that invites you to dig right in. That’s exactly what Grandma’s Apple Crisp brings to the table! This delightful dessert is not only delicious but is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect family treat. It’s the kind of recipe that conjures up fond memories of time spent in the kitchen with loved ones, and every bite feels like a warm hug on a cool day.

Did you know that apple crisp recipes date back to the 1800s? This charming dessert has stood the test of time, evolving into countless variations while still holding onto its heartwarming essence. What sets Grandma’s Apple Crisp apart is its simplicity and the delightful combination of sweet, tart apples topped with a buttery oatmeal crumble. If you love easy and tasty desserts that can please a crowd, this recipe is a must-try! And if you enjoy this treat, you might want to check out my blog’s other popular dessert, the classic Chocolate Chip Cookies! Now let’s dive into the wonderful world of Grandma’s Apple Crisp, inviting your taste buds to join the fun.

What is Grandma’s Apple Crisp?

So, why on earth is it called “Apple Crisp,” you ask? Well, my friend, it’s all in the name! This dessert features tender baked apples that crisp up beautifully under a crunchy topping, creating an irresistible combination. The story goes that a cook from yesteryears wanted to create a dessert that was as easy as pie but wanted a new twist—hence, the apple crisp was born. As they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, this scrumptious dessert is the perfect way to win anyone over! So why not give it a whirl and see how it can sweeten your day?

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Grandma’s Apple Crisp has three unbeatable aspects that make it a winner in any home kitchen:

1. A Flavorful Celebration of Apples: The main highlight is, of course, the apples! Using fresh, tart apples creates a delightful contrast against the sweet and crunchy topping, resulting in a comforting dessert that will have you reaching back for seconds.
2. Cost-Effective and Simple: Why spend a small fortune on store-bought desserts when you can whip this up at home with minimal ingredients? The cost-saving benefits of making this dish yourself are significant, allowing you to savor quality ingredients without breaking the bank.
3. Unique Texture with Delicious Toppings: The combination of oats, brown sugar, and butter in the topping adds a delightful crunch that makes each forkful a little piece of heaven. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a classic pairing that elevates the dish to a whole new level!

If you enjoy desserts like our classic Brownies, you’ll definitely find yourself head over heels for this apple crisp! So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking.

How to Make Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Quick Overview

Making Grandma’s Apple Crisp is easier than you might think! This dessert combines juicy apples, warm spices, and a crunchy topping for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. In just about 30 minutes of prep time and a short bake, you can have this warm, comforting dessert cooling on your counter.

Key Ingredients for Grandma’s Apple Crisp

• 6 cups of sliced tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples with ¾ cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated. Then, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Make the Topping: In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Assemble the Crisp: Evenly spread the oat topping over the apples in the baking dish.
5. Bake: Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that homemade touch!

What to Serve with Grandma’s Apple Crisp

To balance out the comforting flavors of this apple crisp, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Both add a creamy texture that beautifully complements the crunchiness of the topping. For drinks, a warm cup of spiced cider or even a simple vanilla milkshake makes for a delightful treat on the side!

Top Tips for Perfecting Grandma’s Apple Crisp

• Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Fuji, will enhance the overall flavor profile of your crisp.
• Adjust the Sugar: Depending on how sweet your apples are, you might want to adjust the sugar levels. Taste your apples before adding sugar to ensure the perfect balance!
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the crisp while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry apples, so remove it when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warm. If you’ve frozen it, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, so it comes back to life with its cozy, homemade taste!

Grandma’s Apple Crisp isn’t just a recipe; it’s a loving gesture, a memory in the making, and an ultimate comfort food. So gather the ingredients, invite your family to help, and get ready to indulge in this delightful dessert that will surely impress everyone at the table!

Grandma’s Apple Crisp

A delightful dessert featuring tender baked apples topped with a warm and crunchy oatmeal crumble, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the apple filling

• 6 cups sliced tart apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar Divided from total sugar amount.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the crumble topping

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• a pinch salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar Divided from total sugar amount.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples with ¾ cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated. Then, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the Topping

1. In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.

Bake

1. Evenly spread the oat topping over the apples in the baking dish.
2. Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
3. Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that homemade touch!

Notes

Leftover apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to three months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warm.