Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the legendary Betty Crocker, delivers a perfectly golden-brown apple crisp that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget complicated baking; this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and novice bakers alike. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade comfort food! This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), 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:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 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 toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.
Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine 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: Pour the apple filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
Bake: 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 aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and serve: Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp:
- Apple Selection: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Don't Overmix: Gently toss the apple filling to avoid breaking down the apple slices.
- Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the topping creates a flaky, crumbly texture.
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your crisp and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Oatmeal Apple Crisp: Increase the amount of oats in the topping for a heartier texture.
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Berry Apple Crisp: Add a cup of your favorite berries to the apple filling for a delicious fruity twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate for a 1/8th of the recipe is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-5g
This delicious apple crisp recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes and delicious dishes you can make at home. It's a wonderful dessert for any occasion, and a great way to showcase your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!