This warm Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp features tender apples baked with a crunchy topping. It has a sweet glaze that adds extra happiness in every bite!
It’s perfect for cozy days, and who can resist that yummy smell? I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top—trust me, it’s like a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji or Gala works wonders. If you want a different flavor, try Honeycrisp or Braeburn. They all bring something special to your crisp!
Apple Cider: If you don’t have apple cider, you can use unsweetened apple juice. A splash of vinegar can mimic that tangy cider flavor too.
Brown Sugar: I love using light brown sugar for its softer flavor. Dark brown sugar can be a delicious substitute for a more intense caramel taste.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a great texture. Quick oats can work, but they may make the topping a bit smoother. Gluten-free oats are a good option for gluten-sensitive folks!
How Do I Get the Perfect Apple Crisp Topping?
The topping is essential for a yummy apple crisp. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Ensure your butter is cold; this helps create a crumbly texture when combined.
- Mix the topping ingredients until they look like coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork the butter—clumps are great!
- Evenly spread the topping over the apples to ensure every bite has a crunch.
Letting the crisp cool slightly after baking helps the filling set a bit, making it easier to serve. Top it off with ice cream for a delightful treat!
Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 large apples (a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji or Gala)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
For Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp will take you about 20 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to bake it for 45-50 minutes. So, you can expect about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to keep the crisp from sticking.
2. Preparing the Apples:
Next, peel, core, and slice your apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. You want them to be thin enough to cook well but thick enough to keep their shape. This is where the magic begins!
3. Mixing the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with the apple cider, lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Set this mixture aside to marinate while you whip up the topping.
4. Making the Topping:
In another bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, packed brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and salt. This is where we’ll create that delicious crunchy topping. Now, cut the cold butter pieces into the oat mixture using your hands, a pastry cutter, or a fork. Keep mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have some bigger chunks—that’s what adds to the texture!
5. Assembly Time:
Pour the apple mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle that yummy oat topping generously over the apples, making sure it covers everything nicely.
6. Baking:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re waiting for the topping to turn golden brown and the apples to get tender and bubbly—ahhh, the scent is going to be irresistible!
7. Final Touches:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes before you dig in. This little wait will help everything set up beautifully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your apple crisp warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Enjoy every delicious bite of this comforting dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can mix and match apples according to your taste. Besides Granny Smith and Fuji, try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Cortland for a variety of flavors and textures!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
No worries! You can substitute apple cider with unsweetened apple juice. For a similar tanginess, add a splash of vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) for extra flavor.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are gluten-free as well. The crisp will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings for convenience.