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Best Kid-Approved Brown Butter Apple Crisp Recipe (Easy)

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This brown butter apple crisp is a happy accident turned family favorite. Nutty brown butter, tender apples, and a crunchy oat topping come together for an easy, kid-approved dessert that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups) – Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 8×8 baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Make the brown butter: Place the 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt, then swirl the pan occasionally. After about 5-7 minutes, the butter will start to foam and turn a golden amber color. You’ll see little brown specks forming at the bottom. Once it’s a deep golden color, remove it from the heat immediately and pour it into a heat-safe bowl to stop the cooking.
  3. Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Make sure every slice is coated. Set aside.
  4. Make the oat crumble: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Pour the warm brown butter over the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until everything is moistened and clumpy.
  5. Assemble the crisp: Spread the apple mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat crumble over the top, covering the apples completely. Don’t press it down.
  6. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling up around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Cool slightly: Let the crisp rest on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t rush the brown butter; watch it closely to avoid burning. Slice apples evenly for consistent cooking. Let the crisp rest before serving to allow juices to thicken. Can be assembled up to a day in advance and baked later. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For a vegan option, use high-quality vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter apple crisp, easy apple crisp, kid-approved dessert, fall dessert, apple crisp recipe