Classic Apple Crisp Recipe with Cinnamon Streusel

Old-fashioned apple crisp made with tart Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and old-fashioned oats. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients in Apple Crisp

• 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped (about 4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Prepare the apples: Peel and chop the Granny Smith apples into roughly 1-inch pieces (about 4 cups). Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Toss with sugar and spices: Add the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, and the lemon juice. Stir well so the apples are evenly coated.

Arrange in the baking dish: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Make the oat topping: In a medium bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of brown sugar, the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon, flour, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until uniform.

Cut in the butter: Add the cold diced butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter in until the mixture is crumbly and moist, with small pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

Serve: Let the crisp cool slightly, then serve warm with vanilla ice cream and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce.

What Apples to Use for Apple Crisp

Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their bright tartness and firm texture. Golden Delicious and Honeycrisp also work well for baking because they hold their shape and don’t become mushy when cooked.

Do You Peel the Apples?

Peeling is a matter of preference. Peeled apples give a softer, more tender bite, while leaving the peel adds extra texture and visual contrast to the crisp.

Recipe