This Brown Butter Apple Crisp is a warm dessert that combines sweet apples with a crunchy topping. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist!
Whenever I make this, my whole house smells like a cozy bakery. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—yummy and comforting!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness. If you prefer crisper apples, try Braeburn or Fuji. You can also use canned apple pie filling in a pinch!
Lemon Juice: It enhances the apple flavor and prevents browning. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too. Apple cider vinegar can be an alternative for a tangy twist.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats are perfect for the topping’s texture. If gluten-free is a concern, use certified gluten-free oats. Quick oats can work, but they’ll give you a softer topping.
Unsalted Butter: Brown butter is the star here, adding depth of flavor. If it’s not available, regular unsalted butter can substitute. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil or vegan butter!
How Do You Get Nutty Brown Butter Without Burning It?
Making brown butter can be tricky, but it’s all about keeping an eye on it. Here’s how to master it:
- Start with a light-colored skillet to see the color change better.
- Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once the butter melts, continue cooking while stirring, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 4-6 minutes.
- Remove it from heat immediately to stop the cooking process, preventing burning.
Be patient; the smell will let you know it’s ready!
Brown Butter Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Brown Butter Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake, making the total time around 1 hour. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the crisp!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves if you’re using them. Gently toss everything together until the apples are well coated. This will give them a delicious flavor!
3. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the apple mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite will be tasty!
4. Make the Brown Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep stirring as it cooks, and watch for it to turn golden brown and take on a nutty aroma—this should take about 4-6 minutes. As soon as it reaches that lovely color, remove it from heat to prevent burning.
5. Mix the Crisp Topping:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. Once mixed, pour the warm brown butter over the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly. This topping will create a perfect crunch!
6. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the brown butter oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Make sure to cover all the apples so each bite is full of flavor.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn golden brown and the apples to bubble. When tender, take it out and let it cool slightly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooling for a bit, serve your Brown Butter Apple Crisp warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the delightful combination of warm apples, crunchy topping, and creamy ice cream!
There you have it—your comforting Brown Butter Apple Crisp is ready to be enjoyed. Dig in and savor every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (such as Honeycrisp) apples works best for a balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with others like Fuji or Braeburn too!
What Should I Do if the Topping is Too Crumbly?
If your topping is too crumbly and not sticking together, try adding a bit more melted butter until it reaches a more cohesive texture. It should still be crumbly but hold together slightly when pressed.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, layer them in the dish and follow the baking instructions. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s coming from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions as needed.
