The Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe for a Sweet, Crispy Fall Dessert

The Ultimate Apple Crisp Recipe

As the leaves start changing colors and the weather gets cooler, nothing satisfies a sweet tooth quite like warm apple crisp. This classic Fall dessert is the perfect combination of tender apples, a gooey filling, and a crispy oat topping. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make the ultimate apple crisp at home.

What is Apple Crisp?

Apple crisp consists of sliced apples baked under a crumbly, crispy topping. While apple pie has a bottom pie crust, apple crisp topping is spread over the fruit filling. The topping is typically made by mixing flour, oats, butter, spices, and sugar. As it bakes, the mixture becomes crispy and golden brown. Meanwhile, the apples soften and bake into a delicious, warm filling.

This simple dessert comes together easily and bakes up perfect every time. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to satisfy any apple lover. It's the ideal cozy, comfort food for chilly weather. Enjoy a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real treat.

Choosing the Best Apples for Crisp

Apple crisp works well with just about any type of apple. However, some varieties hold their shape better than others during baking. For the best results, choose apples that are crisp and firm, such as:

• Honeycrisp
• Braeburn
• Pink Lady
• Granny Smith
• Fuji

Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, McIntosh, and Golden Delicious. They tend to get mushy when baked. For a mix of sweet and tart flavors, use a combination of apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Granny Smith.

Homemade Apple Crisp Topping

While the filling provides plenty of apple flavor, it's the topping that sets this dessert apart. A streusel-like mixture adds the signature crunch. Traditional recipes call for a blend of flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and butter.

The oats give the topping its distinctive texture, while the butter helps it turn golden brown in the oven. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add a warmth that perfectly complements the apples. Feel free to experiment with your own favorite spice mixes too.

When preparing the topping, work the butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles wet sand. Some small clumps are ok. The topping should not be too dry or too wet. When ready, crumble the mixture over the apples.

Preparing the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cutting them evenly will help them cook at the same rate. Place the slices in a bowl and toss with lemon juice. The acid from the lemon juice prevents the apples from browning.

Next, transfer the apples to a greased baking dish. Top with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and any other spices you desire. The layer of seasoning helps infuse the apples with flavor as they bake.

Finally, scatter the topping evenly over the apples. Bake until the apples are tender and the topping is browned and crisp.

Baking Tips

Follow these tips for perfect apple crisp every time:

• Use a shallow 2-quart baking dish so the topping cooks evenly
• Start checking doneness after 40 minutes
• Cover with foil to prevent over-browning if needed
• Let cool 15 minutes before serving

The crisp is done when the apples are fork-tender and the topping is browned. Baking time can vary based on the exact recipe and oven temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh out of the oven, apple crisp is decadent on its own. But for an extra creamy treat, top each serving with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Cinnamon ice cream

For a show-stopping finish, press chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds into the topping before baking. Their crunch and texture add delicious contrast.

Apple crisp also makes a stellar breakfast or brunch dish. Enjoy a piping hot square topped with a scoop of yogurt instead of ice cream. It's sure to warm you up on a chilled morning.

Storing and Freezing

This homey dessert tastes great freshly baked but also keeps well. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. The crisp can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

To freeze, let cool completely first. Divide into portions and place in freezer bags or airtight containers. Reheat individual portions straight from the freezer at 350°F until warmed through.

Classic Apple Crisp Recipe

Now that you know what makes apple crisp so special, give this easy recipe a try.

Ingredients

Filling:

• 6 cups sliced, peeled apples (1/4-inch thick)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cold butter, diced
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice. Add white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and transfer to prepared baking dish.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
4. Bake for 40-50 minutes until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. If needed, cover with foil after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
5. Allow to cool 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips

Switch up the flavor by using brown sugar or coconut sugar in the filling. Or add raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts or oats to the filling for variety.

This recipe works great with pears or peaches too. Simply substitute 6 cups sliced pears or peaches for the apples.

Let kids help make the topping and assemble the crisp. It's a fun, hands-on dessert recipe.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

When you're craving something sweet and comforting, nothing satisfies quite like apple crisp. Its nostalgic flavors and heavenly aromas are sure to delight. Thankfully, this classic dessert comes together easily with just a few supermarket staples.

For best results, opt for crisp, sweet-tart apples and toss them with plenty of cinnamon. A crunchy oat topping provides the perfect contrast to the soft, warm filling. Finish it off with a scoop of ice cream for pure cozy enjoyment.

With this easy recipe, you can whip up apple crisp any night of the week. It keeps well for several days refrigerated and freezes nicely too. This versatility makes it a great dessert to have on hand through autumn and beyond. Enjoy it after dinner, for Sunday brunch, or during a festive holiday meal.

FAQs

What is the best apple for apple crisp?

Choose apples that are crisp and firm like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold their shape well during baking.

Can I use oats instead of flour in the topping?

Yes, you can use oats only for the streusel topping. Use 1 1/2 cups oats instead of 1 cup flour and 1 cup oats.

What spices go well in apple crisp?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice complement the apples nicely. Customize the blend to your taste preferences.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Be sure to let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps set the topping. Store any leftovers uncovered.

Can I freeze apple crisp?

Yes! Let the baked crisp cool completely then divide into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.