We love nothing more than transforming classic comfort foods, and our apple crisp recipe with granola is a fresh take on a fall favorite. This cozy dessert boasts tender apples baked under a crunchy topping that swaps traditional oats for wholesome granola, adding extra texture and nutty flavor.
Originating from American harvest traditions, it’s perfect for quick weeknight treats or holiday feasts. We’ll show you how to create this simple yet irresistible dish that brings warmth to your table every time.
Ingredients
For our Apple Crisp Recipe Using Granola, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that deliver tender baked apples topped with a crunchy, nutty layer. This combination creates a warm, irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.
For the Apple Filling
We start with the fresh, juicy elements that form the base of our recipe:
- Apples: 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 cups total for a tart, firm texture that holds up during baking)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for a warm, aromatic spice that complements the fruit
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed to add a bright, tangy note and prevent browning
- All-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon, to thicken the juices and create a luscious filling
For the Topping
- Granola: 2 cups of your favorite nutty variety (we suggest one with oats, nuts, and seeds for maximum texture and flavor)
- Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed to provide a caramel-like sweetness that melts into the topping
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted to bind the ingredients and achieve a golden, crispy finish
- Chopped nuts (optional): 1/2 cup, such as almonds or pecans, for added crunch if desired
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our apple crisp recipe using granola, we need a selection of essential tools and equipment that ensure smooth preparation and baking. These items help us transform fresh apples and crunchy granola into a warm, irresistible dessert with minimal fuss. Let’s outline the key tools below, organized by their role in the process for easy reference.
Essential Kitchen Tools
We recommend gathering the following tools to handle everything from prepping the apples to mixing the topping and baking the final dish:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely slicing and coring the Granny Smith apples, preventing any mishaps during prep.
- Chef’s knife: Ideal for peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into even pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and a tender filling.
- Mixing bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls—one for combining the apple filling ingredients and another for tossing together the granola topping with brown sugar and melted butter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring out ingredients like 2 cups of granola or granulated sugar, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Used for stirring the apple mixture and folding in the topping components, making it easy to achieve a cohesive blend without overworking the ingredients.
Baking Equipment
For the baking stage, these items are crucial to create that golden, crunchy topping over the apples:
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Our go-to for this recipe, as it provides ample space for the apple filling and granola topping to bake evenly, resulting in a dessert that’s crisp on top and juicy underneath.
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F for optimal results, allowing the apples to soften while the granola topping turns delightfully crunchy.
- Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven, protecting us during the final steps.
By having these tools ready, we streamline the process from the ingredients stage straight into baking, ensuring our apple crisp comes out perfectly every time. This setup supports the quick preparation highlighted in our recipe, making it accessible for both weeknight desserts and holiday gatherings.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the simple steps to craft our irresistible Apple Crisp using granola. We’ll ensure each stage is straightforward and yields a dessert with tender, juicy apples topped by a crunchy, nutty layer that delights the senses.
Prepare the Apples
Begin by washing and peeling 6 medium Granny Smith apples to reveal their crisp, tart flesh. Slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces on a cutting board for even cooking, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring everything together with a spatula until the apples are evenly coated. This mixture will create a fragrant, slightly sweet filling that promises a burst of fresh, tangy flavors with every bite.
Make the Granola Topping
In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups granola with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter for a rich, buttery base. If desired, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until the ingredients form a crumbly, golden topping that clumps together slightly—we recommend feeling the satisfying crunch between your fingers. This step ensures our topping bakes into a perfectly toasted, aromatic layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples below.
Assemble the Crisp
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the prepared apple mixture across the bottom of the dish, ensuring the slices are in a single layer for uniform baking. Next, sprinkle the granola topping generously over the apples, pressing it down gently to help it adhere. This assembly creates a harmonious blend where the tart apple filling meets the crisp, nutty topping, setting the stage for a dessert that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F to achieve the ideal baking temperature. Place the assembled dish in the center of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender and the topping turns a deep golden brown—watch for the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and toasted granola filling your kitchen. Once done, remove the dish using oven mitts and let it cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a warm, comforting treat that’s ready to serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our apple crisp recipe using granola is its flexibility for busy schedules. We can prepare components in advance to save time while preserving the dish’s warm, crunchy texture and tart apple flavors. This approach ensures that the comforting aroma of baked cinnamon and granola fills your kitchen whenever you need it.
Preparing the Apple Filling Ahead
To get a head start, we begin with the apple filling. First, wash, peel, and slice the 6 medium Granny Smith apples as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Mix them with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and all-purpose flour in a bowl until evenly coated. For make-ahead convenience, transfer this mixture to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. We recommend storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to keep the apples fresh and prevent browning—simply squeeze a bit more lemon juice over the top if needed.
Preparing the Granola Topping Ahead
The granola topping is equally straightforward to prepare in advance. Combine 2 cups of granola, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, and any optional chopped nuts in a separate bowl. Once mixed, spread the topping on a baking sheet to cool and set, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This topping stays crunchy for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick assembly later.
Assembling and Storing the Full Dish
If we want to assemble the entire apple crisp ahead of time, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer in the apple filling, and top it with the granola mixture as per our instructions. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, we can freeze the assembled dish for up to 2 months—just wrap it securely to avoid freezer burn.
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Let the dish sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly. |
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F and follow the original baking steps. This make-ahead strategy keeps the granola topping crisp and the apples tender, delivering that irresistible nutty crunch and spiced warmth without last-minute hassle.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this granola twist on apple crisp, turning a simple favorite into something truly special for any occasion. It’s a quick way to bring warmth and crunch to your table, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Remember, experimenting with toppings lets you make it your own, and we’re sure it’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for this apple crisp recipe?
The apple filling requires 6 medium Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and all-purpose flour for a tart base. For the granola topping, you’ll need 2 cups of granola, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, and optional chopped nuts for crunch. This simple combo creates a cozy dessert.
How do I prepare the apple crisp?
Start by washing, peeling, and slicing 6 apples, then mix with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. For the topping, combine granola, brown sugar, melted butter, and nuts if desired. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the apples, add the topping, and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until golden and tender.
What kitchen tools are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board and chef’s knife for prepping apples, mixing bowls for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring, and a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembly. Don’t forget oven mitts for safe handling.
Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the apple filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. The granola topping stays crunchy for up to 3 days at room temperature. Assemble the full dish ahead, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from chilled or thawed for best results.
How long does it take to bake the apple crisp?
Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. Check doneness with a fork; it should easily pierce the apples. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving for the perfect warm dessert.