Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an 8×8-inch dish for a thicker crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and Slice the Apples: Peel the apples, core them, and slice them into 1/4-inch thick wedges.
- Toss with Lemon Juice: Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour to the apples. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The topping should be crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture, making sure all the apples are covered.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the apple crisp warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Optional Garnish: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp:
- Choose the Right Apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor and texture. Avoid using apples that are too soft, as they may turn mushy.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the apple crisp a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy topping, you can use cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients instead of using melted butter. This creates a more textured, crumbly topping.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm apple crisp with melting vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a nice contrast to the crisp’s texture.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent finish, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top.
Conclusion:
This Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is the ultimate comforting dessert that’s simple to make and delivers rich, fall-inspired flavors. With its tender, spiced apples and crunchy oat topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether served warm with ice cream or on its own, this classic dessert will surely satisfy any sweet craving!