Easy Apple Crisp – The “No-Fuss” Alternative to Apple Pie

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This easy apple crisp recipe is a “no-fuss” alternative to apple pie. I prefer to use a firm, tart apple, like Granny Smith, or in our case, the mystery apples from the wild apple tree growing on the fence line.

Any apple will do – the filling will just get softer with a softer apple. During apple season, this is one of our “go to” desserts.

This apple crisp recipe is simple enough that the boys can make it themselves. (They still haven't completely mastered rolling out pie crust neatly.)

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, cut the sugar to 1/2 cup, or substitute 1/4 cup of honey. (Honey will be more likely to brown faster, so you may wish to lower the temperature 5-10 degrees.)

Want a little more spice? Double up on the cinnamon, or add a little nutmeg, cardamom or ginger. This apple crisp recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9×13 baking dish. I prefer glass bakeware, if available, for slow and even cooking.

Tips to Keep Apples from Browning

To keep the apples from browning, place cut apples into cool water with lemon juice. Use about 1/4 cup lemon juice per 4-6 cups of water. You may also salt water (1 tablespoon salt per 6 cups water) or citric acid in water (1 teaspoon citric acid per 4-6 cups water).

I fill my 8 cup glass measuring cup about two-thirds full with lemon water, and place the apple slices in as they are prepared. Once the apples are done, I drain them and move them to the pan. Then I use the big measuring cup to mix the topping.

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Adapted from Favorite Recipes of America – Desserts (1968)

Ingredients

• 3 cups apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon plus 2/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, or gluten free flour blend like Namaste
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Directions

Arrange apples in 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle apples with 1 tablespoon of sugar, toss to coat.

Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, remaining sugar and soft butter. Mix until just blended.

Spread crumble topping over apples, evenly distributing over entire dish.

Bake at 375° F until edges are lightly brown and crisp and center is bubbling, about 50 minutes. Serve warm, with ice cream if desired.

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