Delicious homemade apple crisp topped with a golden brown crumble

The Best Apple Crisp Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Apple crisp is a comforting dessert that combines sweet, juicy apples with a crunchy topping. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Plus, the warm aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in your oven is hard to beat. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, so you can enjoy a homemade dessert without too much fuss. Add some vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a delightful treat!

How to Make The Best Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

  • 8 large apples
  • 1 & 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup old fashioned oats
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup salted butter (softened)
  • Vanilla ice cream (pretty much not optional :))
  • Homemade caramel sauce (click for recipe)

Directions:

  1. Peel and core the apples. Use a sharp knife or mandolin to slice the apples into very thin, uniform pieces.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
  3. Add the sliced apples to the pan.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine 1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 cup oats, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg.
  5. Use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in 3/4 cup softened butter. (That’s 1 stick plus another half stick.)
  6. Sprinkle the streusel over the apples.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes at 375. It is done when a knife inserted in the center slides in easily (the apples should be fork-tender).
  8. Let stand for a few minutes before serving hot or at room temperature.
  9. Serve with ice cream and this amazing caramel sauce.

How to Serve The Best Apple Crisp

To serve apple crisp, scoop a generous portion into a bowl and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top for an extra sweet touch. It tastes best warm, as the ice cream melts slightly into the warm apple crisp, creating a delicious mix of flavors and textures.

How to Store The Best Apple Crisp

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat the apple crisp in the oven or microwave before serving again. For the best results, consume within 3-5 days. The topping may lose some crunch after a few days, but the flavor will still be great!

Tips to Make The Best Apple Crisp

  • Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for more depth of flavor. Varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.
  • Be sure to slice the apples evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
  • Let the apple crisp sit for a few minutes after baking to set a bit before serving.

Variation

For a twist, you can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different spices, such as ginger or cloves, to change up the flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can substitute with peaches, pears, or berries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you use.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the topping and the sliced apples separately in advance. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!

3. Is there a gluten-free option for the flour?
Absolutely! You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to replace regular flour in the recipe.