Apple crisp is a must-try dessert that delivers the irresistible combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath a crunchy, buttery cookie topping. Its simple preparation and delicious flavor make it an excellent alternative to traditional apple pie.
Apple Crisp: A Simple Yet Satisfying Alternative to Apple Pie
Apple crisp is a delicious dessert that offers a quick and easy alternative to traditional apple pie. While it lacks a top and bottom pastry crust, the crunchy topping mimics the texture perfectly, making it an equally satisfying treat. This recipe stands out for its cookie-type crust that does not contain oats.
You Won’t Miss the Oats
One of the best things about this oat-free version is that it allows the flavors of the apples to shine through without the chewy texture that oats can sometimes bring. Instead, you get a satisfyingly crispy topping that adds a perfect crunch.
Best Apples for Making Apple Crisp
Choosing the right apples is crucial when making a perfect apple crisp. The perennial favorite, Granny Smith apples, are a popular option due to their tartness, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the crisp topping. Braeburn apples offer a crisp texture and a complex flavor.
In contrast, Rome apples are known for their firmness and slight sweetness, which holds up well during baking. Meanwhile, Pink Lady apples add sweetness with a hint of tartness, creating a well-rounded flavor. Consider combining any of these varieties to make a filling that will elevate your apple crisp to new heights.
Effortless Apple Crisp Topping Using a Food Processor
A quick and effortless way to create the topping for your apple crisp is to use a food processor. The dry ingredients are pulsed, and then the butter is added and blended until the mixture is crumbly. It only takes seconds to make the topping this way. Alternatively, you can make the topping by hand using a pastry cutter to help mix the butter and dry ingredients. Then, use your hands to work the butter further into the flour mixture.
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Apple Crisp
Equipment
- food processor
- medium-sized baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooking apples (approximately 4 apples)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup apple juice (if your apples are older, use 1/3 cup apple juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Peel and slice apples, and place them in a medium-sized baking dish. (If using individual baking dishes, see the note below.)
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples. Add the vanilla extract and apple juice and stir to coat all the apples. Then, evenly distribute the apples around the baking dish to prepare for the topping.
- Mix the flour, granulated sugar, and salt together in the bowl of a food processor until well blended. Cut the butter into small pieces and place in the food processor. Blend until the mixture is crumbly. If you do not have a food processor, mix the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and then work the butter into the mixture by hand.
- Sprinkle the crumbly butter-flour mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Optionally, cover with a sheet of aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if the topping has already reached the desired color.
- If pecans are used, sprinkle them over the top of the pie after 20 minutes of baking time. Then, continue baking for the last 25 minutes. Adding the pecans after the pie has cooked for a while keeps the pecans from burning.