The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
As the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and there’s a distinct crispness in the air, I find myself yearning for the comforting aroma of warm spices and baked apples. Fall has always been a special season for my family, marked by the tradition of apple picking and the subsequent creation of homemade apple crisp. This delicious dessert is one my family looks forward to every fall, and one I’m delighted to share with you today.
Every fall, my family and I make a beeline for our local orchard, on a mission to find the absolute best apples for munching and whipping up some delicious treats. Among all the choices, Macoun apples have always held a special place in our hearts. Their sweet-with-a-hint-of-tartness profile is an absolute winner in our homemade apple crisp recipe. Of course, you can’t go wrong with other tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, or whatever variety you prefer. What makes this tradition even more heartwarming is that even though my daughters are all grown up now, they still eagerly anticipate this yearly outing.
When we get back home from our apple-picking adventure, the first thing I always do is whip up a batch of our beloved homemade apple crisp. It’s become a cherished ritual in our household, a way to celebrate the bounty of the season and create memories together. The kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma of cinnamon and baked apples, and it’s like an instant warm embrace after a day of apple-picking fun.
Making Homemade Apple Crisp
Ingredients:
- 8 cups of apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg
- 2/3 cup of butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). The warm oven will create the perfect environment for your apple crisp to turn golden and delectably crisp.
2. Grease Your Baking Pan: Next, take a moment to grease a 9×13 Pyrex or baking pan. This will ensure that your apple crisp doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easier to serve and clean up afterward. My personal favorite pan for homemade apple crisp is this beautiful 12 inch cast iron pan from Nest Cookware. My family bought it for me last Christmas, and I am obsessed!
3. Prepare the Apples: Begin by peeling your apples to remove the skin. Then, core them to remove the seeds and tough center. Finally, slice the apples into thin, even slices. This step ensures that your apples are ready to create the perfect, tender filling for your homemade apple crisp.
4. Arrange the Apples:Â Now, it’s time to arrange your sliced apples in the greased pan. The apples should create a luscious, even layer at the bottom of the dish.
5. Prepare the Crumbly Topping:Â In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix these ingredients until they form a delightful, crumbly topping. I personally prefer using the paddle attachment on my KitchenAid mixer for this step, as it makes the process quick and efficient.
6. Spread the Topping:Â Carefully spread the crumbly topping mixture evenly over the apples. This step is where the magic happens, as the topping will transform into a golden, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath.
7. Bake to Perfection:Â Place your prepared pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Keep a watchful eye as it bakes, and remove it once the top turns a beautiful golden brown, and the aroma fills your kitchen. The apples should be tender, and the topping irresistibly crisp.
Once your homemade apple crisp is done baking, allow it to cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, for the ultimate fall dessert experience. Each bite is a nostalgic journey back to the autumns of my childhood and apple picking with my husband and daughters, filled with love, laughter, and the taste of tradition.
This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the changing seasons, family togetherness, and the simple pleasures of life. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family has, year after year, and that it becomes a cherished tradition in your household too. Happy baking, and may your home be filled with the cozy, comforting scents of homemade apple crisp this fall.
Homemade Apple Crisp: A Taste of Autumn
Ingredients
- 8 cups of peeled and sliced apples
- 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of nutmeg
- 2/3 cup of butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly in the greased pan.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly topping.
- Evenly spread the crumbly mixture over the apples.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Remove it when the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Allow it to cool slightly, then serve your homemade apple crisp warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
