Learn how to make an easy apple crisp that will become everyone’s favourite.
You asked, and we are happy to help!! Over on our Mia Kouppa Facebook page, we asked you guys if you would prefer apple pie or apple crisp. The overwhelming majority responded with apple crisp. Of course, a few of you suggested that both would be great – and one person specifically asked for Shoofly pie. We looked that up. Shoofly pie has nothing to do with apples, but it does look delicious so thanks for that suggestion!
We’re not surprised that crisp won out over pie. The latter involves preparing pie crust; waiting while it chills, rolling it out, getting frustrated if it breaks apart. A great pie is worth all of this! But, when you want a fantastic apple dessert without much fuss, our easy apple crisp is the recipe you want to reach for. Try it once and we’re pretty sure you will make it again, and again, and again.
Helpful hints
What is the difference between a crisp, a crumble and a cobbler?
Great question! First, they are all desserts, and they are all wonderful! Here is a brief lesson on crisp vs. crumble vs. cobbler:
- A crisp is a fruit dessert which is topped with a combination of flour, oats, sugar and butter. The crust can also contain nuts sometimes. The topping completely (or nearly completely) covers the fruit and the entire thing is baked.
- A crumble is almost identical to a crisp except that it does not contain oats in the topping.
- A cobbler is another baked fruit dessert. The topping here however is almost like a biscuit and it is dropped or spooned onto the fruit, giving it a cobbled appearance.
What apple variety is best to use in apple crisp?
Honestly, we think that the best apples to use are the ones you have. We have made our easy apple crisp with all sorts of apples, and combinations of apples. In all of our research (the things we do Mia Kouppa!) we have never made an apple crisp that hasn’t been devoured with gusto.
Can apple crisp be made ahead of time?
It sure can! To make dessert even easier, you can assemble your apple crisp, keep it in the refrigerator and bake it about an hour before serving. We love to do this when we have guests; as dinner is winding down we pop our apple crisp into the oven and enjoy the lovely smells coming out of the kitchen. And then, when it’s time for dessert it will be fresh out of the oven!
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Easy apple crisp
Equipment
- 9 inch pie plate
- Pastry cutter, optional
Ingredients
For the filling
- 7 medium size apples see Recipe Note
- 2 tbsp (25 grams) sugar
- 1 tsp (3 grams) ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice freshly squeezed
For the topping
- 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar
- ¾ cup (75 grams) oats we prefer large cut oats
- ¾ cup (110 grams) all purpose flour
- 1 tsp (3 grams) ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp (5 grams) unsalted butter, softened for greasing the pie plate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare your pie plate by spreading 1 tsp of butter across the bottom and up the sides. Set aside.1 tsp (5 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- Wash, peel and core your apples. Cut them into chunks about ½ inch wide and transfer them to a bowl. You don't have to worry about having your apple pieces uniform in shape or size.7 medium size apples
- Toss your apples with the sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Transfer your apple mixture to your prepared pie plate.2 tbsp (25 grams) sugar, 1 tsp (3 grams) ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
Prepare the topping
- In a medium size bowl combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon and salt. Whisk to combine.1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, ¾ cup (75 grams) oats, ¾ cup (110 grams) all purpose flour, 1 tsp (3 grams) ground cinnamon, ½ tsp salt
- Break the softened butter up in pieces and add it to the bowl.½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix in the butter until it is thoroughly combined with the dry ingredients in the bowl. Your final texture should look like pea-sized clumps of dry ingredients.
- Using your hands transfer the topping to your pie plate and spread it evenly so that all of your apples are covered. Press down with your hand to make a compact topping. If you like, take some extra butter and dot the top of your crust with it.
- Bake in the middle rack of your oven for 50 – 60 minutes until your filing is bubbling and your crust is golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Apple crisp is best served warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy!
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