Deliciously Simple Apple Crisp Recipe
This Easy Apple Crisp has been a cherished favorite in my kitchen for years. It boasts tender apples tossed with flavorful spices and a delightful crumbly topping, making it a beloved family treat.
Over the years, I’ve stuck with this classic Apple Crisp Recipe but have also enjoyed experimenting with other fruits like peaches and mixed berries! Don’t forget to pair this scrumptious Apple Dessert with a scoop of creamy ice cream for that perfect finish!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- It’s an established recipe with decades of love behind it.
- You’ll use staple ingredients found in most kitchens; just make sure to grab some quality baking apples!
- No oats in the topping, ensuring it’s a great choice for those who prefer a traditional crumble.
- This dessert is comforting, particularly when served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Your friends and family will love this as their go-to dessert for autumn gatherings and cozy dinners!
This beloved apple crisp recipe originally came from my mom’s dear friend, Dee McConnell, whose culinary influence shaped my mother’s cooking. Dee was the gourmet guru who always had the latest and greatest recipes from magazines like Bon Appétit back in the ’70s, and we often gathered to share delicious food during brunches and lunch dates.
My mom’s recipe box was filled with treasured cards from her friends, and this one, an easy apple crisp without oats, has a special place in my heart. Dee also taught us how to make scrumptious egg rolls and the unforgettable strawberry pie that delighted us all at my bridal shower.
Ingredient Notes
- Baking Apples: A mix of varieties adds depth to the flavor. I prefer using Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Honey Crisp apples. Be sure to peel, core, and slice them into ¼-⅓-inch pieces.
- Sugar:
- Ground Cinnamon:
- Grated Nutmeg: Freshly grated or a pinch of ground nutmeg will work beautifully.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a delightful caramel nuance to the topping.
- Butter: This brings the crumble together while adding a rich flavor.
How to Make an Apple Crisp
- Preheat the oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently until the apples are well-coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple mixture.
- Bake: Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Your apple crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. To confirm, poke a sharp knife into the apples; they should be tender.
- Serve: Let your crisp rest for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to thicken just a bit. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Expert Tips
This Easy Apple Crisp is a wonderfully versatile dish that can incorporate a variety of fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or blueberries. If you prefer a topping with oats, feel free to add them!
- Fruit choice: Depending on the fruit used, you may not always need to add a thickening agent, as apples naturally release pectin that helps thicken the juices.
- Baking time: Ensure your crisp is bubbling before removing it from the oven to avoid a watery bottom.
- Test for doneness: Use a knife to check if the fruit is tender before taking it out of the oven.
- Mix apple varieties: For a complex taste, mix tart and sweet apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Jonagold.
- Slice thickness: Aim for ½-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking while avoiding mushy apples.
- Flavor it up: Feel free to experiment with spices that you would use when making an apple pie—cinnamon and nutmeg pair beautifully!
- Gluten-free option: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting normal flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as Cup4Cup flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for apples suited for baking such as Jonathan, Jonagold, Winesap, Granny Smith, or Cortland. Mixing sweet and tart varieties will give your crisp a fantastic flavor profile!
After baking, an apple crisp can sit at room temperature for the same day you bake it. However, the topping may become softer the following days. It’s best to cover cut portions with plastic wrap, allowing for keeping in the fridge for 2-3 more days.
Yes! To freeze, tightly wrap the cooled crisp with plastic wrap and then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches, berries, or even cherries for a delightful twist.
To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up!
This article structure provides a friendly and engaging narrative around the Apple Crisp recipe, while also ensuring all critical aspects, including ingredients, instructions, and tips, are thoroughly explained to enrich the reader’s experience.
