Are you searching for a dessert that captures the essence of fall with every bite? Look no further than Easy Apple Crisp! This timeless dessert features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled beneath a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or savored as a sweet treat with your morning coffee, Easy Apple Crisp is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe repertoire. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover how to make this delightful dessert at home.
Ingredients:
Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple Filling:
- 8 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract to the apples, and toss until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Crisp: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve Warm: Remove the Easy Apple Crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the flavor of the apple filling by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm and aromatic touch.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in both the topping and the apple filling to make this recipe gluten-free.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use your favorite variety of apple or a combination of different types. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are popular choices for Easy Apple Crisp due to their tartness and firm texture when baked.
Q: Can I make Easy Apple Crisp ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the Easy Apple Crisp up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Easy Apple Crisp? A: Yes, Easy Apple Crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months. After baking and cooling completely, tightly wrap the cooled crisp in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen crisp in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I omit the topping and make this recipe as a traditional apple pie? A: While the topping adds a delicious crunch and texture to the dessert, you can certainly omit it if you prefer a more traditional apple pie. Simply follow your favorite apple pie recipe for the filling and crust, and bake as directed.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
- Use a Keto-Friendly Sweetener: Substitute brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Replace Flour with Almond Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the topping to make it low-carb.
- Reduce Oats or Omit: If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can reduce the amount of rolled oats in the topping or omit them altogether.
Easy Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall with its sweet and spiced apple filling and crunchy oat topping. Whether enjoyed as a cozy treat on a chilly evening or served as the star of your holiday dessert table, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your taste buds and warmth to your heart. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavors, Easy Apple Crisp is a dessert that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of this classic dessert today!
Do you have any questions or suggestions about this recipe? Feel free to leave a comment below!
