Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a cherished dessert that encapsulates the essence of autumn. With its origins rooted in traditional American baking, this dessert has been passed down through generations, evoking nostalgia and comfort with every bite. The warm, inviting aroma of baking apples and cinnamon is enough to make any house feel like home. This easy-to-make apple crisp recipe offers a perfect balance of tender, spiced apples and a golden, buttery topping, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
Apple crisp is not just about its delightful taste; it also celebrates the harvest season. Apples, a quintessential fall fruit, are the star of this dessert, providing natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. The simplicity of the ingredients—apples, flour, sugar, butter, and spices—allows the flavors to shine through. This dessert is versatile, too, welcoming additions like oats, nuts, and different types of fruits to suit various preferences.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a crisp autumn evening or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is sure to be a hit. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe along with suggestions for variations and substitutions to tailor the dish to your taste.
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
5-6 cups peeled and sliced apples
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, unbeaten
1/3 cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare Apples:
Arrange the peeled and sliced apples evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the unbeaten egg and mix until the ingredients are well blended and form a crumbly texture.
Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples. Drizzle the melted butter over the top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve:
Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations
Nutty Apple Crisp:
Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumb mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Oat Topping:
Substitute 1/2 cup of the flour with rolled oats for a heartier, more traditional crisp topping.
Spiced Apple Crisp:
Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg and a dash of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
Fruit Mix:
Mix in other fruits like pears, cranberries, or peaches with the apples for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the crisp suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Low-Sugar Version:
Reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.
Vegan Adaptation:
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based butter substitute.
Dairy-Free Version:
Use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine instead of butter.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a delightful and versatile dessert that captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and tender apples. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, and its ingredients are simple yet flavorful. Whether you stick to the classic preparation or experiment with variations and substitutions, this apple crisp is sure to bring comfort and joy to any table. Enjoy the nostalgic flavors and the delicious aroma of this timeless dessert, and make it a staple in your fall baking repertoire.
