Apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall when apples are in season.
The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling is topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that gives the dessert its signature texture. Apple crisp is incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require any special skills.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making the perfect apple crisp that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What Makes Perfect Apple Crisp?
Perfect apple crisp has a combination of tender, spiced apples and a crunchy, golden topping. The apples should soften while baking, but still hold their shape, and the oat topping should be crisp and buttery.
The balance of sweetness and spice is key, along with the right texture in both the filling and the topping.
Ingredients for Making Apple Crisp
To make the perfect apple crisp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples – 6-7 medium (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (optional, for thickening)
For the Topping:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats – 1 1/2 cups
- All-purpose flour – 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup (packed)
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (cold, cut into small cubes)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Crisp
Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making apple crisp.
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Toss the apples to coat them evenly with the spices and sugars. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes, but it’s optional.
- Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.
4. Bake the Apple Crisp
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. You may want to check after 30 minutes to make sure the topping isn’t overbaking; if needed, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Cool and Serve
- Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes. The filling will thicken slightly as it cools, and the dessert will be easier to serve.
- Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
- Use a mix of apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp). This gives the filling a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Don’t skip the cold butter: The cold butter helps create a crispy, crumbly topping. Use chilled butter for the best texture.
- Add nuts for extra crunch: You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using only sweet apples: If you use only sweet apples, the filling can become too sugary. Mixing tart and sweet apples ensures a more balanced flavor.
- Overbaking the topping: Keep an eye on the crisp while it bakes. If the topping gets too dark, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.
Conclusion
Apple crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its sweet, spiced apple filling and buttery oat topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether served on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, homemade apple crisp is the perfect dessert for fall or anytime you’re craving something sweet and cozy.