This Almond Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With sweet apples topped with a crunchy almond oat mixture, it’s simply delightful!
The best part? It fills your kitchen with a delicious smell while it bakes. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum! 🍏🥜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of the topping. If these aren’t available, you can use any cooking apples that you like.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the apples. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, keeping in mind you may want to adjust the amount since they’re sweeter.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor control. If you need to make this recipe dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter work great as substitutes.
Sliced Almonds: Almonds add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that nutty texture without the nuts.
How Do I Work with Cold Butter for the Topping?
Working with cold butter is key to achieving that crunchy topping. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with butter straight from the fridge. Cold butter helps create flaky, crumbly textures.
- Cut it into small cubes to make mixing easier.
- When combining it with the dry ingredients, either use a pastry cutter or your fingers. The goal is to break down the butter while leaving some small chunks for texture.
Mix until everything looks crumbly, but don’t overwork it, or the topping will become dense instead of light!
Almond Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 5 medium apples, preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake, making a total of about 1 hour to have a warm, delicious Almond Apple Crisp ready to enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook your crisp to perfection!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will bring out the flavors and help sweeten the apples. Once well combined, spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 8-inch or similar baking dish.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and sliced almonds. This will be your crunchy topping. Add the cold butter pieces to this mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until you’ve got a crumbly texture—like coarse crumbs!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, sprinkle that yummy almond oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. This will create a delightful, crunchy layer as it bakes!
5. Bake It Up:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the apples to be tender and bubbly—so keep an eye on it!
6. Cool & Serve:
After baking, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in! Serve warm, and for an extra special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you like.
Enjoy your delicious Almond Apple Crisp, warm and cozy straight from the oven!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for balance, you can use other varieties such as Fuji or Jazz apples. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a bit less sugar!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the Almond Apple Crisp in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or simply microwave it for a quick fix!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge and assemble before baking. This will save you time on the day you want to serve it!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination!
