Deep Dish Apple Crisp: A Classic Comfort Dessert
Introduction: The Ultimate Deep Dish Apple Crisp
Nothing says comfort food like a warm deep dish apple crisp fresh out of the oven. This classic dessert features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked under a golden, buttery oat topping. Served with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, this dessert is perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you crave something sweet and satisfying.
Unlike traditional apple crisp, a deep dish version packs even more apples and extra layers of crisp topping, making it rich, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. Ready to learn how to make this perfect apple dessert? Let’s get started!
—
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Apple Crisp
✔ Extra Apple Filling: More fruit for a juicier, more flavorful dessert.
✔ Thick, Buttery Crisp Topping: The perfect balance of crunchy oats and warm spices.
✔ Easy to Make: No pie crust required—just mix, layer, and bake!
✔ Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy family nights.
—
Ingredients for Deep Dish Apple Crisp
Apple Filling:
6-7 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour (to thicken the filling)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
—
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a deep-dish baking pan (9×13 inches or deep pie dish) with butter.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
Mix until the apples are well coated and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly.
If using chopped pecans or walnuts, fold them into the topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crisp
Pour the apple mixture into the greased baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples, making sure to cover them completely.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Let the crisp cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Top with vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream.
—
Best Apples for Apple Crisp
The secret to a perfect apple crisp is using the right apples. Here are some great options:
🍏 Granny Smith: Tart and firm, holds its shape well.
🍎 Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and juicy.
🍏 Fuji: Naturally sweet with a firm texture.
🍎 Braeburn: A mix of tart and sweet flavors.
Pro Tip: Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for a more complex flavor.
—
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
✔ Use cold apples: Keeps the filling from becoming mushy.
✔ Don’t skimp on the topping: A thick layer of crisp adds texture.
✔ Let it rest before serving: This helps the flavors meld together.
✔ Add extra crunch: Mix chopped nuts into the topping.
—
Variations & Add-Ons
🌰 Nutty Apple Crisp – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the topping.
🍐 Apple-Pear Crisp – Swap half of the apples for sliced pears.
🍯 Maple Apple Crisp – Replace some sugar with maple syrup for extra depth.
🥧 Caramel Apple Crisp – Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
🍫 Chocolate Apple Crisp – Add chocolate chips to the oat topping for a twist.
—
How to Store and Reheat Apple Crisp
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
To freeze before baking, assemble the crisp, cover tightly, and freeze.
To freeze after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it well.
Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
—
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned oats because they add texture. Instant oats can make the topping mushy.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
3. What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
Both have a baked fruit base, but a crisp has an oat-based topping, while a crumble has a more buttery, streusel-like topping.
—
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Cozy Dessert
This Deep Dish Apple Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert, loaded with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery oat topping. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or a cozy night in, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, are you ready to make the best apple crisp ever? Try it today, and don’t forget to share your results! 🍏🍂
