| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 15g | 6g | 74g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 52g | 4g | 4g | 0.16g |
As a boy in New Jersey, growing up with my Italian grandparents, I was immersed in a world of food that was rich in tradition and flavor. The Apple Crisp recipe I’m going to talk about today echoes just that – strong traditions built around food filled with love, with a healthy, flavorful twist. This dessert isn’t just a mere concoction of ingredients tossed together; it’s a manifestation of memories baked in an oven! Not only do I enjoy the preparation, but I also relish the multitude of health benefits this fruit-based dessert brings to the platter.
Before we dive into the details, take a look at this beautiful outcome!
Embracing the Goodness of Apple Crisp
I adore this Apple Crisp recipe for more reasons than I can count. Not just because it’s mouth-wateringly good, but it also brings about a delightful fusion of sweet and healthy. A blend of Granny Smith apples, which are known for being a great source of fiber and vitamin C, mixed with oatmeal that’s known to help reduce blood sugar levels and has heart-healthy benefits, this dessert is not just indulgent, but nutritious too. Source
Perfect Pairing and Variation
What’s more, Apple Crisp works wonderfully well when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, taking it to another delightful level. The recipe’s flexibility allows for creativity as well – substituting apples with other fruits such as pears or peaches or maybe adding a sprinkle of dried cranberries or raisins. And its flavors blend in harmony with many a holiday spread, pairing especially well with your traditional Christmas recipes.
And to anyone who might say it isn’t Italian – well, you would be correct. But my grandparents always encouraged exploration and creativity in the kitchen. Something I deeply cherish and ensure to pass on to my little grandkids when we spend weekends baking and enjoying the serenity of my hiking trails. It’s in these moments and meals like the classic Apple Crisp where the real essence of food and family comes to life.
What You’ll Need
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step Two
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples. Place them into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle 1/4 cup water over the apples.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and oatmeal. Stir until all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
Step Four
Add the chilled, diced unsalted butter to the mixture. Using your hands or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the mixture until it becomes crumbly and looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
Step Five
If you’re using pecans or walnuts, chop them roughly and stir them into the mixture.
Step Six
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the sliced apples in the baking dish, making sure to cover all the apples.
Step Seven
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and softened. Use a fork to check if the apples are cooked to your preferred tenderness.
Step Eight
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
