Apple Crisp
Warm, bubbling apples seasoned with cinnamon, under a crunchy, buttery oat topping. This classic American dessert is the ultimate comfort food, perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A simple, rustic treat that's easy to love.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease an 8x8 inch square or a 9-inch round baking dish with butter.
- 2
Prepare the apple filling
- a.In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the lemon juice. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp salt. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- 3
Make the crisp topping
- a.In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- 4
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry topping ingredients
- a.Using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two knives, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Do not overmix.
- 5
Assemble and bake
- a.Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is deep golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling thickly around the edges.
- 6
Rest and serve
- a.Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix. Softer apples can become mushy when baked.
- 2Ensure your butter is very cold for the topping. This creates steam pockets as it bakes, resulting in a flakier, more tender crisp.
- 3Don't overmix the topping. The small pieces of butter are essential for the perfect texture.
- 4Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to make cleanup easy in case the filling bubbles over.
- 5Let the crisp rest after baking. This is crucial for the filling to thicken and set properly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Topping
Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Fall Spice BlendFall Spice Blend
Enhance the flavor by adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of ground cloves to the apple filling.
Apple Pear CrispApple-Pear Crisp
Replace two of the apples with two firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, for a delightful flavor combination.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Both apples and rolled oats are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Source of Antioxidants
Apples are rich in antioxidants like quercetin and flavonoids, while cinnamon is also packed with powerful antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Firm, crisp apples that hold their shape during baking are best. A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn provides a wonderful balance of flavor and texture.