The BEST EVER Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is an old fashioned comfort dessert.

When fall approaches and apples are at their peak, apple crisp seems to be the perfect dessert.  Anyone that knows me well knows that I have a HUGE sweet tooth.  Dessert is a must at my house!

A Dessert During The Great Depression

Have you ever thought about when and why apple crisp became popular?  I wondered if this dessert was popular during the Great Depression when times were tough. So, I had to do a little research.  

According to Wikipedia, apple crisp became popular during World War II when pastry ingredients became limited due to food rationing.  It reminds me of when flour and yeast were near impossible to purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I was getting pretty creative when baking to find appropriate substitutes that still made my recipes taste delicious.  

As the cost of food continues to increase, families are looking for simple and delicious meals to prepare at home and still remain within their budget.  

Apple crisp fits the bill because it’s an old time favourite. The ingredients are inexpensive and it’s easy to make.  Seriously, who doesn’t LOVE apple crisp?

What kind of apples are best for making apple crisp?

In my opinion, the best type of apples to use to make apple crisp are MacIntosh apples.  Now, in saying that I have used other apples (green apples, Gala apples, etc.) in the past just because that was all I had on hand.  My preference is MacIntosh.  

How do you keep apple crisp topping crispy?

The butter is the secret to keeping the topping crispy.  The butter also helps the topping stick together.  When mixing your topping if you think it appears too dry, just add a wee bit more butter.  

What is apple crisp topping made of?

There are many possibilities when it comes to making the topping for your apple crisp.  I like to keep mine simple and stick to plain old fashioned ingredients.  I use oatmeal, flour, butter and cinnamon.  That’s it!

You can get more creative and add nuts and other ingredients but I like to keep it pretty simple.  I love this topping.  I use it on many other types of crisps.  If you need to use up some rhubarb in your freezer be sure to check out my recipe for ‘Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp’.  It’s another family favourite.  

Ingredients for the filling

• Approximately 6 cups of sliced apples (I use MacIntosh apples – I fill a 8×8 dish so it may be a few more or a few less of sliced apples)
• 1/2 cup white sugar (or substitute for 1/2 cup of maple syrup)
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ingredients for the topping

• 1/4 cup melted butter (plant based butter can be substituted)
• 1/4 brown sugar
• 3/4 cups oatmeal
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. To make the filling: In a large bowl mix sliced apples, flour, sugar and cinnamon. Gently mix until the apples are covered with the mixture.
3. Grease a 8×8 dish with butter. Add the apple mixture to the 8×8 dish and set aside.
4. To make the topping: In a separate bowl add melted butter, brown sugar, oatmeal, flour and cinnamon. Mix until combined. Once combined, gently spread this oatmeal mixture on top of the apple mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-60 minutes or until the top appears golden brown and the apples are soft when a tester is inserted.

We love this apple crisp with either some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!

Comment Below

Are you a dessert person?  What is your favourite dessert?  Comment below.  I would love to hear from you. 

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