Tracy Hilton here from Food and Meal, excited to share with you one of my favorite fall desserts – the comforting Apple Crisp!
As the weather turns crisp and the leaves start changing colors, I find myself craving all things apple. Warmly spiced apple pies, old-fashioned apple betties, and of course, this simple yet amazing Apple Crisp. It brings me right back to my childhood when my mom would make apple crisp using the fresh apples from our backyard tree. I’d come inside from playing out in the leaves to that incredible cinnamon-y aroma filling the whole house.
Even now when I make Apple Crisp for my family, it’s such a nostalgic treat. I love gathering apples at the peak of fall flavor, trying honeycrisps one week and macouns the next. My kids get so excited to help me peel and slice the apples to layer into the buttery sweet topping.
The great thing about apple crisp is that it comes together in under an hour and bakes up bubbly and beautiful, no fussy crust required. We keep things simple with a basic oat and brown sugar crumble spiced with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Piled high over juicy cinnamon apples, it’s absolutely heavenly. I always serve it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream that sends the kids into squeals of delight.
Apple Crisp Recipes
Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Cookie Crumble
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cookie Crumble
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup butter unsalted, cut into pieces, at room temperature
Apple Filling
- 3 1/2 lbs Granny Smith apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into slices. Place in a large bowl and add remaining filling ingredients. Pour into a 9 by 12 by 2-inch baking dish.
- Combine the crumble ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, or until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apples, covering completely.
- Place the baking dish on a sheet pan and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the top is brown and the fruit is bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Apple Crisp in a Slow Cooker
To create a comforting and delicious slow-cooked Apple Crisp, begin by preparing the apples – peel, core, and slice them to your desired thickness, typically around 1/4 inch. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt, ensuring the apples are evenly coated. For the crumble topping, mix old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold diced butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking, then layer half of the apple mixture followed by half of the crumble topping, repeating the layers. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp. Serve the warm Apple Crisp in bowls, optionally topping it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Gather loved ones to savor the homemade goodness and cherish the comforting moment together.
Tips for making Apple Crisp
First, choose apples with a bit of tartness, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape beautifully during baking. Softer varieties like McIntosh will get too mushy. And be sure to toss the sliced apples with a bit of flour which helps thicken those delicious juices.
When making the oat topping, I prefer pecans or walnuts for crunch, but you could use almonds, hazelnuts or even leave the nuts out completely. And don’t skimp on that butter! Melting those generous pats into the flour and sugar mixture is what gives the topping its irresistible texture.
Take a moment to simply breathe in that incredible aroma once it comes out of the oven – warm cinnamon mingling with sweet apples and toasty nuts. The anticipation is half the fun before diving in spoon-first! I like to briefly broil mine just before serving to make the topping extra crispy and golden.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful accompaniment to the warm and comforting Apple Crisp, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Guacamole Salad. The crispness of the salad with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime will provide a perfect contrast to the rich and sweet flavors of the dessert. Another excellent option is to pair it with a classic Vanilla Oreo Cake, offering a combination of creamy frosting and crunchy chocolate cookies to complement the comforting warmth of the Apple Crisp. Whichever you choose, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience and leave your guests craving more of this delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Crisp
- Can I use frozen apples for this recipe? While fresh apples are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen apples in a pinch. Just be aware that they may release more moisture during cooking.
- Can I prepare Apple Crisp in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble your Apple Crisp in the slow cooker the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and start cooking it when you’re ready. Perfect for busy schedules or special occasions.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover Apple Crisp? To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for a quick warm-up, or return the slow cooker insert to low heat to gently reheat larger portions. Don’t forget the ice cream or whipped cream on top!
- Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe for a healthier version? You can certainly reduce the sugar in the filling or crumble topping to suit your preferences. Keep in mind that it may affect the sweetness and texture of the dessert.
- Can I use gluten-free flour for the crumble topping? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour in the crumble topping without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Tracy Hilton here, wrapping up my blog post on this wonderful Apple Crisp recipe. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little foray into classic American fruit desserts as much as I have. There’s just something so warm, nostalgic and satisfying about baking up a from-scratch crisp.
If you give this Apple Crisp a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Post a photo on Instagram and tag @foodandmeal so I can see your delicious creations. Which apple variety did you use? Did you add any special twists or serving suggestions? I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy this treat.
And be sure to keep checking the Food and Meal blog for more cozy baking inspiration as the weather turns cooler. I find myself craving pies, crisps, buckles and betties. All those old-fashioned, comforting fruit desserts that take me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. I’ll share my favorite recipes and tips for making them perfectly sweet and tender every time.
I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.