Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick and simple but yields magical results. The tartness from Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples balances perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and the warm embrace of cinnamon. The buttery topping made from flour, sugar, and butter crisps beautifully, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, spiced apples underneath. The best part? This dessert can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups sliced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or a similar-sized pan) to prepare for your apple crisp.
2. Prepare the apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin, even pieces. Arrange them evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a lovely base for your crisp.
3. Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the white sugar with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the sliced apples, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor.
4. Add the water: Pour 1/2 cup of water over the apples and cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step may seem simple, but it works magic by creating a delicious, caramel-like sauce as it bakes in the oven.
5. Make the crumble topping: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar together. Add the softened butter into the bowl, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Top the apples: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples, ensuring they are all covered generously. This ensures that every spoonful has that delightful crumble topping.
7. Bake the crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the apples become tender enough to pierce comfortably with a fork.
8. Serve and enjoy: Allow the crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s absolutely heavenly when enjoyed warm, especially with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve this delightful apple crisp warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers (which is quite rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to restore its warmth and charm.

Helpful Notes

• For an added crunch, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping. It adds a delightful nutty flavor!
• Make sure to slice your apples evenly. Consistent thickness helps them bake uniformly, giving you the best texture. Thicker slices yield firmer apples, while thinner slices create a softer result.
• If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the sugar in the crumble topping by 1/4 cup for a subtler sweetness.

FAQs