Grandma’s Apple Crisp Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s brimming with homey charm and nostalgia, look no further than Grandma’s Apple Crisp. With layers of tender, cinnamon-scented apples under a golden, buttery oat topping, this classic treat packs all the warmth of grandma’s kitchen into every bite. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for chilly fall evenings or any time you want something unfussy and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a cozy night in, Grandma’s Apple Crisp is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Grandma’s Apple Crisp truly special is its simple combination of ingredients—each one plays a key role in building those familiar flavors and irresistible textures. Don’t be surprised if you already have most of these essentials in your pantry!
- Apples (6 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced): Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the most flavorful filling.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds just enough sweetness while letting the natural apple flavor shine.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the apples with warmth and that classic cozy aroma.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle tang that brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): Helps create a crumbly, tender topping.
- Old-fashioned oats (3/4 cup): Adds hearty texture and a rustic chew to the crisp.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Delivers richness and depth to the topping for that unmistakable caramel note.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps the dessert from tasting flat.
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): A tiny but mighty spice that adds complexity and warmth.
- Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 cup): The secret to that deliciously crisp, golden topping—work it in cold for best results.
How to Make Grandma’s Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving your oven plenty of time to warm up ensures that every layer of Grandma’s Apple Crisp bakes evenly. Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a quick grease to prevent any sticky situations later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. That perfect blend will coat every apple slice with just the right amount of sweetness and spice, while the lemon juice keeps things bright and prevents browning. Pour this fragrant mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading the apples out evenly for the best bake.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Topping
Grab another bowl and add the flour, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Give it a quick stir to combine, making sure the brown sugar isn’t too clumpy. Add your cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter—or your clean fingers—to cut it into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step makes sure every bite of Grandma’s Apple Crisp topping is crumbly and golden.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, making sure to reach all the way to the edges for maximum crunch. Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a deep golden brown and the apple layer is bubbling gently around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait)—this will help the flavors settle and make serving easier.
How to Serve Grandma’s Apple Crisp

Garnishes
The finishing touch on Grandma’s Apple Crisp is all about the garnishes. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic move, letting creamy, cold sweetness mingle with the warm crisp. For a lighter touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream does wonders. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can dress things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert truly shines on its own, but it also sits happily alongside other treats. Pair it with a mug of hot cider, a cup of coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine for a well-rounded finale to your meal. If you’re serving brunch, try it as a sweet side with scrambled eggs and bacon for a festive twist!
Creative Ways to Present
Grandma’s Apple Crisp can be as rustic or as refined as you wish. Try serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party-friendly presentation, or layer it in mason jars for picnics and potlucks. For special occasions, top with candied pecans or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to take things to a whole new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grandma’s Apple Crisp keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your apple crisp, let it cool completely. Wrap the entire dish (or just individual servings) tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze Grandma’s Apple Crisp for up to 3 months, making it a smart option for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven so the topping stays crisp. Bake at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re short on time, microwave individual portions for a quick, cozy treat—but don’t be surprised if the topping softens a bit.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Grandma’s Apple Crisp?
A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are a popular combo, but feel free to use any apples you love or have on hand.
Can I make Grandma’s Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats for a delicious, safe dessert.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
Look for a deeply golden, crisp topping and bubbling apples along the edges—that’s your sign it’s ready. A fork should slide into the apples without resistance.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the oat topping. Sprinkle them over before baking or add toward the end to keep them extra toasty.
Is it okay to prepare the apple filling in advance?
Yes! You can toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just assemble the topping and bake when you’re ready for fresh-baked Grandma’s Apple Crisp goodness.
Final Thoughts
Share a little love straight from your kitchen and bake a batch of Grandma’s Apple Crisp soon—you won’t regret it. The simple ingredients, the unbeatable aroma, and that first perfectly sweet-tart, buttery-crisp bite make this a dessert worth coming back to time and again. Go ahead: scoop, serve, and savor every homemade moment!
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Grandma’s Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic recipe for Grandma’s Apple Crisp that combines sweet and tart apples with a buttery oat topping. This comforting dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Oat Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Make the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and nutmeg. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor—Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg