There’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm, sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. Nana’s apple crisp is a simple, timeless recipe that proves less is more when it comes to dessert. With tender apples and a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crumble, this no-oats apple crisp is perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful fall treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Nana’s Classic Apple Crisp
- 5 cups apples, peeled and sliced (approximately 700 grams)
- 1/3 cup water (80 ml)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90 grams)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (1 gram, or more if desired)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1 gram)
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup or 115 grams), cut into small pieces
Instructions for Making Nana’s Classic Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a baking dish. While butter adds the best flavor, you can use another type of grease if preferred.
Step 2: Layer the Apples
Place the peeled and sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the water over the top of the apples to keep them moist as they bake.
Step 3: Make the Crumble
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the pieces of butter and use your fingers to rub them into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential for achieving a buttery, crumbly topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the apples in the baking dish, ensuring the apples are well-covered for that perfect crispy topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns a golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. For an extra-special dessert, serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nana’s apple crisp is a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. This classic recipe, with its warm, cinnamon-infused apples and buttery crumble topping, captures the essence of home and comfort. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it solo on a chilly evening, this apple crisp will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Simple, timeless, and delicious—just like Nana’s cooking!
