Caramel Apple Crunch Delights
Caramel Apple Crunch Delights are a cherished family recipe that has stood the test of time, originating from the heart of our old home. This delightful dish combines tart Granny Smith apples with a golden, buttery oat topping, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each bite is a mix of sweet caramel and the warmth of spices, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy dessert. Serve these delicious apple crisps with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of rich dulce de leche ice cream for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress! Although the recipe claims to serve six, you may find yourself going back for seconds, so consider yourself warned!
6
Servings
350
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter, chilled
3 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
Quick-cooking oatmeal
1 cup
Brown sugar
1/2 cup
Flour
1/4 cup
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/8 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon
Granny Smith apples
6 large (washed and cored)
Butter
2 1/2 teaspoons (for greasing)
Caramel apple dip
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (you can enter the degree symbol by holding down the Alt key and typing 248).
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chilled butter, quick-cooking oatmeal, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture is crumbly.
3
Carefully cut off the top 1/3 of each Granny Smith apple. Core the apples using a melon baller or a grapefruit spoon. Set aside the apple cores and flesh.
4
If you have little helpers, let them enjoy snacking on the apple scraps for fun.
5
Chop the remaining apple pieces from the cores and mix them into the crisp mixture to add texture and flavor.
6
Take the 2 1/2 teaspoons of butter and spread it inside each hollowed apple to enhance the flavor and moisture.
7
Firmly pack the crisp mixture into each apple, pressing down gently but ensuring each is filled to the top.
8
Arrange the filled apples in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
9
After 20 minutes, remove the apples from the oven and drizzle the caramel apple dip over the tops. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden.
Nutrition Information
11.7g
Fat
53.3g
Carbs
1.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramel Apple Crunch Delights?
Caramel Apple Crunch Delights are a cherished family recipe consisting of tart Granny Smith apples filled with a buttery oatmeal crumble and topped with caramel dip.
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
Large Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness balances the sweet topping and they hold their shape well during baking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve six people, with one filled apple per serving.
What is the calorie count for one Caramel Apple Crunch Delight?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F before beginning the baking process.
Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oatmeal?
While quick-cooking oatmeal is specified for a finer texture, you can use old-fashioned oats for a chewier, heartier crunch.
What spices are used in the topping?
The topping is flavored with a aromatic blend of cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
How do I prepare the apples for filling?
Cut off the top 1/3 of the apple and use a melon baller or grapefruit spoon to core the center, leaving a hollow space for the filling.
Should I throw away the apple cores?
No, you should chop the edible pieces of apple from around the core and mix them into the crisp mixture for extra texture and flavor.
What is the purpose of adding butter inside the hollowed apple?
Adding 2 1/2 teaspoons of butter inside the hollowed apples helps enhance the internal moisture and flavor as they bake.
When should I add the caramel apple dip?
Drizzle the caramel dip over the apples after they have baked for the first 20 minutes, then return them to the oven for a final 20 minutes.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 20 minutes for the initial bake and 20 minutes after adding the caramel.
Can I serve this for breakfast?
Yes, these delights are versatile enough to be served as a sweet breakfast treat or a cozy dessert.
What are some recommended toppings for serving?
They are delicious served with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of rich dulce de leche ice cream.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 11.7g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates in this dish?
There are 53.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 1.7g of protein.
How do I make the topping crumbly?
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the chilled butter with the dry ingredients until the mixture reaches a crumbly consistency.
Why must the butter be chilled?
Chilled butter ensures that the topping remains crumbly and creates a crisp texture rather than melting into a paste before baking.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, the recipe calls for keeping the skins on, which helps the apples hold their shape while baking.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Brown sugar is preferred for its molasses flavor, but you can use white sugar or a coconut sugar alternative if necessary.
What should I do if the apples won't stand up?
You can slightly trim a very thin slice off the bottom of the apple to create a flat surface, taking care not to cut into the hollowed center.
How much caramel dip do I need?
The recipe requires 1 cup of caramel apple dip to be divided among the six apples.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, and children can help by snacking on the apple scraps or helping to pack the filling into the apples.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/4 cup of flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
How can I tell when the apples are done?
The apples are ready when they are tender when pierced with a fork and the oat topping has turned a golden brown.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition to the oat mixture for extra crunch.
What size should the apples be?
Large apples are best to ensure there is enough room for a generous amount of the oat filling.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
What makes this a "cherished family recipe"?
It is a time-tested dish originating from the creator's old family home, known for its perfect balance of tartness and sweet caramel.