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
Scale
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.
