Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like a hug? Look no further than this incredibly easy Pillsbury Apple Crisp recipe! This classic dessert is perfect for a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply a moment of self-indulgence. Using pre-made Pillsbury pie crust saves you precious time without sacrificing flavor, making this the ultimate quick dinner idea or easy dessert recipe. Get ready to experience the ultimate homemade cooking satisfaction with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Topping:
- 1 can (14.1 ounces) Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts, unrolled
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons 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 together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and lemon juice.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the Pillsbury pie crusts slightly larger than your baking dish. Alternatively, you can crumble the crust directly into the bowl for a more rustic topping.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugars, oats, nuts (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Pillsbury Apple Crisp:
- Apple Selection: The type of apple you use will impact the flavor and texture of your crisp. A mix of tart and sweet apples works best.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the apple filling can release too much liquid, resulting in a soggy crisp. Gently toss the ingredients together.
- Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the topping is crucial for creating a flaky and crunchy crust.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your crisp and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Crisp: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the filling for an extra warm flavor.
- Berry Apple Crisp: Add a cup of your favorite berries (blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries) to the apple filling.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of using the Pillsbury pie crust, try making a streusel topping with flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and spices.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your serving and the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional analysis, use an online nutrition calculator with the specific brands and amounts you used. Expect a relatively high calorie count due to the sugars and fats, but the fruit does provide some vitamins and fiber.
This easy Pillsbury Apple Crisp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and comforting flavors, making it a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade cooking experience!