Description

Ever craved a dessert that’s cozy, full of autumnal flavors, and incredibly easy to whip up? Minnesota Apple Crisp is a classic Midwestern treat, featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, crumbly brown sugar topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apple Filling:

5 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples: The star of the dish, providing a juicy, tangy base.
2 teaspoons white sugar: Enhances the apples’ natural sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor.

For the Topping:

1 ½ cups brown sugar: Sweetens and adds a caramel-like depth to the topping.
¾ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the crumbly topping.
½ cup butter, softened: Creates a rich, crisp texture when baked.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Tart Apples: Provide a tangy contrast to the sweet topping, with a tender texture when baked.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apples’ flavor.
Brown Sugar and Butter: Create a rich, crumbly topping that turns golden and crisp in the oven.
Flour: Binds the topping for a perfect crumble consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

Apples: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Fuji) apples for a balanced flavor, or try pears for a twist.
Butter: Replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Brown Sugar: Swap with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile, though it may be less caramel-like.
Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and ensure sugar is vegan-friendly (some brands use bone char).
Add-Ins: Mix ½ cup rolled oats or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the topping for extra crunch.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather 5 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples, 2 teaspoons white sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 ½ cups brown sugar, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup softened butter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Tip: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast with the sweet topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Place 5 cups sliced apples into an ungreased 7×11-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons white sugar and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon over the apples.
Stir to combine thoroughly, ensuring the apples are evenly coated.

Tip: Slice apples to a uniform thickness (about ¼ inch) for even baking.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups brown sugar, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup softened butter with a fork or your hands until well combined and crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely.

Tip: Don’t overmix the topping; leave it crumbly for a crisp texture when baked.

Step 4: Bake the Crisp

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until the apples are bubbling and the topping is lightly browned.
Check at 45 minutes to avoid over-browning the topping; cover with foil if needed.

Tip: Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any drips if the apples bubble over.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tip: Let the crisp rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving, as the filling will thicken slightly