Apple Crisp Ina Garten is a warm, comforting dessert that perfectly represents the essence of autumn. This particular recipe, inspired by Ina Garten, features tender, sweet-tart apples topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s an irresistible combination that fills your home with a delightful aroma while creating a cozy atmosphere. Whether served at a family gathering or as a simple weeknight treat, this apple crisp is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this apple crisp recipe for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The blend of sweet and tart apples creates a juicy filling that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy topping. It’s an uncomplicated dessert that comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned bakers. Plus, it fits into various lifestyles; it’s vegetarian-friendly and can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets. Whip it up for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion, and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will yield the best flavor.
- Oat topping: For a truly crunchy topping, use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. This adds texture and keeps the crisp from becoming soggy.
- Chill the butter: When preparing the topping, make sure your butter is cold. This will help create a flakier texture when baked.
- Add spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple filling elevates the flavor and adds warmth to the dish.
- Serve warm: For the best experience, serve your apple crisp warm out of the oven, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top!
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the apple filling and topping a day in advance. Store the apple mixture in the fridge and keep the topping in a separate container at room temperature. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble them in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. This can save you time on busy days and help you serve a delicious dessert with minimal effort.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty topping: Add some chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch. Pecans or walnuts work beautifully.
- Different fruits: Try adding other fruits like pears or berries for a twist on the classic apple crisp.
- Flavored oats: Mix in some spices or even a bit of granola into the oat topping for added flavor.
- Coconut crisp: Substitute some of the oats with shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
How to Serve
Serve your apple crisp warm in individual bowls, allowing the crispy topping to contrast with the tender apples below. Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a pop of color and extra flavor. You can also serve it directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your apple crisp with a chilled glass of sweet white wine, like a Riesling, or a warm cup of spiced chai tea to enhance the autumn flavors. If you’re looking for something a bit stronger, a caramel apple cocktail would complement the dessert wonderfully. For side dishes, consider serving some cheese and crackers or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store your apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, cover the cooled crisp tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; it will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a few minutes if frozen.
Equipment Needed
You will need a 9-inch square baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. A mixing bowl for combining the ingredients and a sharp knife for slicing the apples are essential. If you have a pastry cutter, it will make preparing the topping a breeze, but you can also use your hands to mix the ingredients.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this apple crisp vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free oats and a certified gluten-free flour in the topping. If nut allergies are a concern, simply omit any nuts from the recipe or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, use a mix of fresh apples like Granny Smith and Jonagold for the best flavor. In the spring and summer, consider adding berries to the apple mixture for a refreshing twist. During winter, you could spice it up with citrus zest or dried fruit like cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen apples? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before baking to prevent a watery filling.
- What can I substitute for oats? If oats are not suitable, you can use crushed graham crackers or a gluten-free cereal.
- How do I know when it’s done? The top should be golden brown, and the apples should be bubbling at the edges.
- Can I add caramel sauce? Absolutely! Drizzling caramel sauce over the top before serving adds a delicious twist.
Apple Crisp Ina Garten
Apple Crisp Ina Garten is a warm, comforting dessert that perfectly represents the essence of autumn.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt together.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the oat mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 428Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 31mgSodium 77mgCarbohydrates 79gFiber 4gSugar 56gProtein 3g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making this apple crisp inspired by Ina Garten is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its warm, comforting qualities and simple preparation, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a homemade treat that is as delicious as it is nostalgic!