Apple Crisp
When it comes to comfort food, few desserts can rival the cozy and satisfying taste of a warm Apple Crisp. With its tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled beneath a crispy, buttery crumb topping, apple crumble has become a beloved dessert in countless households around the world. Whether enjoyed on its own, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even for breakfast, this timeless treat never fails to bring joy to our taste buds. So, let’s dive into the delectable world of apple crisp and discover what makes it so irresistible.
The origins of apple crisp can be traced back to Britain in the early 20th century, where it was first known as “apple brown betty.” The simple combination of apples, sugar, and breadcrumbs or flour proved to be a delightful and economical way to create a satisfying dessert. Over time, variations of the recipe emerged, with the addition of oats, nuts, or spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The dish gained popularity and eventually became a staple in British and American cuisines.
The key to an exceptional apple crisp lies in selecting the right variety of apples. While Granny Smith apples are commonly recommended for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking, other options like Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Jonathan apples can also lend their unique flavors and textures to the dessert. Ultimately, choose apples that strike a balance between sweet and tart, as they will contribute to the overall taste experience. In this recipe I used what I had on hand which was a couple granny smith, a few pink lady and a few honeycrisp.
The crowning glory of any apple crisp is undoubtedly its crumbly topping. Achieving the perfect balance between a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a tender interior is crucial. The basic ingredients for the crumbly topping include flour, sugar, butter, and oats. However, feel free to add your own creative touch by incorporating chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dash of spices. Mixing the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs and then sprinkling them generously over the apple filling creates that irresistible contrast in texture.
Spices are the secret behind the heartwarming aroma and flavor of apple crisp. Cinnamon is the classic choice, adding warmth and depth to the dessert. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or even ginger, depending on your personal preference. The fragrance of these spices wafting through your kitchen as the crisp bakes is sure to bring anticipation to everyone around.
Serving and Variations of Apple Crisp:
While apple crisp is delicious on its own, serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and the cool, creamy accompaniment is simply divine. For those who enjoy a little more indulgence, consider drizzling caramel or butterscotch sauce over the top or adding a sprinkling of toasted nuts for extra crunch.
If you’re looking to adventure beyond the classic apple version, there are endless opportunities for creativity. Try incorporating other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches to create delightful variations. You can also experiment with different types of crumble toppings, such as using crushed cookies or granola for a unique twist.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, apple crisp is a timeless dessert that has withstood the test of time, bringing warmth and comfort to generations of dessert enthusiasts. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to choice for both casual gatherings and formal occasions. So, next time you’re in need of a soul-soothing treat, gather some fresh apples, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the joy
Apple Crisp
Equipment
- 1 9X13 Pan glass or foil
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 16 Apples * in this recipe I used a variety of apples
- 1 cup Granulated sugar *can use berry sugar/fine
- 1 Tbsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp AP flour
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 1 cup water
For the Topping
- 2 cup Quick oats
- 1½ cups Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1¼ cups butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- peel, core and slice16 Apples and cut into wedges (aout 8 per apple)
- Butter, or spray your baking dish then add the apples as you cut and slice them
- In a small bowl combine 1 cup Granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp Ground cinnamon, 2 Tbsp AP flour and ½ tsp Kosher salt. mix well then sprinkle over the apples, mixing it well throughout the apples
- Pour 1 cup water over the apples and set aside
- In another bowl, combine 2 cup Quick oats, 1½ cups Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp kosher salt and mix well
- Pour the 1¼ cups butter, melted over the oat mixture and using a fork, combine until clumps begin to form. Once mixed thoroughly sprinkle over the top of the apples.
- Cover the apples completely with the oat mixture then put in your preheated oven to bake for about 55 minutes, until bubbly and brown around the edges and the apples are very tender.
- Check for doneness and also liquid. The sauce should be thickening and not watery. If it is watery, give it more time. It will also thicken a bit when cooling.
- Once you reached your desired doneness and the liquid has thickened a bit, remove from the oven and set aside to cool at least 10 minutes before serving.