Easy Apple Crunch Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Dessert
This easy apple crunch recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's a classic dessert that's both comforting and satisfying, and best of all, it's incredibly simple to make! This recipe focuses on fresh, seasonal apples for maximum flavor, but feel free to experiment with different varieties.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert.
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great!), peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This apple crunch recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your apple crunch bakes evenly.
- Combine the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.
Making the Crumble Topping:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cut butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix!
Assembling and Baking the Apple Crunch:
- Pour the apple filling into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The baking time might vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it!
- Let cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for the Best Apple Crunch:
- Use a mix of apple varieties: Combining tart and sweet apples creates a more complex flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: This will result in a tough topping.
- Let it cool slightly before serving: This helps the filling set and prevents a messy serving experience.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This elevates the dessert to the next level!
Variations and Substitutions:
- Add a touch of lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the apple filling.
- Use different nuts: Try almonds, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds instead of pecans or walnuts.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and oats.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for a warm, comforting twist.
This easy apple crunch recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
