This Brown Butter Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that features sweet apples topped with a crunchy, buttery oat mixture. The nutty flavor from the brown butter makes it extra special!
There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. I love to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect combo. What’s not to love? 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, I suggest using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape when baking. If you can’t find these, any firm variety will do, but avoid apples that become mushy.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient brightens the apple flavor. If you’re out, you can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Just use a little less since it’s more potent.
Granulated Sugar: While the recipe calls for granulated sugar, you can replace it with coconut sugar or maple sugar if you’re aiming for a different flavor profile.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a bit of caramel flavor. You can use dark brown sugar for a richer taste or white sugar if that’s all you have!
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content, but in a pinch, salted butter works fine. Just skip the added salt in the recipe if you go this route.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brown Butter for My Crisp?
Making brown butter is a key step in this recipe, giving your crisp a lovely nutty flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Swirl the pan gently as the butter melts; this helps prevent burning.
- Watch for the butter to foam and turn a golden brown color, about 4-5 minutes. The nutty smell is what you’re aiming for!
- As soon as it reaches that rich color, remove it from the heat to avoid burning.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious brown butter apple crisp that’ll impress your family or guests! Enjoy the baking!
Brown Butter Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups apples (about 4 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Brown Butter Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 to 45 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dessert in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Apples:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re well coated. Once mixed, pour the apple mixture evenly into a greased 8-inch square baking dish or similar size.
2. Make the Brown Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it and swirl the pan occasionally. You’ll want the butter to foam and turn a golden brown color, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. When it smells nutty and looks golden, remove it from heat immediately to prevent burning!
3. Combine the Topping Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Pour the browned butter over this mixture and stir until everything is well combined and the mixture forms a crumbly topping.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Now it’s time to sprinkle that delicious brown butter oat topping evenly over the apples in your baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out and let it cool for just a few minutes. Serve your warm Brown Butter Apple Crisp topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like, and enjoy this warm dessert that captures all the fall flavors!
This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends—everyone will love the cozy flavors of this crisp!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples are classic, you can mix in or substitute other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be gluten-free as well!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prepare the filling and topping in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before baking. It may take an extra few minutes in the oven if the filling is cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.