Apple crisp is a beloved American dessert that’s perfect for fall afternoons or any time you crave a comforting treat. It features juicy apples baked to tender perfection under a crispy, oat-streusel topping. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and fuss.
What Makes This Apple Crisp Special?
- Simple & Customizable: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to personalize it! Adjust the sweetness with different sugars, add a variety of spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, or incorporate nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Warm & Comforting: The combination of warm, spiced apples and a crumbly oat topping creates a truly comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Apple crisp is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a cozy night in.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- For the Apples:
- 6-8 apples (about 5 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced (your favorite variety! Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix work well)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Crisp: Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. The mixture should resemble coarse pebbles.
- Bake the Crisp: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and the topping to crisp up further. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sharp cheddar cheese for a delicious contrast.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp:
- Don’t Overmix the Crumble Topping: A rough and crumbly texture is key for a crispy topping. Don’t overwork the mixture with the butter, or it will become dense and lose its signature texture.
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. You can also use a mix of varieties for a complex flavor profile.
- Ripe vs. Underripe Apples: While some crispness is nice, using apples that are too underripe will result in a tough filling. Aim for apples that are slightly soft but not mushy.
- Leftovers: Apple crisp stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Enjoy this classic and comforting homemade apple crisp! It’s sure to become a new favorite dessert.