Classic Homemade Apple Crisp
There’s something magical about warm, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, golden crumble straight from the oven. Apple crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma. This recipe strips away all the fuss while delivering maximum flavor. You don’t need fancy equipment or pastry skills to create this crowd-pleasing dessert.
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, you’ll have a bubbling, irresistible treat ready in no time. It’s the kind of dessert that gets requested again and again at family gatherings. The beauty of apple crisp lies in its simplicity. Tender baked apples meet a crispy, oat-studded topping that shatters with every spoonful.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g serving:
- Calories: 195 kcal
- Protein: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fat: 7.5 g
*Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.*
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (about 700 g), peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 100 g old-fashioned rolled oats
- 80 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g brown sugar
- 100 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and position a rack in the center. This temperature ensures the apples cook through while the topping gets perfectly golden and crispy.
While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and prepare your baking dish. A 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even pieces about 5 mm thick. Consistent sizing ensures all the apples cook at the same rate.
Place the apple slices in a large mixing bowl. Toss them with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice until evenly coated.
The lemon juice adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning. It also balances the sweetness beautifully.
3. Arrange the Filling
Transfer the seasoned apple slices to your baking dish. Spread them out in an even layer, making sure there are no large gaps.
The apples will shrink as they bake, so don’t worry if the dish looks full. Press them down gently with your hands or a spatula.
4. Make the Crisp Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir with a fork to break up any lumps in the brown sugar.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
These butter chunks are essential for creating that irresistible crispy texture. Don’t overmix or the topping will become dense.
5. Add the Topping
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the prepared apples. Make sure to cover all the edges and corners of the dish.
Press the topping down very gently in a few spots. This helps it hold together while still allowing for maximum crispiness.
6. Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The crisp is ready when the topping is deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. Let the crisp cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Tips for Variations or Side Dishes
Apple Varieties: Mix different apple types for complexity. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness and texture.
Add Nuts: Stir 50 g of chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the apple mixture for a warming twist.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Mixed Fruit: Combine apples with pears, cranberries, or raisins for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Apple crisp is best served warm, straight from the oven when the topping is at its crispiest. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic accompaniment that creates a delightful hot-and-cold contrast.
For a lighter option, dollop freshly whipped cream on top. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this dessert to the next level.
Serve it in individual bowls for easy eating. The bubbling fruit juices mix beautifully with melting ice cream.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced apple cider. For a special brunch, serve it alongside Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
FAQ
1. What are the best apples for apple crisp?
Firm, slightly tart apples work best because they hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady are excellent choices. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious, which become mushy.
2. Can I make apple crisp ahead of time?
You can assemble the crisp up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. The topping is crispiest when freshly baked, so prepare it just before your guests arrive for best results.
3. How should I store leftovers?
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness.
4. Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes, apple crisp freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 30-40 minutes until heated through.
5. Why is my topping not crispy?
The most common reason is too much butter or not enough oats in the ratio. Make sure your butter is cold and cubed, not softened. Also, ensure you bake until the topping is truly golden brown-a pale topping won’t have that satisfying crunch.
