Apple Crisp Recipe for a 9×13 Pan – Sweet & Crunchy

When you think about a classic dessert that balances sweet and crunchy textures, the Apple Crisp in a 9×13 pan stands out. You’ll appreciate how just a few ingredients—like tender apples, hearty oats, and spices—transform into a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. Plus, with a mere 15 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. As you envision the golden-brown topping and aroma wafting through your kitchen, you might be curious about the history behind this beloved dessert and some tips for perfecting your own version.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to love this Apple Crisp recipe because it combines simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.

First, let’s talk about the ease of preparation. You can whip this up in just 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for a quick treat. With common ingredients like apples, oats, sugar, and spices, you won’t have to search high and low for anything special. Plus, you can even make it ahead of time and freeze it for later.

The taste and texture are also excellent. You’ll enjoy the sweet apples paired with a crunchy oat topping, improved by aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The balance of white and brown sugar gives it just the right sweetness. If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding optional nuts for extra crunch.

This recipe’s versatility stands out. You can use any apple variety, like Granny Smith for tartness or sweeter types, including Honeycrisp and Gala for added flavor. You can even play around with servings by adjusting pan sizes or adding flavors such as vanilla extract and lemon juice. Finally, serve it with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce to create a dessert everyone will rave about.

History

Apple Crisp has a fascinating history that adds depth to its appeal as a beloved dessert. The first known reference to apple crisp appeared in print in 1924 in “Everybody’s Cook Book” by Isabel Ely Lord. Curiously, it wasn’t included in the first edition of the famous Fannie Farmer Cookbook from 1896.

Before apple crisp, desserts like apple pandowdy were already popular, dating back to 1886.

During World War II, apple crisp gained even more traction. Food rationing limited access to traditional pastry ingredients, making this dish a practical choice for many households. In fact, the dish became popular due to its use of simple, accessible ingredients that could be found in many kitchens. It quickly became a favorite in the United States, the UK, and Canada, especially during autumn when apples are in abundance.

While apple crisp is a modern classic, it’s worth noting that similar desserts have longer histories. For example, apple crumble hails from Britain, and apple cobbler has roots in the American colonies.

Despite its relatively recent invention, apple crisp’s adaptability means recipes can be adjusted and modified easily, allowing it to remain a seasonal staple enjoyed by many.

Recipe

Apple Crisp Recipe

Apple crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of baked apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. This dish is perfect for showcasing seasonal apples, as it allows for a blend of flavors and textures that will please any palate. Additionally, by using a mix of sweet and tart apples, you can create a more complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy family treat or serving it at a gathering, apple crisp is an easy and satisfying choice. To achieve the best flavor and texture in your apple crisp, it’s important to choose a good mix of apples. A combination of sweet and tart varieties, such as Granny Smith and Pink Lady, adds depth and complexity.

The top layer, made from rolled oats and a blend of dry ingredients, provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm apples underneath. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious apple crisp that’s sure to become a favorite dessert.

Ingredients

• 8-10 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or spraying it with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, prepare the apple filling. Peel and slice the apples, then place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, cinnamon, and water. Optionally, add lemon juice and vanilla extract for added flavor. Drizzle the mixture over the sliced apples and stir gently to coat.

3. Now prepare the crisp topping. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Pour in the melted butter and mix with your hands or a pastry blender until you achieve a crumbly consistency. Aim for a sandy texture with some larger chunks for added crunch.

4. Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple mixture in the baking dish, ensuring that the apples are completely covered.

5. Bake the apple crisp in the preheated oven for 35-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it and cover with aluminum foil if the topping begins to brown too quickly.

6. Once baked, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Extra Tips

For the best results, try to use a variety of apples in your crisp to balance sweetness and tartness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for more flavor.

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking; just make sure to adjust your baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator. You can also freeze individual portions to enjoy later – simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, mastering the art of apple crisp can improve your dessert game while providing a warm and comforting treat for any occasion.

When baking, keep an eye on your timing; it typically takes 35-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Let your apple crisp rest for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Choosing the right apples is key. Juicy varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp deliver the best flavor. Don’t forget to balance your sweeteners; use white sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for depth. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg will raise the taste, while a splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Additionally, you may want to consider using rolled oats in the topping for a delightful crunch.

Flexibility is one of apple crisp’s greatest assets. You can make it ahead and freeze it, then bake when you’re ready.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for an extra special touch. With a few customization options, such as using whole wheat flour or adding nuts, you can create a delightful dessert that suits everyone’s taste.

Enjoy making your perfect apple crisp!

FAQ

With regard to making apple crisp, you might’ve a few questions about the process or ingredients.

First off, in relation to baking, you should bake your apple crisp at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are cooked and the crumble is golden brown.

For the ingredients, use about 10 cups of sliced apples, which is roughly 6-10 medium-sized apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Pink Lady, works best.

In preparing the topping, old-fashioned rolled oats give a great crunch. Combine white and brown sugar for extra flavor, and don’t forget spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. You can even add some nuts to the topping for more texture. Quick-cooking oats can also be used in your topping for a delightful variation.

If you’re thinking of making it ahead, you can wrap the uncooked dish in plastic and aluminum foil, and freeze it. Just thaw overnight before baking.

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel for a delicious treat!