Ingredients:
For the Apple Filling:
6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch dish for a thicker crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel the apples, core them, and slice them into 1/4-inch thick wedges.
Toss with Lemon Juice: Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Add Sugar and Spices: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour to the apples. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Spread in Baking Dish: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The topping should be crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed.
Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture, making sure all the apples are covered.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Cool Slightly: Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Serve Warm: Enjoy the apple crisp warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Optional Garnish: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp:
Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor and texture. Avoid using apples that are too soft, as they may turn mushy.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the apple crisp a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy topping, you can use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients instead of using melted butter. This creates a more textured, crumbly topping.
Serving Suggestions:
Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm apple crisp with melting vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a nice contrast to the crisp’s texture.
Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent finish, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top.
