Cozy Deep Dish Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Evenings

Warm aromas of cinnamon and baked apples fill the kitchen when you make this deep dish apple crisp that promises comfort in every bite.

Layers of sweet, tender apples nestle beneath a golden, crispy topping that crackles with each spoonful.

The buttery, oat-studded crumble creates a perfect contrast to the soft, spiced fruit beneath.

Fresh, ripe apples from local orchards make this dessert sing with seasonal flavor.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and warm, nostalgic notes that transport you to cozy autumn afternoons.

This classic dessert combines simple ingredients with a touch of magic, turning ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Get ready to savor a classic dessert that celebrates the pure joy of baking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45-50 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 9

Deep Dish Apple Crisp Ingredient Details

• All-Purpose Flour: Builds the sturdy foundation for a flaky, tender crust with perfect texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control gluten development for a more delicate pastry.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, buttery layers and ensures precise flavor control in the crust.
• Ice Water: Binds ingredients together while keeping the dough cool for maximum flakiness.

• Granny Smith Apples, Honeycrisp Apples: Provides a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a firm texture that holds up during baking.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness while helping to create a luscious, glossy filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the apple juices and prevents a watery filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples beautifully.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle, sophisticated depth to the apple mixture.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Creates a crunchy, textured topping with a satisfying bite.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers rich caramel undertones and helps the topping become golden and crisp.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the topping ingredients and provides a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Ground Cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice notes throughout the dessert.

Baking Tools for Deep Dish Apple Crisp

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and preparing different components.
• Pie dish: Deep-sided dish perfect for holding the apple crisp filling and crust.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the pie crust to the right thickness and shape.
• Pastry cutter or fork: Needed to blend butter into flour for the perfect pie crust texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for slicing apples evenly and precisely.
• Baking spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing and spreading ingredients.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dishes.

Apple Crisp Instructions for a Perfect Finish

Rustic Apple Comfort

• Dough Foundation

Craft a tender pastry base using cold butter, flour, and a splash of icy water. Knead gently and let the dough rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and texture to relax.

• Apple Symphony

Select ripe, crisp apples and slice them with care. Toss the fruit with warm spices that dance together – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of sugar. Let the apples marinate and absorb the sweet essence.

• Crispy Crown

Blend rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter into a crumbly topping that promises a satisfying crunch. This golden layer will transform your dessert into a rustic masterpiece.

• Oven Magic

Nestle the apple mixture into your prepared crust, then generously shower the crispy topping across the surface. Bake in a warm oven until the edges bubble and the top turns a rich, caramel brown.

• Comfort Serving

Allow the crisp to cool slightly, letting the flavors settle. Serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a harmony of temperatures and textures that comforts the soul.

Helpful Tips for Deep Dish Apple Crisp

• Apple Crisp Magic Boosters
• Fruit Flexibility: Swap apples with pears, peaches, or mixed berries for a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Each fruit brings its unique flavor profile and texture to the dessert.
• Nutty Crunch Enhancement: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts into the crisp topping for an extra layer of crunch and rich, toasted flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice to create a more complex and intriguing flavor depth that dances on your taste buds.
• Texture Trick: For an ultra-crispy topping, spread the crumble mixture thinly and press it gently into the fruit to ensure maximum golden-brown crunchiness when baked.

Presentation and Pairing Ideas for Deep Dish Apple Crisp

• Sweet Vanilla Companion: Crown each slice with a luxurious scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, letting the cold creaminess melt into the warm, spiced apple crisp for a heavenly temperature contrast.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Elevate the dessert by gracefully pouring rich, golden caramel sauce over the crispy topping, adding a decadent layer of sweetness that complements the tart apples.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch and nutty depth that enhances the crisp's texture and introduces a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Whipped Cream Comfort: Add a soft, billowy dollop of fresh whipped cream alongside the slice, creating a light and airy counterpoint to the dense, spiced apple filling.

Apple Crisp Storage and Prep Advice

• Smart Slice Strategy: Cut the apple crisp into individual portions before refrigerating to make reheating and serving easier throughout the week.
• Chilled Delight Duration: Store the dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
• Quick Warm-Up Method: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that fresh-baked crispness.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap the cooled apple crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, and refresh the topping's crunch by briefly warming in the oven.

Heavenly Deep Dish Apple Crisp Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Midwestern comfort shines through this deep dish apple crisp with layers of caramelized local apples nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly oat topping. Homemade warmth fills each spoonful, inviting you to savor classic seasonal flavors straight from grandma’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1 ½ cups (192 grams) all-purpose flour (for pie crust)
• ¾ cup (96 grams) all-purpose flour (for topping)
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ¾ cup (150 grams) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed (for pie crust)
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 4–5 tbsps ice water
• 2 tbsps (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt (for pie crust)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt (for filling)

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend flour and salt, then integrate chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse sand. Incorporate ice water and knead gently to form a cohesive dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 60 minutes to relax gluten and solidify butter.
2. Apple Filling Creation: Thinly slice crisp apples and combine with granulated and brown sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure thorough coating of each apple slice with the sweet, aromatic mixture.
3. Pie Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out chilled pastry and carefully line a deep ceramic pie dish, pressing to eliminate air pockets. Transfer seasoned apple mixture into the crust, distributing evenly.
4. Crisp Topping Development: Blend flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until a crumbly texture forms. Generously sprinkle the topping over the apple filling, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping turns golden-brown and fruit filling bubbles. Allow to cool briefly, letting flavors meld and filling set. Present warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a soft dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Butter Chilling Technique: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky, tender pie crust. Cut butter into small cubes and freeze for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure optimal texture.
• Dough Handling Tip: Minimal handling prevents tough crust development. Work quickly and gently when incorporating water to maintain delicate, light pastry structure.
• Apple Selection Strategy: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide balanced sweetness.
• Topping Crispness Secret: Ensure crumble topping stays crunchy by avoiding overmixing and sprinkling evenly across the pie surface for consistent golden-brown results.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg