This Apple Blueberry Crisp is a warm, sweet treat that perfectly mixes tart apples and juicy blueberries, all topped with a crunchy oat crust. It’s like a hug in a dish!
Nothing beats the smell of this crisp baking in the oven. I usually serve it with a scoop of ice cream on top—because why not make it extra special? 🍏🍇
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor that pairs nicely with the sweet blueberries. If you like sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji are great too. You can also mix different kinds for more depth!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best for flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen work just fine. Just remember to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to the mix.
Sugar: Adjusting the sugar is key based on how sweet the berries and apples are. If you want to cut back on sugar, use a bit of honey or maple syrup instead, but keep in mind, it will alter the flavor a bit.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture for the crisp topping. If you have quick oats, you can use those, but they won’t be as crunchy. Gluten-free oats are perfect for a gluten-free version.
How Do You Get a Crunchy Topping on Your Crisp?
The topping is what makes or breaks a crisp! For a crunchy texture, ensure you combine the butter and dry ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want small bits of butter to stay intact.
- Use cold butter to prevent it from melting too soon, which helps in achieving that nice crunch.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly; it should not be packed down. Let it sit on the fruit so it can bake up crispy!
Lastly, let the crisp cool a bit out of the oven. This allows the filling to settle and become the perfect consistency. Enjoy your dessert!
Apple Blueberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 3 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust if berries are very sweet)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (to thicken filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Apple Blueberry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool a little before serving, so set aside about an hour total time for everything. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the crisp cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and blueberries. Add in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss it all together gently until the fruit is well coated. This mixture is going to be oh-so-delicious!
3. Arrange the Fruit in a Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-inch pie dish or any similar baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets a tasty combination of fruit!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir. Now add the cold butter cubes to this mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. You should see small pea-sized chunks of butter!
5. Assemble Your Crisp:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit layer in your baking dish. Don’t press it down; you want it to be light and crumbly!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the topping to turn golden brown and the fruit filling to be bubbly and cooked through. The smell will fill your kitchen!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the filling set up a bit. Serve it warm, and for an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your warm, fruity apple blueberry crisp with that delightful crunchy topping!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add other fruits like peaches, raspberries, or even cherries. Just keep the total amount similar to ensure an even filling. Just watch the sweetness level and adjust the sugar accordingly!
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well, as some brands can be cross-contaminated.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for about 30-60 seconds until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them and pop them in the oven! This way, you’ll have a delicious fresh-baked crisp with little effort.