Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp

Introduction

Apple crisp is a beloved dessert that evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. This Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp brings together the tart sweetness of apples with a buttery, crumbly topping that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious. The dish has been a classic in many homes for generations, thanks to its uncomplicated nature and the warm, satisfying flavors it delivers. The base of the dessert consists of juicy, spiced apples, while the crisp topping adds a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. It’s the ideal dessert for fall, but can be enjoyed year-round, especially when apples are in season. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy treat, this Apple Crisp is sure to be a hit. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert becomes an even more decadent experience. The best part? It requires minimal effort, making it an easy go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick and simple to prepare.
2. Comforting Flavors: The combination of spiced apples and buttery, crunchy topping creates a warm and satisfying dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.
3. Versatile Ingredients: The recipe can be adapted based on what you have on hand, with different apple varieties and optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
4. Perfect for Any Season: While it’s especially popular in the fall, you can enjoy this crisp year-round, making it a great choice for any occasion.
5. Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving, saving you time when hosting or entertaining.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

Spiced Apples

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

Crisp Topping

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

Variations

• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or currants to the apple mixture for a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Gluten-Free: To make the crisp gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
• Spices: Experiment with other warm spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
• Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Top your apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish to prepare for the crisp.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Apples

In a bowl, toss the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine the light brown sugar, oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix well, then add the cold, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Pour the spiced apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it toward the end to make sure the topping doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, either on its own or with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Apple Variety: While Golden Delicious apples are sweet and soft, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart contrast, or a mix of both for a balance of flavors.
• Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is cold when adding it to the topping. This helps create a crumbly, buttery texture for the topping.
• Topping Consistency: If your topping is too dry, add a little more cold butter. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour or oats until the consistency feels right.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the apple mixture and topping in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, assemble and bake as directed.

How to Serve

Serve your apple crisp warm, straight from the oven or after it’s slightly cooled. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a splash of caramel sauce. For a richer experience, try serving it with custard or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Freezing

Apple crisp freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the apple crisp in the oven to restore its crisp topping. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use a variety of apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. A mix of tart and sweet apples is often the best choice.

2. Can I make the topping without oats?

Yes, you can omit the oats and make a simple streusel topping with just flour, sugar, and butter.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend to make it gluten-free.

4. Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple mixture and the topping ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed.

5. How can I make the topping crunchier?

To achieve a crunchier topping, you can add a bit more oats or include chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

6. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used, but the texture may be a bit softer compared to old-fashioned oats.

7. Can I freeze the apple crisp?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled crisp before baking or freeze leftovers after it’s been baked. Just wrap it tightly in plastic or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container.

8. How long does the apple crisp take to bake?

Apple crisp typically bakes in about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbly.

9. Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Absolutely! You can add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.

10. How do I prevent the topping from burning?

If the topping is browning too quickly, you can cover the crisp loosely with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove it to allow the topping to brown.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Easy Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for those who enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of apples combined with a buttery, crispy topping. This classic recipe is simple to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re baking it for a weeknight treat or for a special occasion, this apple crisp will satisfy any sweet tooth. With its warm, comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream to make it even more indulgent!

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