Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This apple crisp recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd, impressing your guests, and satisfying even the pickiest eaters. It's a classic comfort food, bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery, crunchy crumble. Get ready for oohs and aahs – this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- 8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), 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
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions:
Get started with the apple filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 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.
Prepare the crumble topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and bake the apple crisp:
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Serve and enjoy:
- Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a perfect complement.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp:
- Choose your apples wisely: A mix of tart and sweet apples will give you the best flavor.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: Overmixing will make the topping tough.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to a flaky crumble topping.
- Check for doneness: The apples should be tender and the topping golden brown.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the crumble topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for extra warmth.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in both the filling and the topping.
- Use different sweeteners: Maple syrup or honey can be substituted for some or all of the sugar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your serving and the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient amounts. Generally, expect a serving to contain a moderate amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, along with some fiber and healthy fats from the apples and butter.
This apple crisp recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and healthy meals. It's perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. Enjoy!