This Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that screams fall! Juicy apples are baked under a crunchy, golden topping, all drizzled with sweet apple cider glaze.
It’s so simple to throw together, and the smell while it bakes is just bliss! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It always brings smiles to the table! 🍏🍎
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Fuji) apples creates the perfect balance in flavor. If you can’t find these specific varieties, any baking apples work well. Just aim for a mix for depth of flavor!
Apple Cider: Use 100% apple cider for the best flavor in the glaze and filling. If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice can work, but it won’t be as rich. You can also replace it with pear nectar for a different twist!
Butter: I always use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels. If you’re going for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be excellent substitutes.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the crisp a nice chew. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they might make the topping a bit mushy. For a gluten-free version, look for certified gluten-free oats!
How Do I Ensure My Topping is Crunchy?
Getting that perfect crunchy topping is key to an amazing Apple Crisp! Start by making sure your butter is cold. This helps create that crumbly texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the butter straight from the fridge.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until you see pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Don’t overwork it!
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture and press down slightly to firm it up, which also helps it brown.
Let it bake until golden brown, and remember to let it cool for a few minutes before serving; it helps the topping stay crisp. Enjoy!
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced (a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
To Serve (optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 40-45 minutes to bake, totaling around 1 hour of time. Don’t forget to let it cool for a few minutes before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider. Make sure the apples are well coated with the mixture. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you work on the topping.
2. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Next, add the cold butter pieces, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This will create that delicious, crunchy topping!
3. Preheat Your Oven:
While you prepare the crisp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for your dessert.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Transfer the apple mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or another similar-sized ovenproof dish. Once the apples are distributed evenly, sprinkle the oat topping over the apples so it covers everything nicely.
5. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
While the crisp is baking, pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat until it simmers. Let it reduce for about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s slightly thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
7. Serve:
After your crisp has baked and has cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the apple cider glaze generously over the top. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream atop each portion.
Enjoy the delicious warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling with its crunchy oat topping, perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy apple cider glaze! This cozy dessert is sure to delight everyone!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best, like Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness. Feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for unique flavor combinations!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be as rich. Alternatively, pear nectar can offer a delightful twist and still provide that fruity essence.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crisp topping separately a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, and simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. Just keep in mind that you might need to increase baking time slightly if the mixture is chilly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through! It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.
