Description
This classic apple crisp recipe features tender, thinly sliced apples baked under a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced oat topping. Enhanced with warm nutmeg and brown sugar, it is a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an irresistible treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apple Base
- 8 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the Streusel Topping
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened (1 stick plus 1/2 stick)
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream (optional but highly recommended)
- Homemade caramel sauce (optional, but suggested)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Slice them into very thin, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan lightly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Apples: Place the thinly sliced apples evenly in the prepared pan, spreading them out to create a smooth base layer.
- Mix Streusel Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg thoroughly until well blended.
- Incorporate Butter: Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the softened butter into the dry mixture until it forms a crumbly, coarse texture typical of a streusel topping.
- Top the Apples: Sprinkle the prepared streusel mixture evenly over the layered apples, covering them completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The apple crisp is done when the apple slices are fork-tender and a knife inserted in the center slides in easily.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes to slightly cool and set.
- Serve: Serve the apple crisp warm or at room temperature topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent finish.
- Yield: This recipe serves between 12 to 16 people, perfect for large gatherings or family dinners.
Notes
- Thinly slicing the apples helps them cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy.
- Use a mix of apple varieties (e.g., Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness) to add depth of flavor.
- Softened butter should be at room temperature for easy incorporation into the streusel.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container and reheating slightly enhances flavors.
- The apple crisp freezes well, but add ice cream and caramel sauce fresh when serving.
