There’s something magical about the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your home on a crisp autumn day. This wholesome Apple Crisp recipe, featuring a perfect balance of tender fruit and crunchy oat topping, has been crafted to capture the essence of fall. Dating back to the British settlers in colonial America, fruit crisps emerged as a simpler alternative to traditional pies, becoming a beloved staple of American home cooking.
Ingredients
For the Apple Base:
- 4 large apples (450g/1 lb), peeled and sliced
- 5ml/1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 15ml/1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 100g/1 cup rolled oats
- 30g/¼ cup almond flour
- 60ml/¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 30ml/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1.25ml/¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Additional 2.5ml/½ teaspoon cinnamon for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Lightly grease a 9-inch (23cm) baking dish with coconut oil
- Wash, peel, and core the apples
- Slice apples into uniform 1/4-inch (6mm) pieces
2. Apple Layer
- Place sliced apples in a large mixing bowl
- Sprinkle with cinnamon
- Toss gently until evenly coated
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish
- Arrange in an even layer
3. Crisp Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine rolled oats and almond flour
- Add maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and sea salt
- Mix until ingredients are well incorporated
- Continue mixing until mixture becomes crumbly
4. Assembly and Baking
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the prepared apples
- Ensure complete coverage of the apple layer
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until:
- Topping is golden brown
- Edges are bubbling
- Apples are tender when pierced
5. Serving
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes
- Serve warm with optional toppings
Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 6):
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 24g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 98mg
- Potassium: 200mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cool Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Apple Selection: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for complex flavor. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Braeburn work exceptionally well.
- Texture Enhancement: Cut apples into uniform slices to ensure even baking. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Topping Perfection: Don’t overmix the topping ingredients. A crumbly, loose texture is ideal for achieving that perfect crispy top.
- Temperature Tip: Let the melted coconut oil cool slightly before mixing with other topping ingredients to prevent the maple syrup from crystallizing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Flour Options:
- Replace almond flour with oat flour
- Use whole wheat flour
- Try coconut flour (reduce amount by half)
- Sweetener Alternatives:
- Brown sugar instead of maple syrup
- Honey (use slightly less)
- Coconut sugar
- Fruit Variations:
- Add pears for an autumn mix
- Include cranberries for tartness
- Mix in blackberries or other seasonal fruit
- Dietary Modifications:
- Nut-free: Replace almond flour with oat flour
- Lower sugar: Reduce maple syrup and add cinnamon
- Oil-free: Replace coconut oil with applesauce
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Q: Why did my topping get soggy?
A: This usually happens if the apple mixture is too wet. Try tossing the apples with a tablespoon of flour before adding the topping.
Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Yes, you can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Q: What are the best apples to use?
A: A combination of firm, tart, and sweet apples works best. Try mixing Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Fresh Storage:
- Room Temperature: Cover and keep for up to 2 days
- Refrigerated: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds
Make-Ahead Instructions:
- Prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance
- Mix dry topping ingredients and store separately
- Add wet ingredients to topping just before assembly
Freezing Guidelines:
- Unbaked: Prepare completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Baked: Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Thawing: Place in refrigerator overnight
- Reheating: Warm in 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through
This apple crisp recipe combines the best of autumn flavors with wholesome ingredients, creating a dessert that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, it’s sure to become a fall favorite in your household.
