This Brown Butter Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that brings together tender apples and a crunchy topping. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that will make you smile!
Who can resist that sweet cinnamon smell wafting through the kitchen? It’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Just be prepared for the compliments that follow! 😄
I love how simple it is to throw together—just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s a beautiful dish for sharing at family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: The star of the show! Browning this butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to your crisp. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweet and tart. You can mix different apple varieties for a more complex flavor. If you’re out of fresh apples, try using canned or frozen apples but drain excess liquid.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the apples. You can reduce the amount for a less sweet version or substitute with honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the quantity accordingly since they are more concentrated sweeteners.
Rolled Oats: These provide the crunch in the topping. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but may make the topping less chewy. You can also swap oats with gluten-free oats if needed.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add nice crunch and richness but feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free dessert. Sunflower seeds make a great nut-free alternative!
How Do I Get the Perfect Brown Butter for My Crisp?
Brown butter brings amazing flavor to your crisp, but it’s essential to do it right. Here’s how:
- Start with unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan. This helps you watch the color as it cooks.
- Set the heat to medium and melt the butter, stirring frequently.
- Pay attention as it foams and then begins to turn golden brown. This takes about 3-5 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning!
- Once it smells nutty and has a golden hue, remove it from heat immediately! Let it cool a bit before mixing it with the dry topping ingredients.
With these steps, you’re on your way to a delicious Brown Butter Apple Crisp!
Brown Butter Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Brown Butter Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow for a few minutes to cool before serving. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dessert in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar size. This step ensures the crisp doesn’t stick to the pan.
2. Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir frequently and watch closely as it changes color. Cook until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract (if using). Let the mixture sit while you prepare the topping. This allows the flavors to blend and the apples to soften a bit.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nuts (if using). Mix well so that everything is distributed evenly.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the warm browned butter over the oat mixture. Stir everything together until it’s combined and crumbly. This little bit of warmth helps to moisten the mixture for a better crisp!
6. Assemble the Dish:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the buttered baking dish. Next, sprinkle the brown butter oat topping evenly over the apples, ensuring all apples are covered.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
8. Cool and Serve:
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Enjoy every comforting bite!
This Brown Butter Apple Crisp is perfect for chilly days and gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy the sweet-tart apples with that nutty, buttery topping! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to mix and match your favorite varieties. Fuji, Braeburn, or even Cortland apples can add a delightful flavor twist!
Can I Make This Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prep the apple mixture and the topping separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble them in the baking dish and follow the instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overheat!
Can I Substitute the Oats for a Gluten-Free Option?
Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free oats in this recipe! They will provide the same delicious crunch without the gluten. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like flour and brown sugar, are gluten-free as well if necessary.