This year, we picked A LOT of apples. I mean a serious amount. I think the total was around 150 pounds or something insane like that. Generally we pick between 80-90 pounds, but I was slightly more enthusiastic this year. Most of the apples have been turned into applesauce that have taken up all the space in the pantry, and a few have been turned into apple maple jam and apple jelly. As well as an apple pie and this crisp. There is just one half bag left that I am not sure what to do with, besides eat. Maybe some dried apple rings? I don’t know yet. Something will come to me!
One thing my husband requested for to me make, was an apple crisp. To be honest, I am not sure I have actually made a plain apple crisp before. I have made my favorite crumbly apple pie, and many apple pies, but not an apple crisp. Which is kind of weird, considering I made a lot of desserts. When I did some research online, I couldn’t seem to find an apple crisp recipe that I liked. Most called for apple cider, which I generally don’t have on hand. Plus, I didn’t want to take the time boiling down the liquids and whatever else those recipes called for. So, I decided to make something up myself.
Well, my creation was a huge success. Now, that doesn’t always happen, at all! But, this was so darn good. Something that I will be adding to my annual fall cooking. Everyone absolutely loved it. The spices were spot on, the apples cooked in their own juices, so it wasn’t too watery. And the topping was just the right combination of butter, sugar and oats. You need to make this while apples are still in season! Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have the perfect fall dessert.
Recipe for the topping adapted from The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book
Apple Crisp
Apples are the star of the show in this dessert. Tossed with spices and baked until soft and tender with an oatmeal and brown sugar topping, the ideal fall treat. Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients
For the topping
- 4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 Tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, at room temperature
For the filling
- 11 medium apples, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- To make the topping, in a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the butter. Then, toss the butter pieces in to coat with flour. Rub the butter in with your fingertips until incorporated, but some larger pieces still remain. Place in the refrigerator while you make the filling.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Set aside.
- To make the filling, mix together all the ingredients until all the apples are coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish, leveling with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle the chilled topping evenly over the apples, making sure to cover completely. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving. Scoop into shallow bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
