Imagine a dessert that combines the rustic charm of a classic apple crisp with the luxurious essence of French vanilla - a heavenly creation that transforms ordinary apples into an extraordinary culinary experience. This French Vanilla Apple Crisp is not just a dessert; it's a warm, comforting embrace that will transport you to a cozy French countryside kitchen, where every bite tells a story of sweet simplicity and elegant flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature for baking your apple crisp.
- Prepare the apples by washing, peeling, and slicing them into thin wedges. You can use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Aim for about 4 cups of sliced apples.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Toss the apples gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
- In another mixing bowl, prepare the topping by combining 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of softened butter, and the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the topping mixture and mix until well combined. This will give your crisp a delightful French vanilla flavor.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish, covering them completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the apples.
- Once baked, remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle.
- Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips
- Apple Selection: Choose a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Cutting Technique: Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dessert.
- Butter Matters: Use room temperature, high-quality butter for the crumble topping to achieve the perfect crumbly consistency.
- Vanilla Enhancement: For an extra intense vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
- Topping Texture: Don't overmix the topping - keep it slightly lumpy for a more rustic, authentic crisp texture.
- Baking Tip: Cover the crisp with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring the apples cook thoroughly.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm for the most decadent experience, and pair with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
