Perfect Apple Crisp Recipe
Description
Discover the best Apple Crisp recipe! This easy dessert combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery, oat-filled topping. Perfect for any occasion! An Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with a sweet, buttery crumble topping. This dessert is perfect for autumn when apples are at their peak, but it’s a comforting treat that can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a crispy, oat-filled topping creates a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold, this apple crisp recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients – Apple Crisp Recipe
For the Filling:
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions Step-by-Step for Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Slice Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mix well.
- Mix Apples with Filling: Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the sliced apples and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Top the Apples: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve: Serve the apple crisp warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips and Variations for Apple Crisp Recipe
- Apple Variety: Mixing different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, can add complexity to the flavor.
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the topping mixture.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like ground ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in place of the butter for a vegan-friendly version.
Preparation and Cooking Time – Apple Crisp Recipe
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the dish)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 2g
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Curiosities and Historical Facts about Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple Crisp, also known as Apple Crumble in some parts of the world, is a dessert with a rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the British Isles, where it became a popular dessert during World War II. Due to rationing, traditional ingredients for pies were often scarce, leading to the creation of simpler, more affordable desserts like the apple crisp.
In the United States, apple crisp gained popularity in the mid-20th century as an easy-to-make, homey dessert that showcased the natural sweetness of apples. Unlike apple pie, which requires a crust, apple crisp uses a crumbly topping made from oats, sugar, and butter, making it quicker to prepare and bake.
Apples themselves have a storied history, being one of the earliest cultivated fruits. The apple tree (Malus domestica) originated in Central Asia, and apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe. They were brought to North America by European settlers, and today, apples are a beloved fruit around the world.
Additional Uses for Apple Crisp Recipe
Apple crisp leftovers can be enjoyed in various ways:
Breakfast
- Apple Crisp Oatmeal: Stir leftover apple crisp into your morning oatmeal for a delicious and hearty breakfast.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer apple crisp with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a quick and satisfying parfait.
Snacks
- Apple Crisp Bars: Press leftover apple crisp into a baking dish, refrigerate until firm, and cut into bars for a portable snack.
- Smoothie: Blend leftover apple crisp with vanilla yogurt and a splash of milk for a flavorful smoothie.
Desserts
- Apple Crisp Sundae: Top leftover apple crisp with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a decadent sundae.
- Apple Crisp Pancakes: Fold apple crisp into pancake batter for a sweet twist on a breakfast favorite.