I’d like to introduce you to Apple Pie’s baby cousin: Apple Crisp. They are definitely related! I like to say Apple Crisp is the “lighter calorie version” of apple pie. I know that’s pretty silly, but it works for me! Personally, I think I like the crisp a just a bit better than apple pie. Mainly because I like the texture of the crisp topping. Something about the crunch just works for me. Especially when the apple crisp is hot with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream…man oh man…that is some serious good eating! The crunch from the crisp against the ice cream and hot apples is heavenly.
Now, a word about apples. You can bake with any apples you find in the store, or better yet, at a farmer’s market. My favorite apples to bake with are Granny Smith apples. Granny Smith’s are firm and a little bit tart. Their firmness allows them to bake without becoming mushy; their tartness works beautifully with the sweetness from the brown sugar. Which brings me to my next point: brown sugar is best for this dessert. In the past I’ve always used a mixture of white and brown sugars when making apple pies and cobblers. Time has brought about a change. I’m not anti-white sugar in apple desserts, I’ve just come to the realization that brown sugar really does the best job of creating a luscious sweet syrup that surrounds the fruit.
Ok. I’ve talked enough. The recipe is below. When you make it be sure to post pictures and tag me #ChefLorious.
One more thing…this also works with peaches!!
Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the crumb topping…
- ¾ c rolled oats
- ½ cup butter cold, cut into cubes
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1 T cinnamon
- 1 T nutmeg
- ½ t salt
For the apple filling…
- 6 apples cut into bite sized pieces Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, whatever you like!
- ⅔ c brown sugar
- 2 T cornstarch
- 1 T cinnamon
- 1 T nutmeg
- 1 T vanilla
Instructions
For the crisp topping…
- In a large bowl,combine all of the ingredients for the crisp topping.
- Using your hands (or a pastry cutter), combine everything together until the butter is broken up and coated in the dry ingredients. Set aside.
For the apple filling…
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the apple filling.
- Stir to combine and ensure all of the apples are coated with the sugar mixture.
- Place the apple filling in a baking dish.
- Top with the crumb topping and bake for 50 – 60 minutes until the apples can be pierced with a fork or toothpick, and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream!!