As the leaves transform into brilliant hues of red and gold, and the aroma of freshly baked Apple Crisp becomes a comforting embrace for the fall season. It's a unique twist on the classic apple crisp, blending tropical flavor and creaminess with spiced apples. In this blog post, we’re thrilled to share the recipe and why you must try this dessert during autumn.
According to wikipedia, the original crisp recipe dates back to 1924 in Britain and gained popularity during World War II due to food rationing.
Why is it Called Apple Crisp?
Before we dive into the delicious details of this recipe, you might be wondering why it's called "apple crisp." This dessert is named for its delightful textural contrast, featuring tender baked apples beneath a golden, crispy oat, sugar, and butter topping. This creates a comforting blend of warm and crispy textures.
How Can We Prevent Sogginess and Achieve the Perfect Apple Crisp?
To ensure your apple crisp stays perfectly textured and not overly soggy, follow these key tips:
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Select the Right Apples: Apples are not only delicious but also nutritious. If you're looking for the healthiest apple option for your crisp, consider choosing those with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, high in fiber, and suitable for dietary preferences. Look for apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Jonathan, or Pink Lady for their ability to hold their shape and balance tartness with sweetness.
- Thickening Agents: Adding cornstarch, as suggested in the recipe, absorbs excess liquid from the apples during baking, resulting in a well-textured filling.
What makes this recipe even healthier is the inclusion of unsweetened coconut milk, making it dairy-free and vegan-friendly. The coconut milk adds a luscious creaminess and a hint of tropical flavor to your apple crisp while keeping it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Total Time: 1h
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4-5 cups of sliced and peeled apples (about 4)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup dry old-fashioned rolled oats- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
For the Filling:- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, sea salt, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut milk. Mix well to coat the apples evenly, and then transfer this mixture to a baking dish.
- Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix them together.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the oat mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for perfect finishing touch.
As you indulge in this delightful treat, you'll find yourself swept away by the comforting aroma and the delightful contrast in textures—soft, baked apples beneath a golden, crispy layer. Whether you're embracing the vegan lifestyle or simply love the creamy richness of coconut milk, this recipe offers a healthier and dairy-free way to savor the season's flavors.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Coconut Milk Apple Crisp!
Joan Silvino
October 16, 2023