Simple Apple Crisp

$- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (diced) - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving Using the right ingredients makes this apple crisp shine. I always choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They are tart and sweet, giving a perfect flavor balance. The lemon juice brightens the taste of the apples and stops them from browning. The dry mix needs rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. The oats add a nice chew, while the flour binds everything. Brown sugar gives a rich sweetness. Cinnamon warms up the flavor, and salt brings it all together. I love to use cold, diced butter. It makes the topping crumbly and rich. If you want some crunch, add walnuts. Finally, serve this treat warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s a delight! Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This perfect heat helps our apple crisp bake just right. Take 4 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel, core, and slice them. Toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This keeps them fresh and bright in flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until everything blends well. This creates a warm, inviting mix. Cut 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter into small cubes. Add this to your dry mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it all together. You want a crumbly texture, like coarse crumbs. If you like, fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for a nice crunch. Grease an 8-inch square baking dish. Layer your apple slices evenly in the dish. Spread the crumbly oat mixture on top. Make sure every slice gets covered nicely. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want the topping to turn golden brown, and the apples should be tender and sweet. The smell will fill your kitchen with warmth! Using fresh apples is key for a great apple crisp. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their sweet and tart flavors shine through. Don’t skip the lemon juice! It keeps the apples from browning and boosts their taste. Just one tablespoon is all you need. Toss the apple slices in lemon juice right after slicing. This small step makes a big difference. Mixing the oat topping correctly is also important. In a bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. This creates a warm flavor base. Then, add cold butter in small cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. This texture gives your crisp that perfect crunch. If you want a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts. Just fold them in gently. Serving the apple crisp warm is a must. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The cold creaminess contrasts with the hot, gooey apples. For a nice touch, dust a little cinnamon on top before serving. This adds flavor and looks great. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert! {{image_4}} You can mix in other fruits for a fun twist. Adding pears gives a sweet and juicy touch. Berries, like blueberries or raspberries, add bright flavor and color. Try using a mix of your favorite fruits. Each choice brings a new taste to your apple crisp. If you need a gluten-free option, switch the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free oats to keep it safe for those with gluten issues. These swaps keep the dish tasty while making it friendly for all diets. To make your apple crisp nut-free, simply skip the walnuts. You can add sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture instead. This way, you still enjoy the crisp without worrying about nut allergies. Your apple crisp will still be delicious and satisfying without nuts. To store your leftover apple crisp, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can also cover it with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps it stay fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy your apple crisp again, grab a microwave-safe dish. Place a portion of the apple crisp in the dish. Heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Bake for around 10-15 minutes. This way, the topping remains crunchy, and the apples get warm. If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy. First, make sure the apple crisp is completely cool. Cut it into serving sizes and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned earlier. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste anytime! Apple crisp can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you leave it uncovered, it may dry out. Use a tight lid or wrap it in plastic wrap. Enjoy it warm or cold, whichever you prefer! Yes, you can use many types of apples for your crisp. Some great choices are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Granny Smith gives a nice tart flavor. Honeycrisp is sweet and juicy. Fuji apples are also sweet and hold their shape well. Mix different types for a fun flavor combo! If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or margarine. Both work well in this recipe. You can also use applesauce to add moisture. It will change the flavor a bit, but it can be tasty! Choose what fits your needs best. You learned how to make a delicious apple crisp from scratch. Fresh apples and lemon juice are key for taste. Mixing the oat topping just right gives it a perfect crunch. You have tips for serving it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Plus, you can explore fun fruit combos and adjust for dietary needs. Enjoy this cozy dessert with family and friends or save it for later. Whatever you choose, your apple crisp will impress! Happy baking!$

Delight in the flavors of Fall with this Autumn Bliss Apple Crisp recipe! This easy-to-make dessert combines fresh apples, warm spices, and a crunchy topping that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat at home, serve it warm with ice cream for the ultimate comfort experience. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of autumn to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for added texture)

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional, for a delightful finish)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the baking environment is just right for a perfect crisp.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the freshly sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Set the bowl aside to allow the apples to soak in the lemony goodness.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined, creating a warm and inviting mixture.

Incorporate the cold, diced butter into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix, blending until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts at this stage for an extra layer of crunch.

Arrange the sliced apples evenly in a greased 8-inch square baking dish or an equivalent size. Top the apples evenly with the crumbly oat mixture, ensuring every slice is covered.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns a delightful golden brown and the apples are tender, releasing their sweet aroma.

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm for the best experience, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant touch, finish with a light dusting of cinnamon on top. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the dish's visual appeal.