WHAT’S INSIDE:
apples (duh) - the apples are THE star of the show here, so pick high-quality apples. hunt them down at your local farmers’ market or apple orchard if you have to!
oats - oats contribute to the “crisp” of an apple crisp. bonus: they’re high in fiber and protein! make sure to pick old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats.
brown sugar - what makes brown sugar so special and arguably irreplaceable is the presence of molasses - this brings a deep, rich flavor and a little extra moisture to the crisp. it’s perfect!
pumpkin pie spice - I mean… is there any other spice used more in the fall months? pumpkin pie spice makes elevating the flavor of fall goodies so simple.
RECIPE
For the topping:
½ cup rolled oats (not steel-cut)
¼ cup flour (oat, whole-wheat, or white will work)
¼ cup cold butter, cut into very small cubes
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pinch of salt
¼ cup chopped nuts, optional
For the apples:
3 medium-large honeycrisp apples
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Juice from ½ lemon
Pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 350F and lightly grease an 8x8 baking dish with oil or butter.
Cut the apples into thin slices, removing the core. Then dice into small cubes and toss into a large mixing bowl with the brown sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Mix well and then set aside for 5-10 minutes.
In a smaller bowl, stir together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, spices, and salt (and nuts, if using). Next, add the small cubes of butter and work the butter into the dry ingredients using your hands until the pieces are about pea-sized and well-coated in the dry ingredients.
Dump the apples into the baking dish and spread into an even layer, making sure as little of the dish shows through. Finally, sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in an even layer.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the apples are very tender and the crumble has a golden color to it. Let sit to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately with ice cream as a dessert, yogurt for breakfast, or on its own!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
