Apple Crisp
Ingredients
8
servings
- 6 cups peeled, cored, sliced apples or pears (2 to 3 lbs)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon or more to taste
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp butter plus more for greasing pan
- 3/4 cup oats
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Toss the fruit with half the cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of the sugar, and spread it in a lightly buttered 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan.
- Combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar in the container of a food processor with the oats and nuts; pulse a few times, just until the ingredients are combined (you do not want to puree the oats).
- To mix the ingredients by hand, soften the butter slightly, toss together the dry ingredients then work in the butter with your fingertips, a pastry blender, or a fork.
- Spread the topping over the apples and bake about 40 minutes, until the topping is browned and the apples are tender. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream (optional).
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Can I use pears instead of apples?
A: Absolutely! The recipe works equally well with pears. You can also mix apples and pears for variety.
Q: My topping turned out soggy. What went wrong?
A: The topping may have been too wet if the butter was melted rather than just softened. Also, make sure you don't over-process the oat mixture - it should remain crumbly, not paste-like.
Tips and Techniques
For the best texture, use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji that hold their shape when baked. You can adjust the cinnamon to your taste - some folks like a full teaspoon for more spice. If mixing by hand, make sure the butter is just slightly softened (not melted) so the topping stays crumbly.
Ingredient Substitutions
- walnuts or pecans: almonds or leave out entirely
- apples: pears or a combination of both
Equipment Needed
- 8-inch square or 9-inch round baking pan
- Food processor (optional - can mix by hand)
- Pastry blender or fork (if mixing by hand)
