Deep Dish Apple Crisp: A Cozy, Easy-to-Make Dessert - Recipes Website

Deep Dish Apple Crisp: A Cozy, Easy-to-Make Dessert

Ingredients

For the apples:

  • Enough peeled and sliced apples to cover the bottom of an 8-inch deep dish pie plate (approximately 4 to 5 medium-sized apples; Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples work great)

For the topping:

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (reserve 1/4 cup)

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you assemble your dessert.

  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly. Spread them in a single layer across the bottom of your 8-inch deep dish pie plate. The layer should be thick enough to give you a generous apple base in every bite.

  3. Add Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix the reserved 1/4 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the apples. This step adds a fragrant, warm spice that complements the natural tartness of the apples.

  4. Make the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are just combined into a smooth batter. This topping is more cake-like than a traditional crumb topping.

  5. Assemble the Crisp: Pour the topping mixture evenly over the apples, using a spatula to gently spread it if needed. The batter should cover the apples in a uniform layer.

  6. Bake: Place your pie plate on the middle rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The topping should rise slightly, become firm, and turn a beautiful golden brown.

  7. Cool & Serve: Allow your apple crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the juices thicken slightly, so each slice holds together nicely. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp

  • Apple Variety: Using a combination of tart Granny Smith apples with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp adds depth and complexity to the flavor.

  • Topping Texture: If you prefer a more traditional crumbly crisp topping, try adding 1/2 cup rolled oats and 1/4 cup brown sugar to the flour mixture, and reduce the flour to 3/4 cup.

  • Add Nuts: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.

  • Spices: Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a richer aroma.

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare this dessert a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Deep Dish Apple Crisp recipe is an easy way to satisfy your apple dessert cravings without the fuss of pie crusts. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight treat or a cozy weekend gathering, it’s sure to bring warmth and smiles to the table. Don’t forget to share this delicious dish with family and friends — nothing beats enjoying a homemade dessert together!