My grandma used to make this when I was a kid. It’s still great today.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot by the time your apple crisp is ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. If you like your filling a little thicker, you can add flour to the mix as well. The sugar and cinnamon will combine to create that warm, inviting flavor, while the lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the apples.
3. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, until the mixture becomes crumbly and the butter is incorporated. The goal is to create a crumbly, buttery topping that will bake to golden perfection.
4. Assemble the Crisp: Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the oat topping over the apples, making sure to cover them completely. The topping will bake up beautifully, creating a crisp, golden layer over the tender apples.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy. You may want to check halfway through and cover the dish with aluminum foil if the topping is getting too dark.
6. Serve: Once your apple crisp is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. The warm, sweet apples combined with the crunchy, buttery topping are irresistible. For an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

• Choose the Right Apples: While you can use any apples for apple crisp, it’s best to pick varieties that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. A mix of sweet and tart apples will give you the perfect balance of flavor.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: If you like a little extra crunch, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture. They’ll add texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
• Make it Ahead: This apple crisp can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. You can prepare the filling and topping separately and assemble it just before baking, or bake the entire dish and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
• Use Cinnamon and Spice: While cinnamon is a classic addition to apple crisp, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to enhance the flavor and bring a cozy, spiced aroma to your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Still Matters

When I think of the times I spent with my grandma in the kitchen, I realize that her love for cooking wasn’t just about the meals themselves. It was about the warmth of family, the tradition of passing down recipes, and the joy of sharing something homemade. This apple crisp is more than just a dessert—it’s a legacy of love, comfort, and togetherness.

As I bake this recipe for my family now, I pass on those same memories, creating new ones with each batch I make. Whether you’re making it for yourself, for a family gathering, or to share with friends, this apple crisp is a timeless treat that’s sure to bring joy, just like it did when I was a kid.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best meals aren’t the ones we find in fancy restaurants—they’re the ones that have been passed down through generations, full of love and cherished memories. Grandma’s apple crisp is a perfect example of a simple, timeless recipe that continues to bring joy, year after year. So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, make this recipe—and remember, it’s not just the dessert that makes it great—it’s the memories it brings with every bite.