Introduction
Apple crisp is a timeless, comforting dessert, beloved for its tender, spiced apple filling and crispy, buttery oat topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy evenings, this crowd-pleaser balances sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying crunch. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it ideal for cooks of all levels. This recipe delivers a classic apple crisp, adaptable for dietary needs, best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 6 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, about 6 cups sliced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional: 1/4 tsp ground allspice for extra warmth.
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
For Serving:
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce
- Suggested Pairings: Hot coffee, chai tea, or warm cider
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick wedges. In a large bowl, toss apples with granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional allspice until evenly coated. Spread apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Stir in optional nuts if using. Sprinkle topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Cool Slightly: Let the apple crisp cool for 5-10 minutes to set; it will thicken as it cools.
- Serve: Spoon warm apple crisp into bowls. Top with optional vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Serve with suggested pairings like coffee or cider.
Tips for Better Apple Crisp
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor; mix with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for complexity.
- Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking; thinner slices soften faster.
- Keep butter cold for a flaky, crispy topping; don’t melt it before mixing.
- Taste apples before adding sugar; very sweet apples may need less.
- For a crunchier topping, add an extra 1/4 cup of oats or nuts.
- Check doneness by piercing apples with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Make ahead by preparing the filling and topping separately; assemble and bake within 24 hours.
- Serve within a few hours for the crispiest topping; it softens over time.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
- Vegan Apple Crisp: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil; serve with dairy-free ice cream.
- Low-Sugar Apple Crisp: Reduce granulated sugar to 2 tbsp and brown sugar to 1/4 cup; use a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add 1/4 tsp ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for warmth.
- Mixed Fruit Crisp: Replace 2 cups of apples with pears, peaches, or berries for variety.
- Nut-Free Apple Crisp: Omit nuts or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Salted Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle 2 tbsp caramel sauce over apples before adding topping; sprinkle with sea salt.
- Oat-Free Apple Crisp: Replace oats with 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers or almond flour.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftover apple crisp covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to revive crispiness, or microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
- Freeze baked apple crisp in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat at 350°F.
- Serve warm for the best texture; cold apple crisp is great as a breakfast treat with yogurt.
- Use leftovers as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt parfaits.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
- Pair with a dessert wine like Riesling, hot tea, or mulled wine.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day; bake fresh for optimal texture.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (about 3/4 cup each, without optional nuts or toppings):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
- Calcium: 4% Daily Value
- Iron: 6% Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional add-ins. This dessert is moderate in calories but high in sugars and fat due to sugar and butter. For dietary needs, try gluten-free or vegan variations. Its fiber from apples adds nutritional value.
Conclusion
This apple crisp recipe delivers a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall, holidays, or any cozy occasion. Its simple preparation and irresistible flavors make it a favorite for home cooks. The tender apples and crunchy topping create a delightful contrast. This recipe is sure to become a go-to, cherished for its ease and classic appeal.
Apple Crisp Recipe: Warm and Buttery Classic
Warm, buttery apple crisp with a crispy oat topping.
Ingredients
- 6 medium tart apples peeled, sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter cubed
- Optional: 1/2 cup pecans
- For Serving: Ice cream whipped cream
- Suggested Pairings: Coffee cider
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F; grease 8x8 dish.
- Toss apples with sugar, flour, lemon juice, spices; spread in dish.
- Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Add nuts if using.
- Sprinkle topping over apples; bake 35-45 minutes until golden, bubbly.
- Cool 5-10 min; serve with ice cream, cider.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith for tartness.
- Store in fridge up to 4 days.
- Add berries for variety.
- Pair with chai tea.
