My Favorite Deep Dish Apple Crisp: A Classic Fall Dessert
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! When the air starts to get a little crisp and the leaves begin to turn, there’s one dessert I can’t wait to bake: Deep Dish Apple Crisp. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm, sweet, and comforting experience. It’s the perfect combination of tender, spiced apples bubbling underneath a buttery, crunchy oat topping. The aroma alone is enough to make your house feel like a home. It’s the ultimate fall treat, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is an absolute dream for so many reasons. It’s got all the flavor of a classic apple pie but without all the fuss of making a crust. The crumb topping is where the magic happens—it’s a simple mix of flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter that bakes up into a golden-brown, crunchy layer that perfectly complements the soft, spiced apples below. It’s the perfect dessert to share with friends and family, and it’s a great way to use up fresh apples from a trip to the orchard. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For another great apple-based treat that’s perfect for fall, you should also check out my recipe for caramel apple pie cookies.
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 8 cups sliced peeled apples (about 4-5 large apples)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the crisp topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Swaps and Notes
- Apples: A mix of apples works best for a complex flavor. I love using a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji for balance.
- Flour: The flour in the filling helps to thicken the juices from the apples.
- Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg are key, but you can add a pinch of allspice or ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
- Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for the topping because they give a great, chewy texture. Instant oats will work, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
- Butter: Make sure the butter for the topping is softened, not melted. It will make it easier to mix into a crumbly texture.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, oats, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix everything together until it forms a crumbly, coarse mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set. Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Slice Apples Evenly: Slicing your apples to a similar thickness ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Forget the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a nice, bright flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
- Mix with Fingers: Using your fingers to mix the topping is the best way to get that perfect crumbly texture.
- Trust the Bubbles: You’ll know the crisp is done when you see the apple filling bubbling up through the topping.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This apple crisp is perfect on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple additions.
- A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream is the classic pairing.
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce would also be fantastic.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for a crispy topping, I recommend warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re looking for more delicious fall-inspired desserts, check out some of these other favorites:
- Caramel Apple Nachos: A fun and quick fall dessert trick that’s always a hit.
- Pecan Pie Bars: A fantastic make-ahead holiday dessert that’s easier than a full pie.
- Pumpkin Delight Dessert: A fantastic no-bake fall dessert that’s light, creamy, and spiced perfectly.
- Big Family Banana Pudding: A delicious and easy-to-make classic dessert that’s perfect for a crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is a classic for a reason. It’s deeply satisfying, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a new favorite in your kitchen. As always, I love to hear from you, so leave a comment below with your thoughts and any fun twists you added! Happy baking!
Deep Dish Apple Crisp: A Classic and Comforting Dessert
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Transfer the apple mixture to a deep dish baking pan.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt.
- Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
- Spread the oat mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
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