This Almond Apple Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert made with sweet apples and crunchy almond topping. It’s the perfect treat for fall gatherings or any time you want something sweet!
Nothing beats the smell of apples baking in the oven! I love serving this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—doesn’t that sound dreamy? 🍏😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect for this crisp. They’re tart and hold up well when baked. If they’re not available, try Braeburn or Fuji apples for a flavor twist!
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and stops apples from browning. If you’re out, a bit of vinegar can do the trick, though it won’t be as sweet.
Sweeteners: I use half granulated sugar and half brown sugar for depth of flavor. You can swap out granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute to fit dietary needs.
Sliced Almonds: These add a nice crunch! If you want to change things up, use walnuts or pecans. You can also skip nuts if allergies are a concern.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control saltiness. You can replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will vary a bit.
How Do I Make the Perfect Crisp Topping?
Creating the perfect almond oat topping is easy if you follow a few steps. The right texture is key—aim for a mix of crumbly and chunky bits for that delicious crunch!
- Mix oats, sliced almonds, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in one bowl.
- Add cold butter in small cubes. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overwork it—small chunks add to the crunch!
By taking your time to achieve the right texture, your crisp will be delightfully crunchy on top and perfectly soft underneath! Enjoy every bite! 🍏✨
Almond Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Almond Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour, perfect for cozying up while it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, butter or lightly grease your 9-inch pie dish or any baking dish you have on hand. This will help prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice. This not only brightens their flavor but also keeps them from turning brown. Now, add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the apples are beautifully coated.
3. Arrange the Apple Mixture:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. It should look colorful and inviting already!
4. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, sliced almonds, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add your cold butter cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients. Keep working until you see a mix of crumbs—some of it should be a bit chunky, giving that desired crunch!
5. Top It Off:
Evenly sprinkle your oat and almond topping over the apple mixture. This will create a delicious, crunchy layer once baked.
6. Baking Time:
Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
7. Cool and Serve:
When done, take the crisp out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together nicely.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your warm Almond Apple Crisp topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you’d like. The combination of hot crisp and cold ice cream is heavenly!
Enjoy this comforting dessert with its delightful almond topping and sweet, spiced apples! 🍏🥧
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix for added flavor complexity!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Almond 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) until heated through, or you can microwave individual servings.
Can I Use Another Type of Nut for the Topping?
Definitely! If you want a different flavor, try using chopped walnuts or pecans in place of the sliced almonds. You can also omit nuts altogether if you have any allergies!