Tender, buttery, and packed with a deliciously spiced apple mix, a homemade apple crisp makes the perfect dessert for cold days or for impressing friends and family.
Cut the chilled butter into small cubes (reserve one small cube to grease the baking dish). Add the butter to a bowl with the remaining topping ingredients (oats, brown sugar, flour, and half the cinnamon). Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine the ingredients until they resemble a crumb consistency. Set aside.
Rinse, dry, and peel the apples. Using a sharp knife, mandolin, or an apple slicer, slice the apples into thin, even slices around 1/5-1/4 inch wide. If you cut thicker slices, they’ll remain firmer when baked. However, cut them too thin, and they risk losing their shape/becoming mushy.
Transfer the apple slices to a large bowl with the white sugar, the rest of the cinnamon, and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
Grease your baking dish with a bit of butter (8×8 inch or 9.5×6.5 inch).Transfer the apple mixture to the buttered baking dish, add the water (or apple juice), and sprinkle the streusel topping over so the apples are completely covered.
Bake the apple crumble in the oven at 350ºF/175ºC for 40-50 minutes, until the fruit is tender and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Remove the apple crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes (for the filling to thicken) before serving. Enjoy!Optional: For a more caramelized topping, sprinkle the streusel topping with extra sugar and return to the oven to broil for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Notes
Use cold butter: For the best streusel consistency and texture.
Slice the apples evenly: This is important to ensure they’re cooking at an even pace.
If the topping is browning too quickly: Use foil to loosely tent over the top of the apple crumble while it finishes baking.
What apples to use? It's best to use firm and crisp baking apples. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Golden Delicious are great choices if you want a sweeter apple crisp. Granny Smith and Braeburn will give your dessert a tart flavor.How To Serve: Serve hot with ice cream and caramel sauce, whipped cream (or a vegan alternative), or English-style custard. How To Store: Allow it to cool, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It'll keep for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.How to freeze: Allow it to cool completely then freeze in portions or all together in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350ºF/175ºC or in the air fryer for several minutes.