Welcome to your new fall favorite — Harvest Spiced Apple Crisp! This dish is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season with its warm spices and comforting sweetness. It's simple to make and even easier to enjoy.
The star of the show is, of course, the apples. They're the foundation, providing natural sweetness and texture. A mix of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, works beautifully. The lemon juice helps preserve their color and adds a touch of brightness.
The all-purpose flour and old-fashioned oats come together to create a satisfying, crumbly topping. The oats add a hearty texture, while the flour binds everything together. Both brown sugar and granulated sugar sweeten the dessert, with brown sugar offering a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
Our spice trio — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — are the essence of autumn in every bite. They infuse the dish with warmth and complexity. A hint of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
The unsalted butter is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth crumb texture, while the vanilla extract brings a subtle sweetness and aroma that rounds out the dish.
This apple crisp is divine on its own but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a bit of flair, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
First things first, let's get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot by the time your crisp is ready to bake.
Start by peeling and slicing your apples. Aim for slices that are about a quarter-inch thick. Toss them in a large bowl with the lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a hint of tartness.
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This is your crumb topping, and it should smell amazing already.
Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a fork to blend until the mixture is crumbly. It should hold together if you squeeze some in your hand.
Spread the apple slices evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures they cook evenly. Then, sprinkle your crumb mixture over the apples, covering them completely. It's okay if it's a little uneven — that just adds to the homemade charm.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the apples are tender. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.
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