Go Back
To make the best apple crisp, you need a few key items. Here’s what to gather: - 6 cups of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed tight - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats - ¾ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - ¼ teaspoon sea salt - ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for an optional nutty crunch) Each ingredient plays an important role in making your crisp taste amazing. The mix of apples gives a great balance of tart and sweet. The spices add warmth and depth. You can make your apple crisp even more exciting with a few add-ins. Here are some ideas: - Chopped nuts: Use pecans or walnuts for added crunch. - Raisins or dried cranberries: These add a nice chewy texture. - Coconut flakes: Sweet and chewy, they bring a fun twist. - Additional spices: Try ginger or cardamom for new flavors. Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to find your perfect combo! Choosing the right apples is key for a great crisp. Here are the best types to use: - Granny Smith: They are tart and hold their shape well. - Honeycrisp: Sweet and juicy, these apples add great flavor. - Golden Delicious: These are sweet and soft, perfect for mixing. - Braeburn: They are both sweet and tart, adding depth. Using a mix of these apple varieties will give your crisp the best taste and texture. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven and helps the crisp bake evenly. 2. Prepare your apples. Peel, core, and slice 6 cups of apples. I like to mix tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for great flavor. 3. Mix apples with lemon juice and spices. In a large bowl, add the sliced apples. Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Gently toss the apples until they are well coated. 4. Transfer the apple mix. Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the apples out evenly to make sure they cook well. 5. Make the topping. In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of packed dark brown sugar, 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, ¾ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. Mix it until it looks crumbly. If you want a crunchy texture, fold in ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. 6. Add the topping. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples. Make sure to cover all the apples so every bite has that crunchy goodness. 7. Bake the crisp. Put the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for bubbling apples and a golden brown topping. - Use a mix of apples. This gives a balance of sweet and tart flavors. - Don’t skip the lemon juice. It brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning. - Let it cool before serving. This helps the juices set, making it easier to serve. - Serve warm. It’s best with creamy vanilla ice cream on top, adding a delightful contrast to the warm crisp. Choosing the right apples makes a big difference. I love using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples. The tartness gives a nice balance to the sweet topping. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn apples for a twist. Just make sure the apples are firm and fresh. Avoid soft apples, as they can turn mushy. You can easily adjust this recipe for allergies. If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and flour. For dairy-free options, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also skip the nuts if you have a nut allergy. The crisp will still taste great without them. To keep your apple crisp fresh, let it cool completely first. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides a balanced taste in every bite. Let It Rest: Allowing the apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes after baking helps the juices settle, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture. Customize Your Topping: Feel free to experiment by adding other nuts, such as almonds or pecans, or even dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture. Serve with Style: Elevate your presentation by serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a delightful finishing touch. {{image_4}} To make a gluten-free apple crisp, swap the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. You can use a blend of almond flour and coconut flour for a nutty touch. This change keeps the crisp tasty and safe for those avoiding gluten. Follow the same steps from the main recipe, and enjoy every bite! For a vegan version, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for sweetness. The rest of the recipe stays the same. This keeps your crisp plant-based while still being delicious. Your guests will never know it’s vegan! You can change the flavor of your apple crisp easily. Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice for a warm kick. Mixing in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins gives a sweet surprise. Want crunch? Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts. These add-ins make your crisp unique and fun! To keep your apple crisp fresh, let it cool completely. Once it's cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the crisp's flavor and prevents it from drying out. When you're ready to enjoy your apple crisp again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crisp in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of heating. This gives it that fresh-baked taste. You can freeze apple crisp if you want to save it for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrap helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven as mentioned earlier. Enjoy your apple crisp whenever you like! You can tell your apple crisp is done by checking two things. First, look for bubbling juices around the edges. Second, check the topping. It should be golden brown. If it meets these signs, it is ready to eat! Yes, you can! Many fruits work well in apple crisp. Some great options are pears, peaches, or berries. Mix and match your favorites for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust spices based on the fruit you choose. Apple crisp lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you want it warm, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. Enjoy it as a tasty snack or dessert! This blog post covered everything you need to know about making apple crisp. We discussed the best ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips for texture and flavor. You learned about variations for different diets and how to store your delicious creation. In summary, making apple crisp is simple and fun. With a few tips and tricks, anyone can achieve perfect results. Enjoy this classic dessert and share it with loved ones. It’s sure to please!

Deliciously Warm Apple Crisp

A comforting dessert featuring a blend of tart and sweet apples topped with a crumbly oat mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a blend of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed tight
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for an optional nutty crunch)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is in the middle position.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. Toss gently until all apple slices are nicely coated in the spices.
  • Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice gets baked to perfection.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and sea salt. Mix with a fork or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. If you’re using nuts, fold them into the mixture at this stage for added texture.
  • Generously sprinkle the oat topping over the apple layer in the baking dish, making sure to cover every inch of apple.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven, and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for the apples to become bubbling and the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the juices settle.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon.
Keyword apple crisp, baking, dessert