This Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp is a warm treat packed with sweet, juicy apples and a crunchy topping. Drizzled with a tasty apple cider glaze, it’s a perfect fall dessert!
The aroma of baking apples fills the kitchen, and honestly, who can resist that? I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix is best! Tart Granny Smith complements the sweet Fuji or Gala. If you can’t find these, Honeycrisp or Braeburn are great alternatives too, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Apple cider: For the glaze and filling, fresh apple cider enhances flavor. If unavailable, apple juice can work, but it will be sweeter. Try to use one with no added sugars for a more authentic taste.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but they might turn mushy. If you’re gluten-free, opt for certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s melted.
How Can I Get the Perfect Apple Filling?
Getting the apple filling just right is key to a great crisp. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy. Here’s how:
- Mix the apple slices with the apple cider and lemon juice first; this helps them stay fresh.
- Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Don’t skip the flour in the filling—it thickens the juices, creating a delicious sauce.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; each oven can vary. Look for that bubbling goodness!
What’s the Best Way to Make the Crisp Topping?
The crisp topping should be both crunchy and crumbly. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Mix dry ingredients first before adding melted butter. This distributes the brown sugar and oats evenly.
- With a fork or your fingers, combine the butter into the dry mix gently until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Don’t pack it down too hard when layering on top, as this keeps it crumbly during baking.
Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 large apples (a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep, followed by 40-45 minutes of baking. It’s a wonderful dessert that you can prepare quickly and enjoy warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream on top. Indulging in this sweet, cozy treat should be on your list this season!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Apple Crisp bakes evenly. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with apple cider, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, all-purpose flour, and lemon juice. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the apples are well-coated. Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Once combined, pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. This will give you the perfect crisp topping!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Don’t worry about it being perfect; an uneven topping often results in extra crispy bits!
5. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the apple filling to bubble up around the edges—this means it’s nearly ready!
6. Make the Apple Cider Glaze:
While your crisp is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once reduced, remove it from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth. If the glaze seems too thick, add a teaspoon of additional cider to thin it out a bit.
7. Serve:
Once the Apple Crisp is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and drizzle the apple cider glaze over everything. Enjoy the delightful, comforting flavors of this seasonal treat!
Indulge in this cozy dessert at your next gathering or as a perfect treat for a chilly evening at home. It’s bound to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji or Gala is ideal, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or any apples you enjoy. Just aim for a balance of sweet and tart for the best flavor!
What if I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If apple cider isn’t available, you can substitute it with apple juice. Keep in mind that apple juice is generally sweeter, so you may want to reduce the granulated sugar slightly.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and crisp topping ahead of time. Keep them separate in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them and pop them in the oven. The baking time may be a minute or two longer if they start off cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. It’s delightful warmed up!
