Welcome to Apple Harvest Delight, a comforting dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This easy-to-make recipe combines tart apples with a buttery, cinnamony crumble, creating a dish that's both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Let's dive in!
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweet topping. Lemon juice prevents browning and adds a subtle tang. All-purpose flour and rolled oats combine to create a hearty, crumbly topping. Brown sugar adds depth with its molasses notes, while granulated sugar sweetens the apples. Butter binds the topping, making it rich and crispy. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, essential for that classic apple dessert flavor. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
This dessert is divine on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. Pairing it with a hot cup of spiced tea or cider makes for a cozy afternoon snack.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's at the right temperature by the time you're ready to bake. Now, grab your apples and give them a good peel and core. Slice them up — not too thick or thin — and toss them in a large bowl with the juice of one lemon, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This little mix keeps them from turning brown and adds a hint of sweetness and spice.
Once your apples are coated, spread them out in a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure they're in an even layer for consistent baking. In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, the remaining granulated sugar, the rest of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Now comes the fun part: cutting in the butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the softened butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for that perfect crumbly topping.
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and you can hear the apples bubbling away underneath. Let it cool slightly before serving — if you can wait that long!
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