Description
This Easy Apple Crisp recipe is a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery oat crumble. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this apple crisp combines tart apples with a sweet, crumbly topping for a delightful treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed light-brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup (76g) unsalted butter, cold, diced into small cubes
Filling
- 2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch), at room temperature
- 3 Tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (55g) light-brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack one level below the center. Butter an 8 by 8 inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Make the topping mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup flour, old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup light-brown sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt for about 30 seconds to evenly combine.
- Add butter to topping: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry mixture. Using clean fingertips, rub the butter into the mixture until small crumbles form and the texture resembles coarse sand. Transfer this mixture to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare apple filling mixture: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Add water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, whisking well. Stir in 1/4 cup light-brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
- Coat the apples: Place the sliced Granny Smith apples in a large bowl. Pour the butter and spice mixture over the apples and toss gently to coat all apple slices evenly.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the coated apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Remove the topping mixture from the refrigerator, then sprinkle it evenly over the apples, covering the filling completely with the crisp topping.
- Bake the apple crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a toothpick, approximately 35 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove the apple crisp from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Notes
- For best results, use tart and firm apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness.
- Make sure the butter for the topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- You can prepare the topping ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to use.
- Serving warm enhances the flavors and texture; adding vanilla ice cream or salted caramel sauce provides a delicious complement.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends.
