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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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