From the Falcon West Cookbook
Brenda Heath’s Famous Apple Crisp
Let’s get cooking: apple crisp recipe!
Serves 6 to 8
This classic apple crisp is the ultimate fall dessert-an easy, comforting treat that’s simple to make, making it the perfect dessert for autumn gatherings. As a beloved apple dessert, it could easily be considered the best apple crisp for its timeless flavor and straightforward preparation. For the best results, use the best baking apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as you would for apple pie to achieve the ideal balance of texture and taste. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of baking apples and cinnamon to make a house feel like home. This timeless apple crisp combines tender, spiced apples with a golden, buttery oat topping for the perfect autumn dessert.
Apple crisp recipe ingredients
Here are the apple crisp recipe ingredients, which include both an apple filling and a brown sugar oat topping. The apple filling uses a mix of apples for the best flavor and texture, and the brown sugar oat topping creates a classic crisp or crumble topping.
For the apple filling:
- 5 to 6 apples (a mix of Granny Smith apples, Golden Delicious, and sweet apples is recommended for best flavor and texture; you can use chopped apples instead of slices if preferred)
- Peeling the apples is optional-peels can add texture, but for a smoother filling, peel them.
- 4 to 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (helps prevent browning and enhances flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the brown sugar oat topping (crisp topping or crumble topping):
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (combine flour, brown sugar, and oats for the topping)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed; cold butter is best for a crumbly texture (use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients in a medium bowl)
For serving (optional, but not really):
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
For best results, mix the apples and other filling ingredients in a large bowl to ensure even coating. Prepare the topping in a medium bowl for easy mixing.
Directions for baking dish
How to make apple crisp: This easy apple crisp recipe is a classic, perfect for beginners and families. Follow these simple steps to enjoy one of the best apple crisp recipes for fall.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously butter an 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add sliced or chopped apples (or baked apples for extra flavor)-these can be freshly picked after an apple-picking outing. Toss until evenly coated. Transfer to a prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, and flour. Drizzle with melted butter and mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over apples. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a knife, 50 to 60 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving. For best results, serve warm with ice cream on top-a scoop of vanilla ice, vanilla bean ice cream, or whipped cream makes a classic finish.
To store apple crisp, allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. For more extended storage, freeze apple crisp by cooling it completely, covering it tightly to prevent freezer burn, and thawing it in the refrigerator before reheating. Homemade apple crisp and other homemade apple desserts are perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights in.
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