This Brown Butter Apple Crisp is a warm delight made with sweet, juicy apples and a crunchy topping. The addition of brown butter gives it a nutty flavor that dances on your tongue!
I love how the smell of apples and cinnamon fills the kitchen while it bakes. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—yum! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith adds a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. You can mix different varieties for a balanced taste. If you’re looking for alternatives, Fuji or Braeburn will also work well!
Browning Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for more control over saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Just be mindful that the flavor will change slightly.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats offer great texture, but you can substitute with quick oats if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that the topping won’t be as crunchy with quick oats.
Sugar: For a lower sugar option, consider using less sugar or a sugar alternative like stevia or honey, keeping in mind the overall sweetness of the dish.
How Do I Brown Butter Without Burning It?
Browning butter is simple but does need attention! Here’s an easy way to get it right:
- Start with a light-colored saucepan to see the butter change color.
- Heat it on medium and stir constantly until it melts and starts to bubble.
- Watch for it to turn a golden brown and smell nutty—this takes about 4-5 minutes. If you smell anything burnt, start over!
- Once browned, immediately remove it from the heat to stop cooking. Let it cool slightly before using.
This technique adds a rich, nutty flavor to your Apple Crisp that you won’t want to skip!
Brown Butter Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Brown Butter Apple Crisp will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. Totaling up, you’ll need around 1 hour to enjoy this warm, comforting dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also keeps them from browning. Then, add the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated, and then transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Brown the Butter:
Next, it’s time to brown the butter! In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Just be careful not to let it burn! Once it’s browned, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Make the Topping:
While the butter cools, grab a medium bowl and combine the rolled oats, 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour the browned butter over this mixture and stir until it’s crumbly and well combined.
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, evenly sprinkle the brown butter oat topping over the apples in the baking dish. This layer will give you that delicious crunch!
6. Bake It Up:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and if you like, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for extra indulgence!
Enjoy your rich and cozy Brown Butter Apple Crisp!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any apple variety that holds up well during baking. Mixing two or three types can enhance the flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the Brown Butter Apple Crisp cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping the day before and keep them separate in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it. This makes serving a breeze for gatherings!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Brown Butter Apple Crisp?
This delicious crisp is best served warm, and I highly recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. It adds a wonderful creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm, crunchy topping!
