This Apple Crisp uses two kinds of apples, brown sugar, pecans, and warm spices to create a yummy dessert you won’t be able to stop eating. It’s even easier than apple pie.
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Recipe Details
I love this Apple Crisp recipe because it is sweet and nutty, with tons of yummy apple flavors. If you like apple pie, this crisp is so much easier to make, but tastes just as good. You’ll love the buttery crumble topping.
- TASTE: Buttery, nutty, sweet, and tart, this Apple Crisp has so many flavors. The cinnamon and nutmeg give it a warm spicy taste that goes perfectly.
- TEXTURE: The gooey inside is filled with sliced apples and sweet syrup. The crumble topping is buttery and made with chopped pecans for some crunch.
- TIME: This recipe will take 90 minutes to make.
- EASE: This really is easy to make compared to apple pie. This dessert is a simpler version that still tastes amazing.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Honeycrisp apples- These apples are crispy with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Granny Smith apples- These tart apples are crispy as well.
- Oatmeal- Mixed with flour, these chewy oats form the base of this apple crisp.
- Unsalted butter- We grate this so that it creates a buttery crumble topping. I used a box grater to grate my butter.
- Brown sugar- Rich with molasses, this adds more moisture and flavor than white sugar. You can use golden brown or dark brown sugar.
- Pecans- These add buttery, nutty flavor to the crisp.
- Spices- Cinnamon and Nutmeg are warm spices that add spicy notes to the apples and brown sugar.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free- Using gluten-free flour and oats will make this recipe safe for those who are gluten intolerant.
- Substitute different apples- Try this recipe with cosmic crisp apples, golden delicious, fuji, gala, or pink lady apples instead.
- Add other spices- Using ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice can increase the spiciness of this dessert.
How to Make Apple Crisp
- Make the crumb topping. In a large bowl, add the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, chopped pecans, vanilla, and cold grated butter. Use your clean hands to combine everything together well.
- Store the topping. Set the crisp topping aside in the fridge to keep the butter cold.
Pro Tip: I usually keep the grated butter in the fridge while adding all the dry ingredients, then add it last. The colder the better!
- Prep the apples. Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/2 inch slices. Then add them into an extra large bowl along with the lemon juice, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the filling ingredients. Use your hands to mix everything together well.
- Add the cinnamon-spiced apples to the baking dish. Transfer the mixed apple filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Flatten and smooth the apples out for even baking.
- Add the topping. Now evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples.
- Bake. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45-50 minutes or until the top of the crips in golden and lightly browned. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold butter- Not only does this make it loads easier to grate, but it will also not melt right away in the oven. This keeps your oat topping crumbly instead of mushy.
- Store the topping in the fridge- If you are taking your time getting the apples prepped after making the crumbly topping, place it in the fridge to keep the butter from melting.
- Allow the crisp too cool- Letting the apple crisp cool before cutting and serving helps it hold its shape as it can be almost liquidy when hot from the oven.
FAQs
What is the difference between apple crumble and apple crisp?
The difference between a crumble and a crisp is in the topping. An apple crisp has a crisp topping made with oats and nuts, while an apple crumble is topped with a streusel-like crumble made with flour, butter, and sugar.
What kind of flour is best for apple crisp?
The flour that is best for an apple crisp is all-purpose flour. It thickens the syrup nicely and works in the topping as well. You can also use whole wheat flour and gluten-free flour.
Serving Suggestions
This scrumptious homemade Apple Crisp is a favorite fall dessert. Enjoy it with your toppings, ice cream, other desserts, or a coffee or tea.
- Toppings: Top your Apple Crisp with whipped cream, fresh fruit, Chantilly Cream, or caramel sauce.
- Ice Cream: Add some ice cream on top of it, such as a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or whatever your favorite flavor is.
- Pies/Cakes: Pair this crisp with Easy Peach Cobbler (VIDEO), Blueberry Pie (Video), Lemon Pound Cake (VIDEO), or Chocolate Cheesecake Bars.
- Beverages: Enjoy this dessert with a Caramel Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat), Brown Sugar Boba, Iced White Chocolate Mocha, or Iced Caramel Macchiato
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: You can prepare the crumb topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, until you’re ready to add it to the baking dish.
Storing: Store leftovers of this Apple Crisp covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the crust will become soggy as it sits, so try to eat it within a day or freeze it.
Freeze: Once it has cooled, cover the crisp with foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for about 6 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven before serving.
More Yummy Apple Desserts!
Full Recipe Instructions
Apple Crisp
This Apple Crisp uses two kinds of apples, brown sugar, pecans, and warm spices to create a yummy dessert you won't be able to stop eating.
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Servings: 8
Calories: 594kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 4 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 Honey Crisp apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the crisp topping
- 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 3/4 cup pecans finely chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter grated
Instructions
- Make the crisp topping first. In a large bowl, add the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, chopped pecans, vanilla, and cold grated butter. I used a box grater to grate my butter. Use your clean hands to combine everything together well. Note: I usually keep the grated butter in the fridge while adding all the dry ingredients, then add it last. The colder the better!
- Set the crisp topping aside in the fridge. You want to keep the butter as cold as possible before baking.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/2 inch slices. Then add them into an extra large bowl along with the rest of the filling ingredients.
- Use your hands to mix everything together well.
- Transfer the mixed apple filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Flatten and smooth the apples out for even baking.
- Now evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45-50 minutes or until the top of the crips in golden and lightly browned. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on top. I added a little caramel drizzle too but that’s totally optional.
Notes
- Use cold butter- Not only does this make it loads easier to grate, but it will also not melt right away in the oven. This keeps your oat topping crumbly instead of mushy.
- Store the topping in the fridge- If you are taking your time getting the apples prepped after making the crumbly topping, place it in the fridge to keep the butter from melting.
- Allow the crisp too cool- Letting the apple crisp cool before cutting and serving helps it hold its shape as it can be almost liquidy when hot from the oven.
Nutrition
Calories: 594kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 637IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg
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Hi, I’m Dina, so glad you stopped by! I believe life is too short for bad coffee and boring meals. With my easy to follow step-by-step recipes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly a wholesome and delicious meal can come together. I hope you find something you enjoy!
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