Description
This classic Apple Crisp with Oat Topping is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a buttery oat and brown sugar crumb topping. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or a sweet everyday treat, it pairs beautifully with vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 8 medium apples (about 2½ pounds), peeled, cored and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Oat Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (1 stick; 113 grams), cut into cubes
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
To Serve
- Vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
- Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the apples, lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated, ensuring the spices and flour coat all pieces well.
- Transfer to the pan: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish in a uniform layer to ensure even cooking.
- Make the crumb topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fork, work the butter into the flour mixture with a gentle downward twisting motion until it resembles coarse crumbs for a tender topping.
- Add the oats: Stir in the rolled oats until evenly combined. Use your fingertips to distribute oats and buttery crumbs evenly for texture and flavor.
- Assemble: Scatter the oat topping evenly over the apple filling, covering as much surface as possible for a crisp, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, fruit juices are bubbling, and the apples are tender when pierced with the tip of a knife, signaling they’re cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to thicken. For a thicker, more settled filling, let it rest about 15 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm, at room temperature or cold, either plain or topped with vanilla or dulce de leche ice cream for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cold butter is essential for a crumbly, crispy topping texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg amounts based on your taste preference.
- The crisp can be reheated in the oven or microwave and is excellent leftover dessert.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
