Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp: A Delicious Homemade Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Forget fancy desserts that take forever to whip up. Sometimes, the most comforting and delicious treats are the easiest to make. Enter Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp! With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour of baking time, this timeless recipe is perfect for those evenings when you crave a homemade dessert but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Packed with juicy apples and a buttery, crumbly topping redolent with warm spices, this classic is incredibly versatile. Want to add a touch of sweetness? No problem, throw in some raisins or chopped dates! Prefer a nuttier flavor? Simply toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans!

Ripe apples tossed in a warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, a buttery crumble topping that shatters with a delightful crunch – Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp is a symphony of textures and flavors that will surely become a new favorite. Let’s get baking and create some delicious memories!

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Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp

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• Author: Leana Morgan
• Total Time: Approximately 55-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp recipe – a mouthwatering dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a delectable crumble topping, this dessert will leave you craving for more!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling:

4–6 Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are good choices)
½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional)

Topping:

¾ cup (150g) Packed Light Brown Sugar
½ cup (60g) Rolled Oats (old-fashioned work best)
¾ cup (90g) All-Purpose Flour
¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
½ teaspoon Salt
⅓ cup (75g) Cold Butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).

Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the crisp: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Bake: Bake the apple crisp for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The filling may bubble around the edges.

Serve warm: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite topping.

Notes

For a richer topping, use melted butter instead of cold butter.
If your apples are very juicy, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to help thicken it.
Don’t overmix the crumble topping. A few larger crumbles add texture to the final dish.
Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or add in chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350-400 (depending on ingredients)

Keywords: Grandma's Easy Apple Crisp, dessert recipe, homemade, apples, cinnamon, crumble topping, baking dish,

Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp Ingredients

Filling:

• 4-6 Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix for a variety of flavors.
• ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional)

Topping:

• ¾ cup (150g) Packed Light Brown Sugar
• ½ cup (60g) Rolled Oats (old-fashioned work best)
• ¾ cup (90g) All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ⅓ cup (75g) Cold Butter

Preparing the Apples: Laying the Foundation for Flavor

The journey to creating Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp begins with prepping the apples, the heart and soul of this delightful dessert. Washing the apples thoroughly is crucial to remove any surface dirt or impurities. Peel away the skin using a vegetable peeler, maintaining a smooth and even layer. Next, use a sharp knife to core the apples, removing the seeds and inner stem. Slicing the apples is the final step, and the choice of size depends on your preference. Opt for thin wedges for a quicker cook and a more delicate apple texture, or select bite-sized pieces for a more substantial apple presence in every mouthful. Whichever way you choose, ensure the slices are uniform in size for even baking throughout the crisp.

Creating the Crumble Topping: A Symphony of Textures

The magic of Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp lies not just in the apples, but also in the irresistible crumble topping. This symphony of textures adds a delightful contrast to the tender apples and elevates the overall flavor profile of the dessert. In a separate bowl, we begin by combining the dry ingredients: brown sugar, oats, flour, baking soda, and a touch of salt. Brown sugar adds a deeper, richer sweetness compared to granulated sugar, and its slight molasses content enhances the overall flavor complexity. Oats provide a hearty texture and a nutty undertone, while flour acts as the binding agent to hold the topping together. Baking soda introduces a gentle lift, ensuring the crumble topping remains light and airy. The incorporation of cold butter is what truly transforms this mixture into the star of the show. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. The key here is to avoid overworking the mixture. Tiny flecks of butter are what create those delightful pockets of air that lead to a light and flaky crumble topping.

Assembling and Baking: Transforming Simple Ingredients into Dessert Bliss

With both the apple mixture and crumble topping prepared, we can now embark on assembling the crisp. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for even baking. Gently pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. A light coating of grease prevents the crisp from sticking to the pan, making for easier serving later. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the apples, ensuring each apple piece gets a generous coating of this delightful mixture. Place the assembled crisp in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The golden brown hue of the crumble topping signifies that the dessert is nearing completion. Additionally, the apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Serving Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp: The Grand Finale

The delightful aroma of warm apples and spices wafting from the oven is a sure sign that Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp is ready to be enjoyed! Resist the urge to dig in right away, as allowing the crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes allows the filling to set and the flavors to further develop. Once cooled slightly, serve the crisp warm for the best textural experience. The contrast between the warm, tender apples and the cool, creamy topping is truly divine. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or your favorite topping adds an extra layer of indulgence, transforming this simple dessert into a truly decadent treat.

FAQs About Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp:

Q: What is the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?

A: The main difference between apple crisp and apple crumble lies in the topping. Apple crisp features a crumble topping that incorporates oats, along with flour, sugar, and butter. These oats contribute a delightful textural contrast – a crispy, nutty element against the soft apples. An apple crumble, on the other hand, utilizes a simpler crumble topping made with just flour, sugar, and butter. It lacks the oat element, resulting in a more cake-like crumble texture. Both options are delicious, and the choice often comes down to personal preference.

Q: What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?

A: The ideal apples for your apple crisp depend on your desired texture and flavor profile. Here are some popular options:

• Tart Apples (Granny Smith, Braeburn): These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the topping.
• Sweet Apples (Gala, Honeycrisp): These varieties offer a touch more sweetness and a softer texture, creating a more decadent dessert experience.
• Blending Apples: For a well-rounded flavor and texture, consider using a combination of tart and sweet apples. This approach provides a delightful balance and caters to a wider range of taste preferences.

Q: Why is my apple crisp not crunchy?

A few factors can contribute to a less-than-crunchy apple crisp:

• Overworked crumble topping: When working the cold butter into the dry ingredients for the crumble topping, it’s important to avoid overworking the mixture. Tiny flecks of butter are essential for creating air pockets that lead to a light and flaky crumble. Overworking the mixture can result in a denser topping that lacks crunch.
• Incorrect baking temperature or time: Double-check your oven temperature and baking time to ensure they align with the recipe instructions. An under-baked crisp will have a softer crumble topping.
• Not using cold butter: Cold butter is crucial for achieving a crumbly texture. Cold butter creates those air pockets that contribute to the crispness. If the butter softens too much before incorporating it into the dry ingredients, the resulting crumble topping might be denser.

Q: Why do you put lemon juice over the apples when making an apple crisp?

A: Adding a touch of lemon juice to the apples serves a few purposes:

• Prevents browning: Lemon juice contains citric acid, a natural anti-oxidant that helps slow down the browning process. This keeps your apples looking brighter and fresher for longer.
• Enhances flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the overall flavor profile of the apples, adding a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the dessert.

Here are some helpful tips from Chef Leana Morgan to elevate your Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp to new heights:

• Apple Selection: Opt for a variety of apples with a balance of tart and sweet flavors. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with other favorites like Braeburn, Pink Lady, or even a touch of Gala for extra sweetness.

• Spice Up Your Life: Don’t be shy with the spices! While cinnamon and nutmeg are the classics, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a touch of warmth and complexity.

• Thicken Up Your Filling: If you prefer a thicker apple filling, toss the sliced apples with a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or all-purpose flour before adding them to the baking dish. This will help absorb some of the juices released during baking.

• Crispy Perfection: Ensure a perfectly crisp topping by using cold butter. The cold butter creates little pockets of steam as it melts during baking, resulting in a lighter and flakier crumble.

• Pre-Toast the Nuts: If adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, pre-toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful textural contrast to the crisp.

• Caramelized Apple Delight: For an extra layer of flavor, try caramelizing the apples before assembling the crisp. Melt a knob of butter with a tablespoon of brown sugar in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook until softened and lightly caramelized around the edges.

• Vanilla Magic: A splash of vanilla extract added to the crumble topping or the apple mixture elevates the overall flavor profile by adding a subtle sweetness and depth of complexity.

• Serving Sensations: Elevate your serving presentation by drizzling the warm apple crisp with caramel sauce, melted chocolate, or maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful touch of creaminess to every bite.

With these tips from Chef Leana Morgan, your Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp will not only be delicious but also boast a touch of culinary flair, making it a showstopping dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion: A Bite of Nostalgia and a Celebration of Simplicity

Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp is a testament to the enduring power of simple, well-crafted desserts. The combination of juicy apples, a warm crumble topping, and a touch of cinnamon creates a flavor symphony that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. More than just a dessert, it’s a recipe that can be passed down through generations, bringing families and friends together over a shared love of good food.

The beauty of Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp lies in its simplicity. With readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe empowers even novice bakers to create a restaurant-worthy dessert in their own kitchens. So preheat your oven, gather your loved ones, and embark on a baking adventure that is as rewarding as it is delicious. With every bite of Grandma’s Easy Apple Crisp, you’ll not only savor the delightful flavors but also create new memories that will be cherished for years to come.