The Ultimate Recipes Series

I want to share with you my recipe for Urbnspice Ultimate Apple Crisp because the first crisp evenings of autumn are upon us. The leaves are starting to turn crimson, gold and yellow and the crickets are chirping – a sure sign that fall is approaching. When I think of autumn, I think of fall fruits.  A favourite of mine is apples.

It is just as exciting waiting for the first fresh crop of apples as it is the first strawberries or potatoes or corn. Apples will be the focus of this article, particularly because we have just returned from Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. We enjoyed a number of delicious varieties along our route. For example, Gravenstein apples, which are known by the locals as “Gravs.”

Did you know that certain varieties are more suited for certain recipes than others? A softer apple, such as McIntosh is more suited for a baked apple, while a Mutzu or Granny Smith hold their shape when baked, making it ideal for apple pie or crisps. I came across an excellent Apple Reference Chart that can help you decide which apple will be best for your particular baking needs.

I used a combination of apples for this crisp: tart Granny Smith and sweet Crisp Pinks. You can use any combination of apples, even those apples hidden in the bottom of crisper that have seen better days. Adjust the sweetness of the apples based on their tartness. The recipe for the crisp topping is listed below; however, I prefer doubling the amount of topping to make a very generous layer of crisp topping.

URB’N’SPICE ULTIMATE APPLE CRISP

CHEF TALK: The original recipe came from The Canadian Living Cookbook and has been adapted through the years to include a few special touches and techniques that make what I believe is the best ever apple crisp. I know you will enjoy it.

YIELD: a large shallow pan of crisp (9 x 13) or use several smaller dishes and freeze

Servings: 4 – 6

INGREDIENTS:

For the Fruit Base:

• 4 – 6 apples (about 1 1/2 lbs./700 g/1.5 L) peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or to taste, depending on tartness of apple)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Fresh Nutmeg, grated or 1/8 teaspoon ground
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 oz. butter (about 60 g), soft

For the Crisp Topping:

• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (325°F for convection oven)
2. For the Fruit Base: Mix the apples, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together to coat the apples. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
3. Mix in the soft butter and turn the mixture into a 9 x 13 pan which has been buttered or lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. For the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon together. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, mix the ingredients together to form a crumble.
5. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apple mixture. Spread evenly, pat lightly, but do not press down.
6. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until the topping is evenly golden brown and mixture is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve the apple crisp warm, at room temperature or cold accompanied by vanilla ice cream or, as shown in the photograph, crème anglaise.

NOTES:

• Use brown sugar rather than granulated sugar.  It tastes much better  – almost butterscotch in flavour.
• You can substitute any fruit in this apple/fruit crisp recipe, adjusting the sweetness based on the fruit you use.  Combinations such as peaches and raspberries are lovely or try plums, rhubarb, str berries, etc.
• Crisps can be frozen baked or unbaked.
• Leftover Ultimate Apple Crisp is delicious for breakfast.

 

LEARNING TIPS:  

Please CLICK the link above to access my UrbnSpice LEARNING TIPS, which are listed alphabetically on the Learning Tips blog post under the following subheadings:

• Butter
• Oven Temperature Accuracy
• Vanilla Extract
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I hope you enjoy this recipe for Urbnspice’s Ultimate Apple Crisp.  It is the most asked for dessert in my house for birthday dinners, potluck events or just for the simple excuse to celebrate apple season.  Happy autumn, everyone!

As always, if you give this recipe a try, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback.

You can find me on social media (see links below) – just be sure to tag @urbnspice and #urbnspice so I am sure to see it. Enjoy! 

 

Denise Paré-Watson

The Urbnspice Chef

 

 

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You Might Also Enjoy:

Crème Anglaise

The Ultimate Canadian Maple Tarts

The Ultimate Sunflower Butter Breakfast/Snack Bars

Sources:

Apple Reference Chart

Ontario Apple Varieties

BC Apple Varieties