Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like a cozy hug? Look no further than this Better Homes and Gardens Apple Crisp recipe! This classic dessert is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a delightful balance of sweet, tart apples and a buttery, crunchy crumble topping. It's the perfect ending to a busy day, a delightful treat for unexpected guests, or a heartwarming addition to your family's favorite fall traditions. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – get ready for rave reviews!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), 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:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Apples
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
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In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a lovely zing.
Making the Crumble Topping:
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In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
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Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix; a few larger pieces are fine. This creates a wonderfully textured topping.
Assembling and Baking the Apple Crisp:
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Pour the apple filling into the prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
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Bake for 35-40 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 minutes of baking.
Serving and Storage:
Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of butter and shortening in the crumble topping.
- Add some nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom.
- Make it a gluten-free recipe: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour.
- Individual crisps: Use ramekins or oven-safe mugs for individual servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: Approximately 12-15g Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g Sugar: Approximately 20-25g
This easy apple crisp recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It’s a delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is quick, the ingredients are readily available, and the result is a truly satisfying dessert. Enjoy!