Bowl of Grandma's apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream, a delicious dessert.

Grandma’s Apple Crisp

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Grandma’s Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that brings back sweet memories of time spent in the kitchen. With its blend of tart and sweet apples topped with a buttery, crispy layer, it’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to please your family and friends, making it a favorite for gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.

How to Make Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Making Grandma’s Apple Crisp is straightforward and fun. You will start by preparing the apples and then make the topping. The best part? You don’t need any fancy tools to whip up this delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

  • 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
  • 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.

Directions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, ¾ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour this apple mixture into a baking dish.

  2. Make the Topping: In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, a pinch of salt, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Mix until it resembles a crumbly texture. Spread this mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.

  3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

How to Serve Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Serve Grandma’s Apple Crisp warm, directly from the oven. It’s delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. This combination truly enhances the flavors and adds a creamy texture.

How to Store Grandma’s Apple Crisp

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the apple crisp cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to serve warm again.

Tips to Make Grandma’s Apple Crisp

  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice; it helps balance the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning.
  • Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference and the tartness of the apples used.

Variation

Feel free to mix in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the topping for extra crunch or add dried fruit like raisins for a twist. You can also experiment with spices; a touch of nutmeg can add a warm flavor to the filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple mixture and the topping separately and assemble them just before baking. This way, you can enjoy a fresh dessert with minimal effort.

What should I do if the topping is browning too quickly?
If the topping is browning too quickly while baking, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the apples finish cooking.