Are you craving a comforting dessert that's both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further than this classic apple crisp recipe! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a simple weeknight treat. Using a standard 13x9 inch baking dish ensures there's plenty to share (or savor all by yourself!). Get ready to experience the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of perfectly baked apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble – a truly unforgettable taste of autumn.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Make the Crisp Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, nuts (if using), cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; some larger pieces are okay.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Crisp:
- Apple Selection: A mix of apple varieties provides the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples offer tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness and juiciness.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the crumble topping will result in a tough crust. Work quickly and gently to incorporate the butter.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your apple crisp during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Cooling Time: Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents a messy, overly-hot experience.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Berrylicious: Incorporate some frozen blueberries or cranberries into the apple filling for added sweetness and tartness.
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in both the filling and topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on apple type and added toppings)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
This apple crisp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious homemade taste and the warmth it brings! It's a simple, yet satisfying, addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. This quick dinner idea (well, dessert idea!) is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. Try it and share your delicious creations!