Classic American Apple Crisp Delight
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of my Classic American Apple Crisp Delight, a beloved dessert that has earned its place at every gathering and potluck. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of tart and sweet flavors, thanks to a blend of McIntosh or Macoun apples, complemented by zesty orange and lemon. The topping is an irresistible combination of crispy oats, buttery crumbles, and the unique warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. This dessert not only captures the essence of traditional home baking but also provides a refreshing treat when served at room temperature during summer months. Pair it with a dollop of cool sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated experience. Perfectly cozy in the winter, this crisp is more than just a dessert – it’s a cherished memory in every family gathering, and you won’t want to miss out on this recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apples (McIntosh or Macoun)
5 lbs (Peel, core, and cut into large wedges)
Orange
1 (Zest and juice)
Lemon
1 (Zest and juice)
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup (For apple mixture)
Ground Cinnamon
2 teaspoons
Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon
Flour
1 1/2 cups
Granulated Sugar
3/4 cup (For topping)
Light Brown Sugar
3/4 cup (Packed, for topping)
Unsalted Butter
1/2 lb (Cold and diced)
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Oatmeal
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
3
Zest the orange and lemon, then squeeze the juice from both fruits and set aside.
4
Peel, core, and slice the apples into large wedges. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple wedges with the zests, fresh juices, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated, then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5
To prepare the topping, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oatmeal, kosher salt, and cold diced butter. Blend on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with the butter pieces the size of peas.
6
Spread the crumbly mixture evenly over the apples, ensuring they are well covered. Slice the remaining cold butter into small pieces and distribute them over the topping to prevent dry patches during baking.
7
Position the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any spills and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, or until the topping has turned a lovely golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
8
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes to let the juices settle. This resting period is crucial for a well-set dish.
9
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with sour cream, cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apple varieties for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using McIntosh or Macoun apples for the best flavor balance.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How many pounds of apples are needed?
You will need 5 lbs of apples, peeled, cored, and cut into large wedges.
What citrus fruits are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses the zest and juice of one orange and one lemon.
What spices are used in the apple filling?
Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg provide the warmth in the filling.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Grease the baking dish with butter to prevent the dessert from sticking.
What ingredients make up the topping?
The topping consists of flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, oatmeal, kosher salt, and cold diced butter.
What is the secret to a perfectly crumbly topping?
Mix the topping on low speed until it resembles coarse crumbs with butter pieces the size of peas.
Should the butter for the topping be cold or room temperature?
The butter must be cold and diced for the topping to achieve the right texture.
How much oatmeal is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of oatmeal.
What type of sugar is used in the apple mixture?
Use 1/2 cup of granulated sugar for the apple mixture.
How much flour is needed for the topping?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of flour for the topping.
How do I prevent dry patches on the topping?
Distribute additional small pieces of cold butter over the top of the crumbly mixture before baking.
Why should I put the baking dish on a sheet pan?
Positioning the dish on a sheet pan helps catch any spills while the apples are bubbling in the oven.
How long does the apple crisp need to bake?
Bake the crisp for 1 hour, or until the topping is golden brown.
How do I know when the apple crisp is done?
It is done when the topping has turned golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling.
Why does the crisp need to rest after baking?
A 15-minute resting period is crucial to allow the juices to settle for a well-set dish.
Can this dessert be served at room temperature?
Yes, it is delicious served either warm or at room temperature.
What are some suggested garnishes for serving?
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it provides a refreshing treat when served at room temperature during summer months.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How much brown sugar is used in the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar.
What equipment is recommended for mixing the topping?
An electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for the topping.
How should the apples be cut?
Peel and core the apples, then slice them into large wedges.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in this Classic American Apple Crisp Delight.
Is the brown sugar packed or loose?
The light brown sugar should be packed.
What makes this recipe 'delightful'?
The harmony of tart and sweet flavors combined with a crispy, buttery oat topping.
Can I use granulated sugar in both the filling and the topping?
Yes, the recipe uses granulated sugar in both parts: 1/2 cup for the filling and 3/4 cup for the topping.
What cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This is a classic American cuisine recipe.