Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Alton Brown Apple Crisp - recipe card

Alton Brown Apple Crisp

  • Author: Anabelle Mclean
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 65
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This apple crisp features a warm, spiced apple filling with a crisp, buttery oat topping. Inspired by Alton Brown’s scientific approach, it balances sweet and tart apples with a hint of cinnamon and a crunchy streusel. Perfect for a cozy dessert, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the filling:
  • 6 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 6 cups)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • For the topping:
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and lemon juice. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula until the apples are evenly coated. The lemon juice prevents browning and brightens the flavor.
  3. Transfer the apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Set aside.
  4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
  5. Add the cold butter cubes to the oat mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when squeezed. Work quickly to keep the butter cold; this ensures a crisp topping.
  6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Do not press down; a loose pile creates a more textured crust.
  7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the juices from the apples bubble up around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burning your mouth.
  9. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  10. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds per serving.

Notes

Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Freezing: Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 46g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 76g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: apple crisp, Alton Brown apple crisp, apple dessert, oat topping, fall dessert, easy apple crisp, homemade apple crisp, cinnamon apple, baked apple dessert, fruit crisp, non-alcoholic dessert, Thanksgiving dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Find it online: https://bellesbestbites.com/alton-brown-apple-crisp-recipe/