Introduction: Can a Dessert Be Sweet, Tart, and Cozy with a Crunchy Topping?
Craving a classic dessert that captures the essence of fall? Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp, inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe, combines juicy, spiced apples with a buttery, oatmeal-crumb topping for a warm, comforting treat. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars from 738 reviews, this easy recipe is perfect for any gathering. Ready to bake a crisp that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas? Let’s dive into this timeless recipe!
Overview: Why Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp Shines
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is loved for its sweet-tart apple filling and crunchy, buttery topping. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 20 minutes prep, 1 hour cooking, totaling 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires peeling, mixing, and baking, perfect for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: McIntosh or Macoun apples provide a tender, juicy filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a golden, oatmeal-crumb topping. This recipe serves 10, ideal for family dinners, holiday feasts, or potlucks.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or cozy evenings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Essential Ingredients
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp uses seasonal apples and pantry staples for a delightful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 10 servings:
Filling
- 5 pounds McIntosh or Macoun apples: Sweet-tart and tender when baked.
- Grated zest of 1 orange: Adds bright, citrusy depth.
- Grated zest of 1 lemon: Enhances with tangy notes.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice: Brightens the apples.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Balances sweetness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides earthy warmth.
Topping
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crumble’s base.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel-like depth.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal: Adds hearty texture.
- ½ pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced: Creates a rich, crumbly topping.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Apples: McIntosh or Macoun break down slightly for a soft, juicy filling.
- Citrus Zest and Juice: Enhance fruit flavors and add brightness.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy, warm notes.
- Oatmeal Topping: Combines with butter and sugars for a crunchy contrast to the soft apples.
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: Swap with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tarter or firmer texture; adjust sugar if needed.
- Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour for gluten-free.
- Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or reduce to ⅓ cup for less sweetness.
- Butter: Use plant-based butter for vegan or reduce to 1 ½ sticks for a lighter topping.
- Oatmeal: Substitute with rolled oats or gluten-free oats; avoid instant oats.
- Citrus Zest/Juice: Omit zest and increase juice by 1 tablespoon, or use lime for a twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and ensure sugars are vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and oats; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom to the filling.
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Mix ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
- Berry Apple Crisp: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries or blueberries to the filling.
- Maple Apple Crisp: Replace granulated sugar in the filling with ⅓ cup maple syrup.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle with ¼ cup caramel sauce before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is a simple process that yields a warm, comforting dessert. Let’s get baking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 5 pounds McIntosh or Macoun apples, zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg; for topping, 1 ½ cups flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup oatmeal, ½ pound cold butter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9x14x2-inch oval baking dish.
- Peel, core, and cut apples into large wedges (about 1-inch pieces).
- Grate orange and lemon zest; squeeze fresh juices.
Tip: Soak apple wedges in lemon water to prevent browning; butter the dish generously to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine apple wedges, orange zest, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg.
- Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the buttered baking dish.
Tip: Toss gently to coat evenly; spread apples evenly in the dish for consistent baking.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 1 ½ cups flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup oatmeal, and ½ pound diced cold butter.
- Mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is pea-sized (about 1-2 minutes).
Tip: Keep butter cold for a crumbly texture; if no mixer, use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
- Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch drips.
- Bake for 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Tip: Check at 50 minutes to avoid over-browning; cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm, about ¾-1 cup per serving, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
- Pair with holiday dishes like herb-roasted turkey breast, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, or hot spinach and artichoke dip.
Tip: Let cool for 5-10 minutes for easier serving; scoop generously to include both filling and topping.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
Making Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is all about balancing juicy fruit and crunchy topping. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Apple Filling: Sweet-tart apples with citrus and spices create a vibrant, juicy base.
- Crumble Topping: Buttery, oat-filled, and slightly sweet for a crunchy contrast.
- Baking: Melds flavors and thickens apple juices for a cohesive dessert.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation.
- Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Pair with holiday classics like perfect pie crust pies or Thanksgiving stuffing focaccia.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is great for make-ahead prep or leftovers.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Make-Ahead:
- Assemble (without baking) up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate.
- Prepare filling and topping separately up to 1 day ahead; store separately and assemble before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered, to warm through; uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
- Tip: Add a sprinkle of fresh oats or sugar before reheating to refresh the topping.
Recipe Variations
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Apple-Pear Crisp: Replace 2 pounds apples with 2 pounds pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou).
- Vegan Apple Crisp: Use plant-based butter and ensure sugars are vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Use gluten-free flour and oats; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds to the topping.
- Spiced Rum Apple Crisp: Add 1 tablespoon rum to the filling for warmth.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 10 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal (varies by portion size).
- Protein: Low, from oatmeal.
- Fat: Moderate, from butter.
- Carbs: High, from apples, sugars, and flour.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Classic Comfort!
Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp is the dessert that brings juicy, spiced, and crunchy perfection to every bite. With its tender apple filling and buttery oatmeal topping, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving, autumn gatherings, or cozy nights in. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, this crisp is sure to impress. So, grab your baking dish, whip up this timeless treat, and enjoy a classic favorite. We’d love to hear how your crisp turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp
Description
Craving a classic dessert that captures the essence of fall? Old-Fashioned Apple Crisp, inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe, combines juicy, spiced apples with a buttery, oatmeal-crumb topping for a warm, comforting treat
Ingredients
Filling
- 5 pounds McIntosh or Macoun apples: Sweet-tart and tender when baked.
- Grated zest of 1 orange: Adds bright, citrusy depth.
- Grated zest of 1 lemon: Enhances with tangy notes.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice: Brightens the apples.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: Balances sweetness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides earthy warmth.
Topping
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the crumble’s base.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the topping.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds caramel-like depth.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal: Adds hearty texture.
- ½ pound (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced: Creates a rich, crumbly topping.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Apples: McIntosh or Macoun break down slightly for a soft, juicy filling.
- Citrus Zest and Juice: Enhance fruit flavors and add brightness.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy, warm notes.
- Oatmeal Topping: Combines with butter and sugars for a crunchy contrast to the soft apples.
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: Swap with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a tarter or firmer texture; adjust sugar if needed.
- Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour for gluten-free.
- Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or reduce to ⅓ cup for less sweetness.
- Butter: Use plant-based butter for vegan or reduce to 1 ½ sticks for a lighter topping.
- Oatmeal: Substitute with rolled oats or gluten-free oats; avoid instant oats.
- Citrus Zest/Juice: Omit zest and increase juice by 1 tablespoon, or use lime for a twist.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and ensure sugars are vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and oats; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom to the filling.
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Mix ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping.
- Berry Apple Crisp: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries or blueberries to the filling.
- Maple Apple Crisp: Replace granulated sugar in the filling with ⅓ cup maple syrup.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle with ¼ cup caramel sauce before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 5 pounds McIntosh or Macoun apples, zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg; for topping, 1 ½ cups flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup oatmeal, ½ pound cold butter.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9x14x2-inch oval baking dish.
- Peel, core, and cut apples into large wedges (about 1-inch pieces).
- Grate orange and lemon zest; squeeze fresh juices.
Tip: Soak apple wedges in lemon water to prevent browning; butter the dish generously to avoid sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine apple wedges, orange zest, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg.
- Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the buttered baking dish.
Tip: Toss gently to coat evenly; spread apples evenly in the dish for consistent baking.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 1 ½ cups flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 1 cup oatmeal, and ½ pound diced cold butter.
- Mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is pea-sized (about 1-2 minutes).
Tip: Keep butter cold for a crumbly texture; if no mixer, use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend until crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
- Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch drips.
- Bake for 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.
Tip: Check at 50 minutes to avoid over-browning; cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm, about ¾-1 cup per serving, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
- Pair with holiday dishes like herb-roasted turkey breast, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, or hot spinach and artichoke dip.
Tip: Let cool for 5-10 minutes for easier serving; scoop generously to include both filling and topping.
FAQs
1. Why is my filling watery?
Too much juice or insufficient baking time can cause this; ensure apples are well-coated and bake until bubbly.
2. Can I use other apples?
Yes, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well; adjust sugar based on tartness.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written; use gluten-free flour and oats for a gluten-free version.
4. Why is my topping not crispy?
Warm butter or underbaking can soften it; keep butter cold and bake until golden.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, assemble up to 1 day ahead; bake fresh for the best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Apples provide fiber and vitamins; high in sugar and fat, so enjoy in moderation.