Description of this recipe
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a warm, fruity treat. Imagine layers of tender, spiced apples bubbling beneath a crisp, golden oat topping. This recipe elevates the classic apple crisp to a whole new level by baking it in a deep dish, resulting in a lusciously thick apple filling and a generous blanket of crunchy crumble. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and buttery oat topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this Deep Dish Apple Crisp for its simplicity and incredible taste. It’s easy to assemble, using common ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The deep dish format ensures a substantial, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). The oat crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, baked apples, while the warm spices create a cozy, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Every spoonful is a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements, making it a dessert that appeals to everyone. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can easily adjust the spices, add nuts to the topping, or use different types of apples to suit your preferences. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
Apple Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) | 6-8, peeled, cored, thinly sliced |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
Oat Crumble Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Brown Sugar (packed) | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cold Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup, cubed |
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the apple crisp bakes evenly and the topping becomes perfectly golden brown. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the apple crisp from sticking to the dish and makes it easier to serve.
Step 2: Prepare Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss all the ingredients together until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. The sugar will help to draw out the natural juices from the apples, creating a luscious sauce as it bakes. The flour acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the filling isn’t too runny. The lemon juice not only adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the apples but also helps to prevent them from browning. Ensure that the apple slices are relatively uniform in thickness for even cooking.
Step 3: Make Oat Crumble Topping
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed. Next, add the cold, unsalted butter that has been cut into small cubes. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting, as this will result in a less crispy topping. You can also use a food processor for this step, but be careful not to over-process the mixture. The cold butter creates pockets of air that release steam as the crisp bakes, resulting in a light and flaky crumble topping.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the apple filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the oat crumble topping generously over the apple filling, making sure to cover the entire surface. Gently press the topping down slightly to help it adhere to the apples. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can test the apples for tenderness by inserting a fork into the filling – it should slide in easily without resistance. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 5: Serve
Once the apple crisp is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and the topping to set. Serve the warm Deep Dish Apple Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. The contrast between the warm crisp and the cold ice cream is simply divine.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Top with chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Serve as a dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or special occasions.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Tips:
- Use a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- Add a pinch of salt to the oat crumble topping to enhance the sweetness.
- If the topping browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the oat crumble topping.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
40-45 minutes
Total Time:
60-65 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Its warm, comforting flavors and satisfying textures make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy treat to bake on a weeknight or a show-stopping dessert for a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tart apples, sweet crumble topping, and warm spices creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of this Irresistible Deep Dish Apple Crisp. You won’t be disappointed!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices due to their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with other varieties such as Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. A mix of different apple types can add complexity to the flavor profile.
Q2: Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and oat crumble topping separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the crisp as directed in the recipe. You can also bake the entire crisp ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
Q3: Can I add nuts to the oat crumble topping?
A: Definitely! Adding chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the oat crumble topping can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Simply mix the nuts in with the other dry ingredients before cutting in the butter.
Q4: Can I use a different type of flour for the topping?
A: While all-purpose flour works well for this recipe, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber. You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make the crisp gluten-free.
Q5: How do I prevent the topping from burning?
A: If you notice the topping browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the topping from burning while still allowing the apples to cook through.
