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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Crisp: Best Fall Dessert Recipe

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This brown butter apple crisp is a cozy fall dessert with deep, nutty flavor from browned butter, tender apples, and a crunchy oat topping. It’s a simple, pantry-friendly recipe that turns a happy kitchen accident into a seasonal tradition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples; a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for browning)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (do not use quick oats)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (use the browned butter plus additional if needed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Brown the butter: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, add 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, swirling occasionally. The butter will foam and sputter. After a few minutes, the foam will subside and brown specks will form at the bottom. When it’s a golden amber color and smells nutty (about 5-7 minutes), immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: While the butter cools slightly, peel, core, and slice apples about 1/4-inch thick. In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Pour in the browned butter and toss again.
  4. Make the crisp topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together rolled oats, 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Pour in 1/2 cup melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly and moistened.
  5. Assemble the crisp: Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping over the apples without pressing down.
  6. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. Apples should be tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Cool and serve: Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Notes

Don’t skip the lemon juice—it prevents the apples from browning and brightens the flavor. Let the crisp rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to allow the juices to thicken. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. To make ahead, assemble the crisp (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 1 day; add 10 minutes to baking time. For individual servings, divide among greased ramekins and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter apple crisp, apple crisp, fall dessert, apple recipe, easy apple crisp, brown butter dessert, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/cozy-brown-butter-apple-crisp-best-fall-dessert-recipe/