Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth and deliciousness with this mouthwatering apple crisp recipe straight from the Barefoot Contessa herself! Imagine golden, tender apples nestled beneath a crispy, buttery crumb topping that's guaranteed to make everyone at your table swoon. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, this classic American treat is about to become your new go-to recipe that promises pure culinary comfort in every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
- Wash and peel the apples. Slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick pieces, removing the cores. Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl.
- Add granulated sugar and lemon juice to the sliced apples. Gently toss the mixture to ensure all apple slices are evenly coated. The lemon juice will help prevent browning and add a slight tartness.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. Ensure the apples are distributed uniformly for consistent cooking.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the prepared apple mixture, covering the entire surface of the apples.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the apple crisp cool for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Uniform Slicing: Cut apple slices to approximately 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Room Temperature Butter: Allow butter to soften at room temperature for easier blending into the crumb topping, creating that perfect crumbly texture.
- Don't Overmix Topping: When combining crumb ingredients, mix just until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs - overmixing can make the topping dense.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: If you prefer a crispier bottom, consider pre-baking the apple mixture for 10 minutes before adding the crumb topping.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for dinner parties and family gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
