This apple crisp is a warm, cozy treat that combines sweet baked apples with a crunchy topping. It’s super easy to make and perfect for sharing on chilly evenings!
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—there’s nothing like that sweet and cold combo! Plus, my kitchen smells amazing while it bakes. 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic for this recipe, providing a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. If you’re out of these, any firm variety like Fuji or Braeburn works well too!
Lemon Juice: This helps keep the apples fresh and adds a zing. If you’re out of lemons, use a splash of vinegar or even apple cider for a twist.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: You can adjust the sweetness based on your taste. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. It has a similar richness.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the flavors. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work nicely.
How Do I Make the Crisp Topping Super Crunchy?
The crisp topping is what makes this dessert special. To get it crunchy, it’s crucial to mix cold butter into the dry ingredients correctly. The goal is pea-sized pieces of butter mixed in. Here’s how:
- After mixing the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, add the cold butter cubes.
- Using your fingers, gently press and rub the butter into the dry mix until you see small, crumbly bits. It should look like coarse crumbs.
- Avoid over mixing, as you want to keep some butter chunks for that delightful crunch!
Letting your topping sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking can help it crisp up even more. Happy baking!
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 5 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to toss with apples, optional for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-45 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour to enjoy this delicious dessert from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or any similar size to ensure your apple crisp doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, take your sliced apples and toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour (if you’re using it). This mixture not only prevents the apples from browning but also adds a wonderful flavor. Once combined, spread the apple mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add in the cold cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until you get coarse crumbs. You want some chunks of butter remaining to create that lovely crunchy texture.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure every part is covered for that perfect balance of apples and crunch!
5. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apples underneath.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help stabilize the juices. Serve warm, and don’t forget to add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top if you like!
Enjoy this comforting apple crisp with its tender, spiced apple filling and crunchy oat topping! Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a cozy dessert.
Can I Use Different Varieties of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices, you can experiment with other varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of sweet and tart apples for a unique flavor profile.
What If I Don’t Have Oats?
No worries! If you’re out of oats, you can use just more flour for the topping. Alternatively, try using crushed crackers or nuts for a different texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This keeps the recipe delicious while accommodating gluten sensitivities!
