Irresistible Apple Crisp: A Classic Dessert for Every Occasion

Are you craving a warm and comforting dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall? Look no further than this mouthwatering Apple Crisp recipe! With its sweet and tender apples, crispy oat topping, and cozy cinnamon spice, this dessert is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, holiday gathering, or cozy night in, Apple Crisp is always a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we dive into the delicious world of homemade apple crisp, step by step.

Ingredients:

Produce:

10 cups All-purpose apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced

Pasta & Grains:

1 cup Quick-cooking oats

Baking & Spices:

1/4 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp Baking soda

1 cup Packed brown sugar
1 tsp Ground cinnamon
17 tbsp All-purpose flour (divided)

1 cup White sugar

Dairy:

1/2 cup Unsalted butter, cold, cut into small cubes

Liquids:

1/2 cup Water

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of flour, white sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the sliced apples and toss until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the coated apples to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out into an even layer.

Prepare the Topping:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats, remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish, covering them completely. Drizzle the water over the topping.
Bake the Apple Crisp:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Serve Warm:
- Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Apple Varieties: Experiment with different types of apples to find your favorite combination. Some popular choices include Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or Gala for a balance of both.

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Spice it Up: Enhance the flavor of the apple filling with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

A: Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats for quick-cooking oats in this recipe. Keep in mind that old-fashioned oats will result in a slightly heartier texture.

Q: How should leftovers be stored?

A: Leftover apple crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I freeze apple crisp?

A: Yes, apple crisp can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

Replace the all-purpose flour and white sugar with almond flour and a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.

Low-Carb Version:

Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping, or substitute with a low-carb sweetener. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour.

In conclusion, Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that never fails to delight. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and irresistible flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, family gathering, or weeknight treat, this classic dessert is sure to impress. So gather your apples, grab your oats, and get ready to indulge in a slice of warm, delicious Apple Crisp!