If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious, this Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a satisfyingly crunchy oat topping, this classic treat strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and makes every bite feel like a cozy hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe comes from using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. With these essentials on hand, you’re set to whip up a dessert that everyone will ask for on repeat.
- Golden delicious apples: Six peeled and chopped apples provide sweetness and a tender, juicy texture that holds beautifully during baking.
- Granulated sugar: A light touch of sweetness to enhance the natural apple flavor without overpowering it.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the apples with subtle depth and aroma.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash keeps the apples bright and prevents browning for a fresher taste.
- Light brown sugar: Adds richness and moisture to the oat topping, giving it that luscious caramel note.
- Old fashioned oats: Contribute a hearty, chewy crunch to the crisp topping, contrasting perfectly with soft apples.
- All-purpose flour: Binds the topping ingredients together for the perfect crumbly texture.
- Kosher salt: A pinch brightens all the sweet components and balances the flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed butter creates those irresistible golden, buttery bits that make each bite melt in your mouth.
How to Make Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A steady, moderate temperature ensures the apples soften while the topping crisps up beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apples
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and chopped golden delicious apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mix coats the apples evenly, giving them a wonderful spiced flavor and just the right sweetness before baking.
Step 3: Transfer Apples to Baking Dish
Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. This even layer helps the apples cook uniformly and soak up the crunch of the crisp topping.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and kosher salt. The combination of these dry ingredients sets the stage for a topping that is both sweet and satisfyingly rustic.
Step 5: Add Butter for Texture
Cut the cold, diced butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. These buttery clusters are the secret to that golden, melt-in-your-mouth crispness that defines this dessert.
Step 6: Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the spiced apples, fully covering the fruit to lock in juices and create that iconic contrast between soft and crunchy once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown topping with bubbling, tender apples beneath—proof that this Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe is ready to delight.
Step 8: Serve
Allow the apple crisp to cool just a bit before diving in. It’s heavenly on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream takes it to the next level of indulgence.
How to Serve Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe, try sprinkling a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also transform it into a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs beautifully with simple, creamy sides like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the warm spices. For a breakfast twist, serve it with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey to enjoy those apple flavors in a lighter way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve individual portions in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Layer the crisp with a dollop of mascarpone cheese or swirl in a cinnamon-infused cream sauce to impress guests with both flavor and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight, making it an even better treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the apple crisp either before or after baking. Wrap it well in freezer-safe packaging and store it for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to restore that fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently at 325°F (160°C) in the oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the topping crisp and the apples tender, just like when fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute other apples for Golden Delicious in this recipe?
Absolutely! While golden delicious apples are wonderfully sweet and hold their shape nicely, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind some varieties might be tangier or softer.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
Yes, quick oats can be used if that’s what you have on hand. The texture will be a bit finer and less chewy, but the crisp will still taste delicious and satisfyingly crumbly.
Can I make the topping ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the topping up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just sprinkle it over the prepared apples and bake as usual.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This allows you to enjoy the Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe without worry.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert warm but not too hot?
Let the apple crisp sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes after baking. This short rest helps the juices settle and ensures it’s warm enough to enjoy but not so hot that it overwhelms your palate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the comforting aroma and perfect blend of textures in this Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe. Whether it’s a cozy family dessert or a treat to impress friends, it’s a dish that feels like coming home. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every delicious bite!
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Golden Delicious Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Apple Crisp recipe features tender, spiced golden delicious apples topped with a crunchy, buttery oat mixture baked to a perfect golden brown. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors with a comforting crumbly texture ideal for any season.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the apple crisp evenly and developing a golden brown topping.
- Prepare the spiced apples: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are fully coated with the spices and sugar, which enhances their natural sweetness and prevents browning.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly and transfer the spiced apple mixture into it, spreading evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, mix the light brown sugar, oats, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt to build the base of the crisp’s crunchy topping.
- Add butter to topping: Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a tender, crumbly texture when baked.
- Assemble the crisp: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the spiced apple mixture in the baking dish, covering all the apples to ensure a perfect crisp layer.
- Bake the crisp: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender and juicy when pierced with a fork, signaling that the crisp is fully cooked.
- Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm on its own or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Other apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp can be used based on preference; some may result in a tarter or sweeter crisp.
- Quick oats can substitute old fashioned oats, but the texture of the topping will be less chewy and more crumbly.
- Ensure the butter is cold before mixing to achieve a flaky, crumbly topping texture.
- Letting the crisp rest a few minutes before serving helps the juices thicken for a better consistency.
- For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the apple mixture.
