Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like autumn in a bowl? Look no further! This Apple Crisp recipe, inspired by the queen of cooking herself, Martha Stewart, is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, crispy and gooey. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion – it's the ultimate homemade cooking experience.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Make the crisp 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. This is key to a wonderfully crumbly topping!
Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Cool and serve: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is the perfect complement to this warm, delicious dessert.
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp:
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile. A combination of sweet and tart apples works best.
- Don't Overmix: Gently toss the apple filling to avoid breaking down the apples too much.
- Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the topping is crucial for a flaky and crumbly texture.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your apple crisp and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nutty Crisp: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spiced it Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.
- Oatmeal Crisp: Increase the amount of oats in the topping for a more substantial and hearty crisp.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This easy recipe offers a healthy balance of sweet and satisfying flavors, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!