Dessert

My Grandmother’s Apple Crisp Recipe

Name: My Grandmother’s Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7-10 apples (Cortland, Granny Smith, Macintosh, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-1/2 inch thick; 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon cinnamon, to taste; Pinch of salt; Sprinkle of nutmeg (optional); 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (e.g., GF Jules); 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (can reduce to 2/3 cup depending on pan size); 1/2 cup butter or dairy-free alternative, room temperature (e.g., Earth Balance soy-free sticks); 1/2 cup gluten-free oats; 1-3 tablespoons flaxseed meal (optional, for added nutrients); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)

Bynova cole October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

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Introduction

My Grandmother’s Apple Crisp is a comforting and timeless dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery crumble topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for showcasing a variety of apples—especially when you want a treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

A white oval dish filled with a baked apple crumble, showing two main layers: the top layer is a thick, golden-brown crumb topping with a rough, chunky texture made of oats and flour, covering most of the dish, and the bottom layer visible on one side where a spoon has scooped out a piece, revealing soft, cooked apple slices in light yellow color with bits of crumb mixing into them, all placed on a white marbled surface with a silver spoon resting inside the dish beside the scoop, two red and green apples nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

7-10 apples (any variety, but baking apples like Cortland and Granny Smith are best)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon, divided
Pinch of salt
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or dairy-free alternative, room temperature
1/2 cup gluten-free oats
1-3 tablespoons flaxseed meal (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Peel, core, and slice the apples about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place them in a large bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste) and a pinch of salt, then stir to combine.
Step 3: Transfer the spiced apples to a 9-10 inch baking dish in any shape. Don’t worry about uniform slices—this recipe is forgiving!
Step 4: In another large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, oats, flaxseed meal (if using), and nutmeg (if using).
Step 5: Add the room temperature butter or dairy-free alternative. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend everything until crumbly.
Step 6: Scatter the crumble topping evenly over the apples, “dropping” it by hand until covered.
Step 7: Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue baking for another 10-20 minutes to soften the apples.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of apple varieties for a balance of tart and sweet flavors and textures.
If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar to 2/3 cup.
Flaxseed meal adds nutrients but won’t affect the flavor, so feel free to add if desired.
This recipe is forgiving—don’t worry about perfect apple slices or exact pan size.

Storage

Store leftover apple crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Apple crisp also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with apple crumble, showing two layers: a golden brown, crumbly oat topping with small clumps and a rough texture covering the entire surface, and underneath, thin slices of soft, cooked apple with a light yellow color that are slightly visible where the topping has been scooped out. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by four fresh red and green apples. A silver spoon is partially inserted on the right side of the dish, resting inside the crumble with its handle leaning on the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Yes, regular all-purpose flour can be used if you do not require a gluten-free recipe. The texture will be similar but may be slightly less crumbly.

How do I know when the apples are done baking?

The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork and have released some juice but still hold their shape. If they seem firm after 40 minutes, cover the topping with foil and bake longer until soft.