APPLE CRISP

As the leaves begin to don their golden hues and a crisp chill graces the air, it’s time to welcome the quintessential autumn dessert: Apple Crisp. This beloved classic marries the tender, caramelized embrace of apples with a crunchy, buttery topping, resulting in a symphony of flavours and textures that epitomize comfort. Whether served steaming hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or savoured on its own, every bite is a journey through the essence of fall.

As I write this Apple Crisp recipe, I invite you to join me as I unravel the secrets to crafting the perfect apple crisp. From choosing the ideal apples to achieving that coveted golden-brown crust, I have covered it all. Additionally, I’ll share expert tips and creative twists to inspire your culinary creativity too.

INGREDIENTS USED IN APPLE CRISP

• Whole wheat flour

Whole wheat flour has a coarser texture compared to white flour. When used in the topping, it can add a heartier and more substantial texture, complementing the oats. The fibre in whole wheat flour contributes to a feeling of fullness and supports digestive health. Whole wheat flour is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined white flour. The slight nuttiness of whole wheat flour can balance the sweetness of the apples and sugar in the dish, creating a more well-rounded flavour profile. Using whole wheat flour aligns with dietary preferences for whole, minimally processed ingredients. It’s a suitable option for individuals looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.

• Oats

Rolled oats provide a satisfying, slightly chewy texture to the crisp topping. They create a crumbly and crunchy layer. Oats have the ability to absorb some of the moisture released by the apples during baking. This helps maintain the texture of the topping and prevents it from becoming soggy. Oats are a nutritious whole grain, rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They add a healthy component to the dessert, making it more wholesome and nourishing. Oats work in conjunction with butter, flour, and sugar to create clusters and crumbs that form the characteristic texture of the crisp topping.

• Butter

Butter adds a rich and creamy flavour to the topping and the apples. Butter contributes to the texture of the crisp topping. When combined with flour, oats, and sugar, it creates a crumbly and crispy layer that contrasts with the tender apples beneath. Additionally, as the butter melts during baking, it adds moisture to the topping. The aroma of butter while it melts and combines with the other ingredients in the topping is irresistible. Butter is a key component in achieving the desirable crispiness of the topping. It helps create a golden-brown crust during baking.

• Sugar

Sugar contributes to the texture of the dessert. It dissolves and combines with the apple juices, creating a syrupy sauce that surrounds the apple slices. Sugar helps bind the ingredients in the topping, creating a cohesive mixture that forms crumbles or a crisp layer over the apples. Sugar intensifies and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples, creating a pleasing contrast to their tartness. During baking, sugar caramelizes, creating a golden-brown crust on the top and edges of the apple crisp. This adds a desirable depth of flavour and visual appeal.

• Apples

Apples provide the main flavour profile for the dessert. Their natural sweetness, combined with a hint of tartness, creates a well-balanced and satisfying taste. Apples add a pleasant and juicy texture to the dessert. They become tender during baking, offering a contrast to the crispy, crumbly topping. Apples are rich in dietary fibre, particularly pectin, which contributes to the structure of the filling and adds to the overall nutritional value of the dessert. The slices or chunks of apples contribute to the visual appeal of the dish. They provide a pleasing contrast to the golden-brown topping.

• Cinnamon powder

Cinnamon is a warm and aromatic spice that imparts a distinctive and comforting flavor to the apple filling. Its natural sweetness and depth complement the tartness of the apples. The warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon provides a sense of coziness and nostalgia, making apple crisp a comforting dessert choice, especially in cooler seasons. It may help with digestion and contribute to overall digestive comfort.

EQUIPMENT USED IN MAKING APPLE CRISP

Not a lot of equipment is required to make this Apple Crisp come together. However, a few kitchen staples that should always be there in the kitchen are mentioned below.

Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons are the first thing that anybody who in cooking or baking needs. The right quantities will help in the desired outcome so these two things are a must.

I am using Stahl Pans to cook my apple filling. I heat them on an induction pan but a gas stove works equally fine.

You also need a few mixing bowls to make the topping. And spatulas or wooden spoons to do the mixing.

You also need an oven safe baking dish to make a nice looking yummy Apple Crisp.

RELATED RECIPES FROM THE BLOG

1. EGGLESS WHOLEWHEAT APPLE CAKE

2. APPLE PEAR PUFF PASTRY TARTS

3. APPLE PEAR QUINOA CRISP

TIPS TO MAKE THIS APPLE CRISP

1. Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the topping.
2. A touch of lemon juice helps enhance the flavour of the apples and prevents browning. So do not avoid it.
3. Optional add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts can provide additional texture and flavour.
4. When making the crisp topping, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you have coarse crumbs. Do not use soft or melted butter.
5. Be careful not to over-mix the topping, as this can result in a less crumbly texture. It’s best to leave some larger crumbs for added crunch.
6. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
7. Try to slice the apples into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.

APPLE CRISP

 

Save Print

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup whole wheat flour
• ⅓ cup oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup chilled butter, cut in cubes
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• A pinch of salt
• For the filling
• 3 apples
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

1. Make the crumble by combining flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, salt and butter in a bowl. Use your hands to rub in everything till the mixture resembles a sandy texture.
2. Next, to make the filling, core and chop the apples into cubes.
3. Put them on a saucepan along with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and water.
4. Cook the apples on medium heat until they are soft and juicy.
5. Take it off the heat and pour them in a baking dish. Spread the filling evenly and top it with the crumble.
6. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 25-30 mins.
7. Top it with some vanilla ice cream and serve it warm.

3.5.3251

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shivesh Bhatia (@shivesh17)

If you like my Apple Crisp recipe and happen to make them in your kitchen, do tag me on Instagram and share pictures with me using #Bakewithshivesh. Happy Baking!