Old-fashioned Apple Crisp with Oatmeal

This old-fashioned apple crisp nails it with tender cinnamon apples and a crisp, buttery oatmeal topping that bakes into golden clusters, just like the pans I grew up with in Pueblo, Colorado. The simple trick is cooking the apples first so the filling turns thick and glossy instead of watery.

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Why this recipe works

The secret to exceptional apple crisp lies in the two-step cooking process. Pre-cooking the apples with a cornstarch slurry ensures they release their natural juices while maintaining structure, preventing a watery finished dessert. The buttery oat crumble, made with cold butter and old-fashioned oats, creates distinct clusters that bake into golden, crunchy perfection. Using a combination of tart and sweet apple varieties adds depth and complexity that single-variety crisps can’t match.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• Fresh apples – Use a mix of Granny Smith and sweet varieties for balanced flavor and texture
• White granulated sugar – Sweetens the tart apples and helps create natural syrup
• Water – Creates cooking liquid for tender apples
• Fresh lemon juice – Prevents browning and adds bright acidity
• Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor depth
• Cornstarch – Thickens apple juices to a perfect consistency
• Cold water – Combines with cornstarch to create a smooth slurry

For the Oat Crumble Topping:

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure for crumble clusters
• Old-fashioned rolled oats – Creates a signature texture and nutty flavor
• Brown sugar – Adds molasses sweetness and helps achieve a golden color
• Cold butter – Essential for flaky, tender crumble texture
• Ground cinnamon – Delivers warm spice that complements apples perfectly
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors

How to make apple crisp with oatmeal

1. Place flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, diced cold butter, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to combine the mixture until it becomes uniform and crumbly.
2. Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine water, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice in a large pot over medium heat. Stir to combine.
4. Add the chopped apples to the pot and mix well.
5. Make a cornstarch slurry by combining two tablespoons of cold water with cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
6. Add the slurry to the pot, stirring constantly as you slowly add it.
7. Cook the apple mixture until it thickens.

8. Pour the cooked apples into a 9 x 14-inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle the oatmeal topping over the apples.
10. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until the topping turns golden brown.

What are the best apples to use

For this recipe, I like to use two different types of apples. Granny Smith is a nice tart apple that bakes up very well. I combine Granny Smiths with red apples such as Braeburn, McIntosh, or Red Delicious.

Often, what red apples are on sale chooses me. You want to ensure you use an apple that will bake well.

I like using several types of apples because this method yields the best flavor. I also want to layer flavors.

Storage and Serving Instructions

• Room Temperature: Cover and store for up to 2 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep covered for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Methods:

• Individual portions: Microwave 45-60 seconds until heated
• Oven: 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through

Love apples? Try these recipes

• Apple Cobbler using Bisquick
• Fried Apples
• Best Sugar-Free Apple Pie
• Apple Walnut Cobbler
• Fried Apple Pie Recipe
• Apple Muffins
• Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
• Fresh Apple Salad
• Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

Favorite Fall Desserts

• Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
• Ginger Snap Cookies

Check out more of the best desserts and fall recipes here on CopyKat!

Easy Apple Crisp with Buttery Oat Crumble

Classic apple crisp with tender apples and golden oat crumble topping. Perfect fall dessert served warm with vanilla ice cream!

Author: Stephanie Manley

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5 from 5 votes

Prep Time15 minutes minutes

Cook Time1 hour hour

Total Time1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Ingredients

 

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Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Apple Filling

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 granny smith apples
• 2 red delicious apples
• 2 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F

Crumb Topping

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, rolled oats, 1/2 cup cold butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
2. Use a fork to combine the mixture until it becomes uniform and crumbly.

Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
3. Add the chopped apples to the pot and mix well.
4. Make a cornstarch slurry by placing 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until well combined and smooth.
5. Add the slurry to the pot with the apples, stirring while adding it to the pot.
6. When the apple mixture thickens, remove it from the heat.

Crisp

1. Pour the cooked apple mixture into a 9 x 14-inch oval baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the oat topping mixture over the apple mixture.
3. Bake at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until the topping turns golden brown.

Video

Notes

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1.1mg

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American