Apple Crisp is a classic dessert that holds a special place in many hearts, especially when itβs made with love and cherished memories. This particular recipe has been a staple since I was just nine years old, and it carries the distinct tartness of Granny Smith apples, which makes it an all-time favorite in my kitchen. Letβs dive into the details of this scrumptious dessert, breaking down every element from ingredients to nutritional information, and walking through the step-by-step process to ensure your Apple Crisp turns out perfectly every time.
Apple Crisp Recipe
Description
This Apple Crisp is a dessert that resonates with the nostalgia of childhood. Made with tart Granny Smith apples, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The crisp topping, composed of oats, flour, butter, cinnamon, and sugar, adds a crunchy texture that complements the tender baked apples underneath.
Recipe Category
- Dessert
Keywords
- Apple
- Fruit
- Low Protein
- Weeknight
- Oven
- < 4 Hours
Ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Apple Crisp, you will need the following ingredients in the specified quantities:
- Quick oats: 2 cups
- Flour: 1/2 cup
- Butter: 1/2 cup (unsalted, cold)
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (plus an additional 1/2 teaspoon for the apples)
- Dark brown sugar: 1/2 – 3/4 cup (adjust according to your preference for sweetness)
- Light brown sugar: 8 tablespoons
- Granny Smith apples: 8 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 664.5
- Fat Content: 26.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 15.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 61mg
- Sodium Content: 179mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 104.4g
- Fiber Content: 11.3g
- Sugar Content: 55.8g
- Protein Content: 9.1g
Ratings and Reviews
- Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 2 reviews
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings and Yield
The exact number of servings and yield may vary depending on portion sizes, but typically, this recipe yields about 8 servings.
Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to prepare your Apple Crisp:
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). -
Prepare the Crisp Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, flour, cinnamon, dark brown sugar, and butter.
- Mix these ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture. I personally find that using my hands to mix ensures that the butter is well incorporated and the mixture reaches the desired crumbly consistency.
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Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples. The tartness of these apples is perfect for balancing the sweetness of the crisp topping.
- Place the apple slices evenly in a square baking pan. I prefer to use an 8×8 inch pan for a thicker layer of apples and crumble.
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Add Extra Cinnamon:
- For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle an additional 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon over the apple slices.
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Apply the Crumble Topping:
- Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Press down gently but firmly to ensure that the topping adheres to the apples and bakes evenly.
-
Bake:
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The Apple Crisp is ready when the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
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Serve:
- Serve the Apple Crisp warm, topped with your choice of ice cream, whipped cream, or cereal cream. The cold, creamy topping beautifully contrasts with the warm, spiced apples and crunchy topping, creating a delightful dessert experience.
The Story Behind the Recipe
This Apple Crisp recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a beloved treat in my family since I was a child. I vividly remember the first time I made this dessert at the age of nine, standing on a stool to reach the countertop, eagerly mixing the ingredients with my small hands. The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled our home, creating an inviting warmth that signaled comfort and togetherness.
Using Granny Smith apples is a tradition that Iβve stuck with over the years. Their tartness perfectly offsets the sweetness of the brown sugars and the richness of the butter in the topping. Every bite of this Apple Crisp brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.
Tips and Variations
To ensure your Apple Crisp is the best it can be, consider these tips and variations:
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Choosing the Right Apples:
- While Granny Smith apples are my preferred choice due to their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are also excellent choices, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness.
-
Adjusting Sweetness:
- If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of brown sugar in the topping. Conversely, for a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly.
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Adding Nuts:
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the crumble topping.
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Spices:
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding other warm spices like nutmeg or allspice to the topping mixture.
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Gluten-Free Version:
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
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Serving Suggestions:
- In addition to ice cream and whipped cream, you can serve Apple Crisp with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
Why This Recipe Works
The success of this Apple Crisp recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. The combination of tart apples and a buttery, sweet, and spiced crumble topping creates a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. The use of both dark and light brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness, while the oats provide a wholesome, rustic feel.
Baking the apples until they are tender ensures that they absorb the flavors of the cinnamon and sugar, creating a juicy, flavorful base. The crisp topping, when baked to a golden brown, offers a satisfying crunch that makes this dessert irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crisp is more than just a dessert; itβs a piece of nostalgia, a comfort food that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether youβre making it for a weeknight treat or serving it at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. The ease of preparation and the universally loved flavors make it a go-to dessert that youβll find yourself returning to time and time again.
I hope this detailed guide helps you create the perfect Apple Crisp. Enjoy the process of making it, and more importantly, enjoy the smiles and satisfaction it brings to those who get to taste it.
