Imagine a dessert so irresistible that it transforms ordinary apples into a mouthwatering masterpiece of sweet, cinnamon-kissed goodness. Our Freezer Meal Apple Crisp is not just a dessert – it's a culinary time-saver that brings warmth to your table with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy home cook or a dessert enthusiast looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, this recipe promises to deliver comfort in every single bite, with the magical ability to be prepared ahead of time and baked to perfection whenever you crave a slice of homemade happiness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by washing, peeling, and slicing them into uniform 1/4-inch thick pieces. Ensure slices are roughly the same size to promote even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the sliced apples evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredient mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the arranged apple slices, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes to allow the filling to set and become less runny.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can be stored in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For freezer meal preparation, assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Uniform Slicing: Cut apples to consistent 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture throughout.
- Freezer Meal Hack: This recipe is incredibly freezer-friendly. Assemble the entire dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for unexpected dessert cravings!
- Crumb Topping Secrets: Use cold, softened butter and mix with your fingers to create that perfect crumbly texture. Don't overmix – you want a sandy, loose consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Elevate your apple crisp by serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- Storage Tip: The crisp can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings or family meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
