Grandma’s Classic Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Desserts

When the air turns crisp and apples are in season, I reach for my Grandma’s apple crisp recipe. Warm spiced apples under a buttery, crunchy topping are the essence of autumn dessert. Serve it with vanilla ice cream for a classic, homestyle treat that’s simple to prepare.

This dessert is ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you want the comforting flavor of apple pie without the time and fuss of rolling pastry. The recipe uses just five common ingredients: apples, cinnamon, butter, flour, and sugar.

What’s the Best Type of Apple to Use?

Choosing the right apple is the foundation of a good crisp. Granny Smith apples are my go-to: their tartness balances the sugar and cinnamon, and they stay firm during baking instead of turning to mush. If you prefer a sweeter profile, try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of Granny Smith with a sweeter variety like Golden Delicious for a balanced flavor.

Preparing the Apples

Peel, core, and slice or cube the apples into bite-sized pieces. Thicker slices give more texture; smaller chunks are easier to eat. Spread the apples in a greased 8 x 11-inch baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon, and dot with slices of butter. The butter enriches the apples as they bake and mingle with their juices.

The Topping: What Makes It a “Crisp”?

The crisp topping is a simple mixture of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. The key is to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles small, pea-sized crumbs. Those butter pieces melt during baking and create the golden, crunchy texture that defines a crisp. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to achieve the right consistency.

Baking the Apple Crisp

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples; there’s no need to press it down. Bake in a 350°F oven for 55–60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling at the edges. Let the crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving so the juices settle and the topping firms up slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the best contrast of temperatures and textures. A drizzle of caramel sauce is a nice optional touch for extra indulgence.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat and restore some crispness, warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Microwaving is faster but will soften the topping.

Grandma’s Apple Crisp Recipe

*Specific measurements and the full printable recipe are available in the recipe card below. Read the tips and instructions here first for best results.

INGREDIENTS

• 6 Granny Smith apples
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, divided
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into slices

Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into slices

INSTRUCTIONS

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8 x 11-inch baking dish.

Peel, core, and cut six medium-large Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. Place the apples in the prepared dish, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon over them, and dot with the 3 tablespoons of butter cut into small slices.

For the topping, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake for 55–60 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender and bubbling. Let the crisp sit for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy! Mary

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Yield: 6

Grandma’s Apple Crisp Recipe

Fork-tender baked cinnamon apples with a sweet, crunchy topping—this is the perfect Fall dessert. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
55 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 Granny Smith apples
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, divided
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into slices

Topping

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into slices

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×11-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Peel, core, and cut apples into bite-size chunks or slices. Place in the prepared dish.
3. Sprinkle the apples with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and scatter the 3 Tbsp butter pieces over the top.
4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cut in the 1/2 cup softened butter until the mixture resembles pea-size crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
6. Bake 55–60 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are soft and bubbling.
7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Recipe provided by Make Your Meals

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1 serving

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 457Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 65gFiber: 4gSugar: 44gProtein: 3g

Nutritional information is a general guideline. Actual values vary by ingredients and brands used.