Description
Sweet autumn whispers weave through this classic Caramel Apple Crisp, marrying tart Granny Smith apples with rich caramel depths. Buttery oat crumble crowns warm spiced fruit, promising comfort in each golden, cinnamon-kissed bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base:
- 6 medium apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform thin wedges, then toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over apple slices, gently mixing to coat evenly, then transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Create caramel sauce by heating sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat without stirring until mixture turns amber, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully whisk heavy cream into caramel, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then add butter, vanilla, and salt, mixing until smooth and glossy.
- Prepare crisp topping by combining flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits.
- Evenly distribute crisp topping over seasoned apple layer, covering completely and pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake in preheated 375°F oven for 40-45 minutes, until topping turns golden brown and apple filling bubbles around edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes to allow filling to set.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over crisp just before serving, ensuring each portion gets a rich coating.
Notes
- Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
- Prevent apple browning by quickly tossing with lemon juice, maintaining fresh appearance and preventing oxidation.
- Create perfect caramel by avoiding stirring and watching color carefully to prevent burning or bitter taste.
- Use cold butter when making crisp topping to achieve flaky, crumbly texture that adds delightful crunch.
- Substitute gluten-free flour for traditional flour to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Reduce sugar content by using tart apples like Granny Smith and adding natural sweeteners like stevia for healthier version.
- Allow crisp to rest after baking so filling sets and becomes less runny, improving overall serving consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 122 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg