Imen Alton Brown Apple Crisp Recipe is made with Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, rolled oats, apple cider, pecans, and warm spices. This recipe creates a comforting, crumbly dessert with tender apples and a golden oat topping. It takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes to prepare and serves 8.
Alton Brown Apple Crisp Recipe Ingredients
Filling:
- Unsalted butter, for greasing the pan
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pounds Granny Smith apples
- 2 pounds Honeycrisp apples
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
How To Make Alton Brown Apple Crisp Recipe
- Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, flour, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Peel, core, and chunk the apples, then toss them in the sugar mixture.
- Layer the Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add cold butter and use your fingers to work it in until the mixture holds when squeezed.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle topping over apples, squeezing some into small clumps. Bake for about 1 hour, until apples are tender and topping is golden.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the crisp sit for at least 45 minutes. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Tips
- Use Two Types of Apples: The combination of tart and sweet apples adds depth and prevents sogginess.
- Don’t Skip the Cider: Apple cider boosts flavor and adds moisture to the filling.
- Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter in the topping ensures a crisp, crumbly texture.
- Let It Rest: Allow the crisp to cool to help it set and make serving easier.
- Clump the Topping: Squeezing some topping into clumps creates varied texture.
What To Serve With Apple Crisp
Apple crisp pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a scoop of cinnamon gelato. It’s also delicious with a cup of coffee or mulled cider.
How To Store Apple Crisp
Refrigerate: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crisp texture.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Apple Crisp Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Sugar: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I use different apples?
Yes, but Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provide a great balance of tartness and texture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling ensures a soft and uniform texture in the filling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, or bake and reheat later.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
What if I don’t have pecans?
You can substitute with walnuts or leave them out entirely.
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Alton Brown Apple Crisp Recipe
Description
A warm, spiced apple crisp with a golden oat and pecan topping—perfect for fall.
Ingredients
Filling:
Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk filling ingredients (except apples), then add peeled, chopped apples and toss to coat.
- Spread apple mixture in the baking dish.
- Combine topping ingredients, working butter in until mixture holds together when squeezed.
- Sprinkle over apples, forming some clumps.
- Bake for 1 hour until topping is golden and filling bubbles.
- Let rest for 45 minutes before serving.
