Cinnamon & Vanilla Apple Crisp
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic with this cinnamon and vanilla apple crisp recipe, perfect for cozy gatherings and fall festivities!
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Pastry Cutter
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup oats (old-fashioned)
- 3/4 cup flour (all-purpose)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted, cold and cubed)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (ground)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350°FBegin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This important step guarantees your Cinnamon & Vanilla Apple Crisp bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown topping.But why this specific temperature? It's the sweet spot for desserts like apple crisp, allowing the apples to soften while the topping crisps up beautifully.While your oven's heating up, here are some baking tips to think about: Have you checked your oven's accuracy lately? An oven thermometer can be a game-changer, making sure you're always at the right temperature.Remember, every oven's different, so you might need to adjust slightly. If you're using a convection oven, you'll want to reduce the temperature by about 25°F.And don't forget about oven placement! The middle rack is usually your best bet for even heat distribution.As you wait for the oven to reach the ideal temperature, why not start preparing your ingredients? This way, you'll be ready to assemble your apple crisp as soon as the oven's good to go.
- Prepare Apple Filling MixtureWith the oven preheating, it's time to turn our attention to the star of the show: the apple filling. You'll want to choose a mix of apple varieties to create a perfect flavor balance. Why not try combining tart Granny Smiths with sweet Honeycrisps? This combo will give you a delightful contrast that'll make your taste buds dance.Now, let's get those apples ready. Grab your peeler and get to work! Once you've peeled, cored, and sliced your apples, toss them into a large bowl.It's time to add some magic. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Don't be shy with the cinnamon – it's what gives this dessert its signature warmth. As you mix everything together, take a moment to inhale that heavenly aroma. Doesn't it smell like autumn in a bowl?Once your apples are evenly coated, transfer the mixture to your baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring each apple slice gets its moment in the spotlight.Ready for the next step?
- Prepare Oat Topping MixtureThe oat topping is the crowning glory of your apple crisp. It's what gives this dessert its signature texture contrast and irresistible crunch. To create this delectable layer, you'll need to combine a few simple ingredients.Start by mixing your old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. These dry ingredients form the base of your topping, but it's the next step that truly brings it to life.Now, here's where the magic happens. Take your cold, cubed butter and add it to the mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients. As you do this, you'll notice the mixture starting to resemble coarse crumbs. This is exactly what you want!The butter will create pockets of richness throughout the topping, resulting in a perfectly crisp and golden-brown crust when baked. Remember, the key to a great oat topping is achieving the right texture.Want to take it up a notch? Try adding some chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Assemble in Baking DishNow that you've prepared the oat topping, it's time to assemble your apple crisp in the baking dish. Grab your 9x13-inch baking dish and start layering those delicious apple slices.Remember, the key to a perfect apple crisp lies in choosing the right apple varieties. Why not mix it up with a combination of tart Granny Smiths and sweet Honeycrisps? This balance of flavors will make your taste buds dance!As you layer the apples, don't forget to sprinkle them with the cinnamon-sugar mixture you've prepared. This is where the magic happens!Once you've added all your apples, it's time to showcase your baking techniques. Gently spread the oat topping over the apples, making certain to cover every inch.Want to add a little extra crunch? Try sprinkling some chopped pecans on top.Now, here's a pro tip: cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking. This will guarantee your apples cook evenly without burning the topping.Are you ready to pop it in the oven and fill your kitchen with that irresistible apple-cinnamon aroma?
- Bake Until Golden BrownSlide your assembled apple crisp into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.Keep an eye on your crisp, as baking times can vary depending on your oven's quirks. You're looking for that perfect golden-brown topping, which usually takes about 40-45 minutes. Want to experiment with topping variations? Try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coconut for extra crunch and flavor.Halfway through baking, rotate the dish to guarantee even browning. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, don't panic! Simply cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.How do you know when it's done? The topping should be crisp and golden, and the apple filling will be bubbling around the edges. Still unsure? Stick a knife into the center – the apples should be tender but not mushy.
Nutrition
Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 229mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 5gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 534IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg