This Brown Butter Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s perfect for any season! Sweet, tender apples are topped with a crunchy, buttery oat mixture that makes every bite delightful.
Plus, that nutty aroma from the brown butter is simply irresistible! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness is my go-to. If you can’t find those, any firm apples like Fuji or Braeburn will work well. Just avoid mushy varieties!
Lemon Juice: This helps to keep the apples fresh and adds a nice tang. If you’re out of lemons, you can use vinegar as a substitute, but use only half the amount.
Brown Butter: This is the star ingredient that adds a rich flavor. If you’re short on time, regular melted butter can be used. However, I highly recommend brown butter for its nutty taste!
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are best for texture, but quick oats can work in a pinch—though they’ll be slightly softer in the topping. If you’re gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans are great, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free version. Sunflower seeds are a nice alternative for crunch!
How Do I Ensure My Brown Butter is Perfect?
Getting your brown butter just right is key to a flavorful crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a light-colored pan so you can see the butter’s color change as it cooks.
- Start with medium heat and keep stirring. The butter will foam and then start to turn golden. Trust your nose, as it will smell nutty when it’s ready.
- As soon as it turns a nice brown color (similar to hazelnuts), take it off the heat immediately to prevent burning.
Remember, a little patience goes a long way here! This step makes a huge difference in flavor.
How to Make Brown Butter Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 5 medium apples; a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works well)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for apple mixture)
For the Brown Butter Crisp Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional; walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dessert will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and then 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for a comforting dessert that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or something similar. This prevents the crispy topping from sticking and helps with easy serving later!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples and lemon juice. This helps keep the apples from browning. Then add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and the 3 tablespoons of flour. Mix everything together until all the apple slices are evenly coated. Transfer this yummy apple mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Brown Butter:
You will now make the brown butter! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, continue to cook it while swirling the pan occasionally until it turns golden brown and has that lovely nutty aroma—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
4. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
Once your butter is ready, take the saucepan off the heat. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, 1/2 cup of flour, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and optionally, the chopped nuts. Then pour the browned butter over this mixture and stir until it’s all combined and crumbly.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the brown butter oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly so you won’t burn your mouth! Serve your Brown Butter Apple Crisp warm, and for an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top!
Enjoy this warm, nutty, and comforting dessert with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! Using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet ones like Honeycrisp creates a great flavor balance. You can also try Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala apples for different taste profiles.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Brown Butter Apple Crisp gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, such as almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture while reheating.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can certainly prepare the apple mixture and the crisp topping separately ahead of time. Combine them just before baking for the best texture. Alternatively, assemble it completely and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking—the bake time may need to be adjusted slightly if it’s chilled.
