Baked Apple Crisp: My Kitchen's Warm Hug (Print Version)

Discover my homestyle Baked Apple Crisp recipe with a buttery oat streusel. Simple, comforting, and perfect for any day.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Apple Filling

01 - 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Streusel Topping

06 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
08 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

→ Optional Serving

11 - Vanilla bean ice cream
12 - Whipped cream
13 - Salted caramel sauce

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready! I usually peel, core, and slice about 6-8 medium apples. Aim for slices roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick – not too thin, or they'll turn to mush, and not too thick, or they won't cook through evenly. Toss them into a large bowl with the granulated sugar, a generous teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and that essential splash of lemon juice. Give it all a good mix until the apples are coated. Honestly, this is where the kitchen starts smelling amazing already!
02 - In another medium bowl, combine your flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, and another half teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk it together. Now, grab your cold, cubed unsalted butter. I like to use my fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients, really working it until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. You want those little butter pockets for the best crunch! I’ve tried using a pastry cutter, but my hands just do a better job and it’s kinda therapeutic. Don't overmix, or it'll get tough, and we don't want a tough streusel, right?
03 - Pour the apple mixture into your chosen baking dish. I usually use a 9x13 inch dish, but an 8x8 works for a smaller crowd. Spread the apples out evenly. Then, sprinkle that glorious streusel topping all over the apples. Try to get an even layer, but don't press it down too much; we want it light and airy. This step always makes me smile, seeing those buttery crumbs just waiting to get golden brown in the oven. It’s a promise of deliciousness!
04 - Pop your assembled crisp into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’re looking for the apples to be tender when pierced with a fork (they should be bubbling around the edges!), and the topping should be beautifully golden brown and crispy. I always peek around the 30-minute mark to make sure the topping isn't browning too fast; if it is, a loose foil tent works wonders. The smell filling your kitchen at this point? Unbelievable.
05 - Once it’s out of the oven, I know it’s tempting, but let that Baked Apple Crisp rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This lets the filling set up a bit, preventing it from being too runny. Plus, it’s still piping hot! Waiting is the hardest part, I swear. The aromas are just incredible at this stage, a mix of sweet apple and toasted oats. Honestly, it’s worth the wait for that perfect scoop.
06 - Scoop it warm, maybe with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. This Baked Apple Crisp is pure comfort. The contrast of the warm, soft, spiced apples and the crunchy, buttery topping is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s messy, it’s homey, and it’s everything good about simple desserts. Don't worry if it's not perfectly neat; the best food never is!

# Notes:

01 - Always use cold butter for the streusel – it's the secret to those perfectly crumbly bits.
02 - Make sure your apples aren't too watery; a little lemon juice helps.
03 - Let the crisp cool slightly before serving; it helps the filling set and prevents burns!
04 - Try adding a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling for an unexpected twist.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - apple peeler
04 - knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 3g

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