When it comes to creating comforting and delicious desserts, simple recipes often reign supreme. And that’s precisely where the Pioneer Woman apple crisp shines. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s iconic style of home cooking, this apple crisp recipe delivers a delightful combination of juicy apples and a satisfyingly crunchy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This apple crisp recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Imagine warm, tender apples infused with cinnamon spice, nestled beneath a blanket of golden-brown, buttery crisp. The aroma alone is enough to evoke feelings of home and hearth, making it the perfect treat for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or any time you crave a touch of homemade goodness. Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and prepare for pure dessert bliss. This Pioneer Woman apple crisp is so irresistibly good, it’s destined to become a family favorite.
Crafting the Perfect Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp: Step-by-Step
This recipe for Apple Crisp By Pioneer Woman emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It leverages pantry staples to transform tart Granny Smith apples into a heartwarming dessert with minimal effort. Active preparation time is kept to just a few minutes, allowing the oven to work its magic and create a truly memorable treat.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp
ingredients for pioneer woman apple crisp laid out on a dishcloth
Image alt text: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp Recipe: Granny Smith apples, flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and spices arranged on a kitchen towel.
For the Apple Filling:
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, melted
Essential Kitchen Tools
Pyrex Basics Clear Oblong Glass Baking Dishes
Glass Baking Dish
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Oxo Good Grips 3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set
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Mainstays Chrome Whisk Set
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- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Peeler, corer, and knife for apple preparation
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or whisk
- Oven
Baking Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Apple Crisp
Step 1: Preparing the Apple Base
glass pan of sliced apples for pioneer woman apple crisp recipe
Image alt text: Sliced Granny Smith apples arranged in a glass baking dish, ready for Pioneer Woman apple crisp recipe.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the sliced Granny Smith apples in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture will create a spiced coating for the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a touch of warmth. Sprinkle this sugar and spice blend evenly over the apples in the dish. Finally, pour ½ cup of water over the apple mixture. This moisture will help the apples soften and create a luscious sauce as the crisp bakes.
Step 2: Crafting the Crisp Topping
topping prep in a white bowl for pioneer woman
Image alt text: Preparing the crisp topping for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp in a white mixing bowl, featuring flour, oats, and brown sugar.
In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, quick oats, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The oats provide a delightful chewiness and textural contrast, while the brown sugar adds a deeper molasses-like sweetness to the topping. Baking powder and baking soda contribute to a slightly lighter and more tender crisp topping. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients. Using a fork or your fingers, mix until the mixture is crumbly and clumps begin to form. The melted butter is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp and rich flavor.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking to Golden Perfection
apple crisp topping sprinkled over sliced apples in a glass baking dish for pioneer woman apple crisp
Image alt text: Crumbly crisp topping being sprinkled over sliced apples in a glass baking dish for Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp.
Evenly sprinkle the prepared crisp topping over the layer of apples in the baking dish, ensuring all apples are generously covered. This topping will bake into a beautiful golden-brown crust, contrasting wonderfully with the soft apple filling underneath.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the apple filling is bubbly and tender when pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the crisp towards the end of baking.
Step 4: Serving and Savoring Your Apple Crisp
pioneer woman apple crisp served in a white bowl with ice cream
Image alt text: Warm Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp served in a white bowl, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Once baked to a golden-brown perfection, carefully remove your Pioneer Woman apple crisp from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot.
The best way to enjoy this classic dessert is warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream. The contrast of warm crisp and cold ice cream is simply heavenly.
Tips for a Truly Exceptional Apple Crisp
- Apple Variety Matters: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness that balances the sweet topping, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of tart and sweet apples can also create delicious results.
- Customize Your Spices: Adjust the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the apple filling or topping for a warmer, more complex spice profile, especially during the fall season.
- Nutty Topping Variation: For added texture and flavor, incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping mixture.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the apple crisp ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Alternatively, baked apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond ice cream and whipped cream, consider serving your apple crisp with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, or alongside a warm beverage like coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts: Why This Pioneer Woman Apple Crisp is a Winner
This Pioneer Woman apple crisp recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, home-style desserts. It’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a comforting and satisfying flavor that appeals to everyone. The combination of tender, spiced apples and the buttery, crunchy oat topping is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a slice of homemade happiness with this delightful apple crisp by Pioneer Woman. It’s the perfect dessert to warm up any day!
