A Historical Overview of Apple Crisp
Apple crisp, also known as apple crumble in the UK, has been a beloved dessert since the early 20th century. The recipe first appeared in print during World War II, when rationing made it difficult to prepare traditional pies. With its buttery oat topping and spiced fruit base, apple crisp quickly became a comforting dessert across American households. Unlike pies that require crust-making, crisps were easier, more economical, and still celebrated the natural sweetness of apples. Today, it remains a fall favorite, often served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Cinnamon Apple Crisp – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This cinnamon apple crisp is a warm, comforting, and delightfully cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or chilly evenings. With tender, spiced apples layered under a golden oat topping, every bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Easier than pie but just as satisfying, this dessert will quickly become a seasonal tradition. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven with vanilla ice cream or reheated the next day, it’s a simple, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll love to make.
Ingredients
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6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
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3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Spread evenly into the dish.
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In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
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Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for balance, or mix sweet and tart varieties.
Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Gluten-free flour and oats work well as substitutions.
FAQs
1. Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest flavor.
2. What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?
Granny Smith apples are a classic choice because they hold their shape and offer tartness. For extra depth, mix them with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for sweetness and balance.
3. Can apple crisp be frozen?
Absolutely! Assemble the crisp but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen at 350°F, adding about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
