Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a beloved dessert that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. This old-fashioned easy apple crisp is made with spiced apples that are topped with a buttery, crunchy crisp topping. The combination of sweet, tender apples with a cinnamon-spiced, golden-brown crust is simple yet utterly delicious. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a sweet ending to a meal, this recipe brings the classic flavors of fall right into your kitchen, no matter the season. With its easy preparation and the perfect balance of textures, this apple crisp is bound to be a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food

There’s nothing like the warmth and nostalgia of a classic apple crisp. This recipe combines the perfect balance of soft, spiced apples with a sweet, buttery crisp topping, making it a comforting dessert everyone will enjoy.

2. Easy to Make

With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this apple crisp is easy to prepare. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a fuss-free dessert.

3. Versatile

You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your preferences. Whether you use different apple varieties, add extra spices like nutmeg, or top it with ice cream or whipped cream, the possibilities are endless.

4. Quick and Simple

This recipe requires minimal preparation time, making it an ideal last-minute dessert for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Plus, it bakes in under an hour!

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re enjoying it on a crisp fall day, celebrating a holiday, or serving it as a simple treat for a family dinner, this apple crisp is versatile enough for any time of year.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Spiced Apples:

• Golden Delicious apples (or other varieties, peeled and chopped)
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Lemon juice

For the Crisp Topping:

• Light brown sugar
• Old-fashioned oats (quick oats can be used, but the texture will differ)
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Kosher salt
• Cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

Variations

• Add Walnuts or Pecans: For an extra crunch, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crisp topping.
• Use Different Apple Varieties: Golden Delicious apples are mild and sweet, but you can use tart apples like Granny Smith for a more balanced flavor.
• Add Dried Fruit: Add raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots to the apple mixture for an added twist.
• Spiced Version: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the apples or topping for a spiced flavor that enhances the warmth of the cinnamon.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces or slices. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Add the cold, diced butter to the mixture. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Crisp

Transfer the spiced apples to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or equivalent size). Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, ensuring it covers the apples completely.

Step 4: Bake the Apple Crisp

Bake the apple crisp in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm on its own or top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Topping: Be gentle when mixing the crisp topping, as you don’t want to overwork the butter. You want the mixture to remain crumbly for that perfect, crunchy topping.
• Use Cold Butter: The colder the butter, the flakier the topping will be. Be sure to dice the butter into small cubes before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the variety of apples you use, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar. Tart apples may require a bit more sugar, while sweeter apples may need less.
• Try a Bigger Pan: If you don’t have a 9×9-inch pan, you can easily use a larger or smaller dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the crisp topping may cook faster or slower.

How to Serve

Serve the apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. It’s also great on its own or alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crisp topping may lose some of its crunch over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze apple crisp before baking. Assemble the apples and topping in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer and bake as directed, though you may need to increase the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover apple crisp, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you like. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn work well, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala will create a milder flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the apple crisp gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using certified gluten-free oats.

3. Can I make the crisp topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crisp topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just sprinkle it over the apples before baking.

4. Can I make this apple crisp dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

5. How do I prevent the topping from getting too soggy?

Be sure to use cold butter when making the topping, and bake the apple crisp long enough so that the topping becomes golden and crispy. The apples should also be tender but not watery.

6. Can I add more spices to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add other spices like nutmeg, ground ginger, or cloves to the apples or topping for a deeper, spiced flavor.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time if necessary.

8. How can I serve this at a party?

For a party, you can serve the apple crisp in individual ramekins or small bowls, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for easy, single-serve portions.

9. Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, you can add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the crisp for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Old-fashioned easy apple crisp is a timeless dessert that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, crunchy topping. This recipe is simple to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this apple crisp is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for any occasion, it brings warmth and sweetness to your table with minimal effort!

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