Is there anything more comforting than a warm, bubbly apple crisp on a chilly evening? This Granny Smith Apple Crisp recipe is the epitome of homemade goodness – sweet, tart, and utterly irresistible. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of crispy topping and tender, juicy apples. This recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to processed desserts, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons 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, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. 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 perfectly crispy topping!
Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 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:
- Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugars. However, you can experiment with other tart apple varieties.
- Don't overmix the topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping. Work quickly and gently to ensure a crumbly texture.
- Cold butter is crucial: Using cold butter is essential for a flaky, crispy topping.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter crisp, feel free to add more sugar.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Nutty Apple Crisp: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Oatmeal Apple Crisp: Increase the amount of rolled oats in the topping for a heartier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-5g
This delicious Granny Smith Apple Crisp recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and homemade cooking that delivers big on flavor. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, and a testament to the simple pleasures of delicious dishes made from scratch. Enjoy!