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Autumn Apple Crisp

Ah – it’s that time of year. Trips to the apple orchards, pumpkin patches, cozy soup nights at home with the fam. Something about the fall season brings on some baking, too. 

One of my favorite dishes during this time of year, and after a trip to an apple orchard to pick out some fresh ones, is a homemade apple crisp. The freshness & flavor of fall apples from your local orchard can help enhance the taste and reflect the season’s produce selection.  

Apple crisp is considered the perfect fall dish for several reasons:

• Warm and Comforting: Fall brings cooler temperatures, and apple crisp, served warm, provides a comforting and cozy feeling. The combination of baked apples and a crisp topping creates a dessert that’s both heartwarming and satisfying.
• Aromatic Spices: Fall is associated with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which pair perfectly with apples. The aroma of these spices while the apple crisp is baking fills your kitchen with a delightful fragrance that’s characteristic of the season.
• Versatile: Apple crisp can be easily adapted to accommodate other seasonal ingredients such as cranberries, pears, or even pumpkin. You can add nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor, making it a versatile dish to suit your taste.
• Nostalgia: Apple crisp often evokes feelings of nostalgia, as it’s a classic fall dessert that many people have enjoyed throughout their lives. Preparing and eating apple crisp can bring back fond memories of family gatherings and autumn traditions.
• Perfect with Ice Cream: The warm apple crisp pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of hot and cold, sweet and slightly tangy, which makes it even more delightful in the fall.

For all these reasons, apple crisp is a beloved fall dessert that captures the essence of the season and is a delightful treat for both family gatherings and quiet evenings by the fireplace.

Our Homemade Apple Crisp is a straightforward and forgiving recipe, making it accessible for home bakers, even if you’re not an experienced cook. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to prepare a homemade dessert without a lot of fuss. 

Ingredients

For the Apple Layer

• 5-7 large Harrelson apples, peeled and sliced approximately 1/3″ thick
• 1/2 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Crisp Topping

• 1 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups oats
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Pre-Heat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking pan or lightly coat it with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Mix your Apple Layer

In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.

Create your Apple Crisp

For the crisp topping, place the cold, cubed butter, flour, light brown sugar, oats, and salt in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, ensuring an even layer. Optionally, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top.

Time to Bake

Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the crisp topping is lightly browned, and the apples are bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy

Allow the apple crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. Enjoy!

We hope that this recipe finds its way to your table this fall season, and that you’re able to support your local apple orchard in creating such a delicious treat! 

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