This dessert is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but delicious enough to share with friends and family. The apples turn soft and cinnamon-spiced in the oven, while the buttery oat topping crisps up just right. Add a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a dessert that never goes out of style. Feel free to mix it up with different nuts, fruits, or spices—there’s no wrong way to make it your own!
Apple Crisp
A satisfying dessert, simple enough for everyday, and delicious enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples sliced, peeled or skin-on (3-4 apples cut into ½” slices)
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter salted or unsalted, softened but not melted
- 1/4 tsp salt if using unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Use one tablespoon of the butter to grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan, and sprinkle one tablespoon flour onto pan, shake to coat. Spread sliced apples evenly in pan.
- In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, sugar and cinnamon, and nuts and salt if using. Stir so ingredients are mixed evenly.
- Add the butter mix into dry ingredients—use clean hands and fingers or a spoon or spatula. Mix gently until oats are coated—it will be clumpy and stiff.
- Spoon or drop the oat mixture across the top of the apples so they are loosely but evenly covered.
- Bake for 30 min., or until the topping is browned and the apples are soft—test with a fork, and bake 10-15 min. longer if the apples are still firm.
- Serve warm, with a spoonful of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Notes
Variations: Experiment with other sweet spices like cardamom and allspice. Try pistachios instead of pecans. Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries. Add ½ cup whole cranberries, or mix in sliced pears in place of some of the apples; they will soften more quickly and the flavors and textures blend perfectly for a fall delight.
Another variation, Irresistible Apple Crisp, from New England Apple Association