Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

I grew up eating my Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp all fall and winter, and this recipe tastes exactly like the one my grandma used to make. It has soft, spiced apples under a buttery oat topping that gets perfectly golden in the oven. It is simple, comforting, and one of those desserts that makes the whole house smell incredible.

This recipe is also featured in my new cookbook, and if you want more easy nostalgic desserts you can grab a copy here: https://www.juliapachecorecipes.com/.

👉 Try it with my Cherry Dump Cake or my Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake next.

This Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a classic dessert made with warm spiced apples and a buttery oat topping. It bakes into a golden, bubbling crisp that is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and cozy weeknights. Simple ingredients, no mixer, and ready in under an hour.

What You’ll Need for Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

• Apples: Golden Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji all soften beautifully without turning mushy.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the crisp topping and helps it caramelize.
• Old fashioned oats: Create the classic crisp texture.

👉 If you love warm fruit desserts, try my Slow Cooker Peach Cobbler next.

Full Ingredients List

Spiced Apples

• 6 Golden Delicious, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples, diced or sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Crisp Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.

How to Make Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 by 8 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl combine the apples, granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir well and spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: In a separate bowl add the brown sugar, oats, flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and cold butter.

Step 4: Work the butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your hands until pea sized crumbs form.

Step 5: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples and gently pat it down.

Step 6: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.

Step 7: Let cool slightly before serving.

🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Variations

•  Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
  • Use half pears and half apples for a fall blend.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture.
  • Swap oats for quick oats if needed.

 👉  Love cozy desserts? Try my Slow Cooker Brownie Pudding next.

Recipe FAQs – Grandma’s Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

 👉  For another easy fruit dessert, try my Pineapple Upside Down Dump Cake.

Serving Suggestions

• • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• • Add whipped cream or cool whip.
• • Drizzle caramel sauce on top.
• • Pair with hot apple cider for a fall dessert night.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• • Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • Freezing is possible but may soften the topping.

👉  For freezer friendly desserts, try my No Bake Strawberry Icebox Bars.

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