Deep Dish Apple Crisp

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similarly sized) deep dish baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or chunks. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. The lemon juice helps brighten the flavor and prevents the apples from browning. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the apples cook, resulting in a thick, gooey filling.

Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

2. Make the Crisp Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you prefer a chunkier topping, leave a few larger pieces of butter intact. For a nutty crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.

Evenly spread the crisp topping over the apple filling in the baking dish, covering the apples completely.

3. Bake the Apple Crisp:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and soft. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the apples are tender.

Once done, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The longer it sits, the thicker the filling will become, but if you’re like most people, you’ll want to dive in while it’s still warm!

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your deep dish apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. It’s also delicious on its own, letting the perfect balance of sweet apples and crunchy topping shine through.

Tips for the Best Deep Dish Apple Crisp

• Choosing Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith apples add tartness and hold up well in baking, while a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji will balance out the tanginess.
• Customize the Topping: Want a more crumbly topping? Use more butter. Prefer a crunchier texture? Add more oats or some chopped nuts to the mix.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this dessert gluten-free. Ensure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.
• Add Spices: For extra flavor, you can experiment with spices like ground ginger, cardamom, or cloves. A little vanilla extract added to the apple mixture can also enhance the flavor.
• Use a Larger Dish for a Thinner Crisp: If you want to make a bigger batch or a thinner, crispier topping, feel free to use a larger dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a little less time in the oven if the dish is spread out more.

Why This Deep Dish Apple Crisp Will Become Your Go-To Dessert

1. Comforting and Warm: The tender apples, cinnamon, and buttery topping create the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for any season but especially autumn.
2. Simple and Quick: It’s incredibly easy to put together, with minimal prep work. No need for complicated steps or ingredients—just a few simple components that come together beautifully.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to please a crowd. The deep dish allows for generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or gatherings with friends.
4. Versatile: Whether you prefer a classic recipe or want to add a little twist with different fruits or toppings, this apple crisp is incredibly adaptable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, Deep Dish Apple Crisp is the answer. The combination of sweet, cinnamon-scented apples and a crispy, buttery oat topping is always a winning formula. It’s a dessert that feels both homemade and indulgent, perfect for celebrating the simple pleasures of life—especially with a scoop of ice cream on top.

So grab your apples, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight indulgence or a special occasion dessert, this deep dish apple crisp is sure to become a family favorite.