This Almond Apple Crisp combines sweet apples and crunchy almond topping for a warming treat. It’s the perfect dessert to bring comfort on chilly nights!
Sometimes I can’t resist sneaking a bite straight from the dish. 🤫 I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a sweet hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices for this crisp. They provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. If you want something different, Fuji or Braeburn apples also work well!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Quick oats can be used, but they won’t offer the same crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Almonds: Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. You could swap them for pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds if you’re looking for a nut-free version!
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is my go-to for sweetness and moisture. You can substitute it with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor or use white sugar in a pinch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the sodium level. If you want a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
How Can You Achieve the Perfect Apple Crisp Texture?
Getting the right texture for your apple crisp is key to its deliciousness. The goal is a bubbly, tender apple filling topped with a crunchy, golden crust. Here are some steps to ensure success:
- Be sure to evenly coat the apple slices with sugar and lemon juice—this enhances their flavor.
- Mix the topping until you see pea-sized pieces of butter; that’s where the crunch comes from!
- Don’t skip the cooling time after baking. It helps the filling set a little as it cools down.
- Always enjoy it warm! It’s when the flavors shine the brightest.
Almond Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Almond Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. Once it’s in the oven, you can relax while it transforms into a warm, fragrant dessert. Enjoy it warm for the best experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9-inch pie dish or a baking dish and lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking. This way, your crisp will come out easily once it’s done!
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until all the apple slices are well-coated. This mix adds sweetness and a little zing! Once mixed, transfer the apple slices evenly into your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, sliced almonds, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s nicely mixed.
4. Combine Butter with the Dry Ingredients:
Add the cold, small pieces of butter to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mix resembles coarse crumbs. You should see both small and bigger pieces of butter—that’s what will make your topping wonderfully crunchy!
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat-almond topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Make sure the apples are well-covered to create a delicious crispy layer on top.
6. Bake Away:
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it and look for a golden brown topping and bubbling apples. When you can pierce the apples with a fork easily, it’s ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set a bit. When you’re ready to indulge, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a real treat!
Enjoy your homemade sweet and crunchy almond-topped apple crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices due to their balanced tartness and sweetness, you can also experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of your favorites for added flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Almonds?
No problem! You can easily substitute sliced almonds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds if you’d like to keep it nut-free. Just make sure to adjust quantities according to your preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy it warm for the best texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan Almond Apple Crisp, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use a plant-based ice cream for serving. Everything else remains the same, and it will still be delicious!