When fall rolls in with its crisp air and golden leaves, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the house—it’s like a cozy hug in dessert form. I stumbled upon this easy apple crisp recipe last year, while leafing through an old cookbook my grandmother used to love, and it’s been a staple ever since. It’s like the dessert version of your favorite sweater, comforting and familiar, yet somehow, it surprises you with every bite.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix 5 cups of sliced apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the apples are well coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of oats, 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter and mix until the ingredients form a crumbly texture.
- Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the apples in the baking dish. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 5 cups of fresh apples, sliced (approximately 2 pounds or 4 large apples)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup of old-fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (equivalent to half a stick) of butter, melted
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2024kcal | Carbohydrates: 400g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1040mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 312g | Vitamin A: 1752IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What types of apples are ideal for apple crisp?
- Apples that maintain their shape during baking are best for apple crisp. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, and Pink Lady apples are all excellent choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Is it necessary to peel the apples before making apple crisp?
- Peeling the apples is not a requirement for apple crisp. If you don’t mind the texture of baked apple peels, you can skip this step to save time. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, feel free to peel them.
- Should apple crisp be stored in the refrigerator?
- Apple crisp can be kept at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to three days. Refrigeration is not necessary, but if you prefer, you can store it in the fridge. Keep in mind that the topping is crispiest when served fresh.
- Can I freeze apple crisp, and how should I do it?
- Yes, you can freeze apple crisp. After baking and cooling it completely, cover it with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to four months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What are some optional ingredients to enhance the apple crisp topping?
- Adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your apple crisp topping. However, avoid these if there are any nut allergies in your household.
Tips
- Ensure Even Apple Slices: Use an apple slicer to quickly core and slice your apples, then cut each slice again with a knife to ensure they are about 1/2 inch thick. Uniform slices are key to even cooking.
- Prevent Over-browning: If the topping begins to brown too quickly while the apples are still cooking, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Enhance the Topping: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist, unless there are nut allergies to consider.
- Serve with Extras: For an indulgent treat, serve your apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Equipment
- Apple Slicer – To speed up the process of slicing apples and removing the core easily.
- Deep Dish Pie Plate or Large Baking Dish – For baking the apple crisp.
- Mixing Bowls – For mixing the apple filling and the topping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure ingredients accurately.
