This apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that features sweet, tender apples topped with a crunchy oat mixture. It’s perfect for cozy nights or potlucks!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the smell of apples baking in the oven. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top—so yummy! 🍏🍦 You’ll want seconds for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. You can mix and match! Other good choices include Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apples if you have some on hand.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and helps prevent apples from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of vinegar works too, or you can skip it, but it will be less fresh-tasting.
Brown Sugar: It deepens the flavor of your crisp. If you need a substitute, you can use white sugar with a bit of molasses added (1 tablespoon molasses for every cup of white sugar).
Unsalted Butter: For a richer, creamier flavor, I recommend unsalted butter. You can replace it with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you want a vegan option.
How Do I Get My Topping Just Right?
Getting that topping golden and crisp takes a bit of care. Follow these steps and you can’t go wrong!
- Use cold butter—this creates that crunchy texture. If it’s too warm, the topping will be greasy.
- Don’t over-mix! You want those crumbs to be clumpy. It’s okay if some butter pieces are still visible.
- Bake until the topping is golden brown. An extra five minutes can make a big difference!
Letting it cool for a bit before serving helps set everything, making it easier to scoop out those beautiful layers. Enjoy!
The Best Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp 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 unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional:
- Vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple crisp takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 45 to 50 minutes for baking. So, in total, set aside about an hour for a delicious dessert that will warm up your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm, ready to bake your crisp. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish of your choice to avoid any sticking!
2. Prepare the Apples:
Grab a large bowl and toss your sliced apples with the lemon juice. This not only adds a bit of flavor but keeps the apples from browning. Next, mix in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until all the apples are coated evenly. Yum!
3. Assemble the Filling:
Now, take the apple mixture and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure all the apple slices are nicely arranged.
4. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. Next, add in those cold butter cubes. Use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to work the butter into the dry ingredients until everything mixes into coarse crumbs. This is the crunch that makes your crisp extra special!
5. Combine and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Bake it all in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and the topping is wonderfully golden and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes; this helps everything set nicely. Serve your apple crisp warm, and don’t forget—it’s delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra indulgence!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can mix and match different apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Good options include Fuji, Braeburn, or even a combination of tart and sweet apples for balance.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, layer them together and bake straight from the fridge, but add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix!
Can I Freeze Apple Crisp?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about an hour, or until heated through.
