Indulge in the comfort of a Deep Dish Apple Crisp, a perfect dessert for any occasion. This recipe combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, creating a warm and satisfying treat that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized dish with butter or non-stick spray. - Prepare the Apples
In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the apples are well coated. - Layer the Filling
Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. - Make the Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. - Add the Topping
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling, ensuring it covers the apples completely. - Bake the Crisp
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. - Cool and Serve
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Best Apples for Baking: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the crisp a few hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
Variations
- Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp before serving for extra decadence.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a mix of berries can be used for a different take on this classic dessert.
2. What’s the best way to reheat apple crisp?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore the topping’s crispness. Alternatively, use the microwave for convenience, though the topping may not remain as crunchy.
3. Can I freeze apple crisp?
Yes! Assemble the apple crisp but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
4. How can I make this dessert healthier?
Reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, or substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce in the topping.
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is the epitome of comfort food. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as a weeknight treat, it never fails to impress. The combination of spiced apples and a buttery oat topping is irresistible, and the aroma alone will have everyone running to the kitchen. Try it today and make this recipe a staple in your dessert rotation!
