This Almond Apple Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert that features juicy apples topped with a crunchy almond blend. It’s sweet, nutty, and oh-so-comforting!
I love how the smell of apples baking fills the kitchen. Plus, it’s great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—what’s not to love about that combo? 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are both great choices for their tartness and firmness. If you can’t find these, any crisp variety like Fuji or Braeburn can work, just aim for a mix of tart and sweet for the best flavor.
Lemon Juice: This helps brighten the flavors and keeps the apples from browning. If you’re out, you can use vinegar or skip it, but I really recommend it for that fresh zing!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create perfect texture. If you need a gluten-free option, choose certified gluten-free oats instead. Quick oats will work too, but may result in a softer topping.
Almonds: For a nut-free version, you can swap the almonds with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They still add that satisfying crunch without the nuts!
Butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just make sure it’s cold to get that perfect crumb topping!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumb Topping?
The crumb topping is what makes this dessert truly delicious, so it’s important to get it right! Start by mixing the dry ingredients together before adding the cold butter. Here’s how to do it:
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, sugars, and sliced almonds.
- Cut in your cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms small, crumbly pieces. Aim for pea-sized pieces!
- This method keeps your topping nice and crunchy once baked, which contrasts beautifully with the soft apples below.
How to Make Almond Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped whole almonds (optional for extra crunch)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Almond Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour. The result is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on a cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9-inch pie dish (or similar baking dish) lightly with grease to help avoid sticking.
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, take those freshly sliced apples and drizzle them with lemon juice—this keeps them from browning. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then mix everything together until the apples are nicely coated.
3. Spread the Apples:
Transfer your delicious apple mixture to the prepared baking dish. Make sure the apples are spread evenly at the bottom so they cook nicely.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and sliced almonds. If you’re using chopped whole almonds, toss those in too! Then, add the cold butter pieces and mix it well using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Don’t hold back on the topping—it’s one of the best parts!
6. Bake It!
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbly apple filling as signs that it’s done.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly—just a few minutes will do. It’s best served warm, especially with a lovely scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Enjoy your homemade Almond Apple Crisp!
This delightful combination of tender apples and crunchy almond topping makes for a warm and satisfying dessert that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn. A mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the flavor!
Can I Make This Almond Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free as well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings as needed!
Can I Freeze Almond Apple Crisp?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked almond apple crisp. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake it from frozen but add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time for the best results.
