Easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe with Oats
This old fashioned apple crisp recipe with oats is everything you love about cozy fall desserts, warm, buttery apples with a golden brown oat topping that’s perfectly crisp and sweet. It’s made with simple, old-fashioned ingredients and comes together quickly for the ultimate comfort dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for a truly irresistible treat.
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If you’re craving a cozy fall dessert that fills your home with the smell of warm cinnamon and baked apples, this old fashioned apple crisp recipe with oats is just the thing. It’s simple, classic, and made completely from scratch, the way dessert should be. This is one of those recipes that reminds you of Grandma’s kitchen, where wholesome ingredients and homemade flavor were the only way to bake.
Why I Love This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
- Simple, from-scratch ingredients – No boxed mixes or canned fillings here. Just fresh apples, oats, butter, and sugar.
- Crispy oat topping – The golden brown oat topping adds the perfect crunch to the warm, gooey apple filling.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a fall family dinner, Thanksgiving dessert, or just a cozy weekend treat, this recipe never disappoints.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep the apple filling and topping ahead of time and bake when you’re ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons flour
For the Oat Topping:
- ¾ cup whole wheat einkorn flour (if using all purpose flour use a 1/2 cup of flour)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup butter melted
- ¾ cup old fashioned oats
How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp with Oats
- Prep your apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples about ¼-inch thick. Toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon juice, and flour. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and flour. Use a fork to mix the mixture together and make clumps out of the mixture.
- Assemble the crisp: Spread your apple mixture evenly in a greased 9 inch pie dish. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Serve warm: Let it cool slightly before serving. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for the ultimate treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
- Use a mix of apple varieties – Combining tart and sweet apples adds depth of flavor.
- Don’t overmix the topping – You want clumps of butter and oats for that perfect crumbly texture.
- Bake until bubbly – That bubbling filling means your apples are tender and your topping is crisp.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How to Serve
Serve this old fashioned apple crisp with oats warm out of the oven with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Or a dollop of homemade whipped cream
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual servings until warm.
Can You Can or Freeze Apple Crisp?
While this apple crisp recipe isn’t suitable for canning, it freezes beautifully. Assemble your crisp in a freezer-safe dish (unbaked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Cinnamon Peach Butter – Sweet, smooth, and perfect on biscuits or toast.
- Homemade Apple Pie – A wholesome dessert packed with apple flavor and warm spices.
- Garden Fresh Zucchini Muffins – Moist, lightly sweet, and made with fresh garden zucchini.
- Sourdough Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting – Perfectly spiced and irresistible for fall.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
You can, but the texture won’t be as hearty. Old fashioned oats give the best crisp topping.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the peels on for a more rustic version.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup in both the filling and topping for a less sweet dessert.
What kind of apples are best for apple crisp?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect, one’s tart, one’s sweet, and together they balance each other out perfectly.
Can I make apple crisp gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and use certified gluten-free oats.
If you’re curious about the best types of apples for baking, check out this helpful guide from The U.S. Apple Association. They explain which apple varieties hold up best in recipes like this old fashioned apple crisp.
