The Perfect Comfort Dessert for Any Occasion

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 280 per serving

Ingredients

1. For the apple filling:
   • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
   • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
   • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2. For the crisp topping:
   • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
   • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 20g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Modest and Budget-Friendly: Apple crisp requires minimal ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry. It’s a great choice when you need a comforting dessert but don’t want to break the bank.
2. Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dessert comes together in no time. The rest of the work is done in the oven!
3. Perfect for Fall and Winter: Apple crisp is the ultimate dessert for cozy fall and winter nights. The aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven creates a welcoming, homely atmosphere.
4. Versatile: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences, whether you like your crisp extra sweet or more on the tart side.
5. Great for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced cook, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Apples: The apple variety you choose makes a big difference. Granny Smith apples are tart, which balances well with the sweetness of the sugar and topping. Honeycrisp apples, on the other hand, are sweeter and will result in a milder crisp. Other apples like Gala or Fuji can also be used, but aim for a balance of sweet and tart.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a bit of extra flavor depth to the crisp topping. You can substitute it with granulated sugar if necessary, but the brown sugar helps the topping get that rich, caramelized crunch.
• Butter: Using cold butter is key to getting the perfect crumbly topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure to check your oats to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if necessary.

How to Make Apple Crisp: Step by Step

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you place the dish inside. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   • Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. The key here is to cut them evenly, so they cook uniformly. Toss the apple slices in lemon juice, which not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning. Mix in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. The flour helps thicken the juices as they bake, ensuring a nice consistency for the filling.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and mix it into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to break the butter into smaller pieces. The result should be a crumbly mixture that resembles coarse sand with small pea-sized clumps of butter.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
   • Once the apple mixture is in the baking dish, spread the oat topping evenly over the apples. Gently press the topping down, which will help it stay in place while it bakes. This ensures that the crisp topping remains crunchy after baking.
5. Bake the Apple Crisp:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. The topping should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the apples underneath should become tender. The juices from the apples will bubble up, creating a sweet sauce that coats the fruit.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices set, preventing it from being too runny when you scoop it out. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Variations and Customizations

• Spiced Apple Crisp: Add a bit of ground ginger or cloves to the cinnamon for an extra warm flavor.
• Nuts: For added crunch, mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the topping.
• Berry Apple Crisp: Add in some fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) for a twist on the classic apple version.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly option

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• To Store: Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Reheat apple crisp in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker method, microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use different fruits in apple crisp?
Yes, you can use other fruits like pears or berries to make a mixed-fruit crisp. Just adjust the sugar and spice levels to complement the other fruits.

2. Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the crisp a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make this delightful apple crisp today – your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to have a bite!) will thank you. Happy baking!