Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe

Homemade Apple Crisp Recipe: A classic dessert featuring tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb layer. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a comforting treat, this recipe uses simple ingredients and easy techniques to create a dessert that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite nuts, gluten-free options, or different fruits to suit your needs.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 10 cups sliced apples (see notes for recommended varieties)
• 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (106g) packed brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Garnish:

• 1 cup salted caramel sauce
• Flaky sea salt, optional
• Vanilla ice cream, optional

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Apple Filling:

• Lightly grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and set aside.
• In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss to coat evenly.
• Pour the coated apples into the prepared baking dish and set aside.

3. Make the Crumb Topping:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, pecans, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture.

4. Bake:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, if desired, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet apples, warm spices, and buttery crumb topping.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday celebrations.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients.

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Tips

• Apple Selection: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for a balanced flavor.
• Cold Butter is Key: Keep the butter cold when making the topping for a crisp, crumbly texture.
• Even Cooking: Slice apples uniformly to ensure even baking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Different Fruits: Swap apples with pears, peaches, or mixed berries.
• Extra Crunch: Add granola or more oats to the crumb topping.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the crisp a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh before serving.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I freeze apple crisp?
A: Yes, freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

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Serving

Serve warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cider for a cozy treat.

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Suggestions

• Presentation: Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant touch.
• Add a Twist: Sprinkle with candied nuts or coconut flakes for added texture.
• Double the Recipe: For larger gatherings, double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish.