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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Crisp with Oat Streusel – Easy Fall Dessert

brown butter apple crisp - featured image
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This isn’t just another apple crisp. The nutty brown butter, tender spiced apples, and crunchy oat topping come together to create a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for cozy evenings. It’s quick to prepare with simple ingredients and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples into roughly 1/4-inch thick slices.
  2. Make the brown butter: Place the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a light-colored skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely, then continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden amber color and smells nutty and toasty (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat immediately and pour into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Let sit while you make the streusel.
  4. Make the oat streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the browned butter over the dry ingredients and mix with a fork or your fingers until it forms clumps. Don’t overmix.
  5. Assemble the crisp: Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Do not press it down.
  6. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Cool slightly before serving: Let the crisp rest for at least 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven to allow the filling to set.

Notes

Watch the brown butter carefully—it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Let the apples sit with sugar and lemon juice (macerate) for at least 10-15 minutes to draw out juices. For extra-crispy topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely. The crisp can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to baking time. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, brown butter, oat streusel, fall dessert, easy apple dessert, comfort food

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/cozy-brown-butter-apple-crisp-with-oat-streusel-easy-fall-dessert/