‘Tis the season for apples and apple-desserts.
And I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s a little dangerous to have lots of pie around all the time – as in, then I eat it as part of every meal. So these are little individual apple crisps made with whole apples, which make for a lovely presentation. (But, of course, I also want to make strudel tomorrow).
Since I do not like overly sweet desserts, I also introduced some tartness with cranberry juice.
Tips: You can bake these all in on one tray and then serve in ramekins or bake directly in the ramekins (lined up on a baking mat + tray for ease).
Ps. Please remember to like and re-pin my Poached Peaches recipe up for the MobileSkillet contest! If you have already done so, thank you so much.
Whole apple crisp
You’ll need:
- 6 medium-sized apples (I used local Macouns)
- 3 T butter
- 1/4 cup tart cranberry juice (I made mine by diluting some cranberry concentrate)
- 1 T fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 T AP flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 t cinnamon
- 1/2 t allspice
- 1/2 t nutmeg
1. Preheat oven to 365F. Core and trim the apples using a paring knife and a melon baller – once you scoop out all of the seeds etc., you should have a neat, not too deep space in each apple for the filling about an inch and a half wide. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Score each apple lightly (see here) to prevent bursting.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, oats, flour, almonds, and spices. Brown 2 T of butter and mix in.
3. Using a pastry brush, brush the apples with the cranberry juice – both inside and out. Reserve the leftover juice for later.
4. Fill each apple with a heaping scoop of the crisp filling. It is more than okay if it spills a little over the top. Sprinkle remaining juice over the filling.
5. Cover with foil and bake covered for about 20 minutes. Uncover, cut the remaining tablespoon of butter into six parts and dot the top of each apple. Continue baking for another 35-40 minutes.
What a pretty idea.. and so quick to use a whole apple.. I also love that you brushed everything with cranberry juice. This is such a quick dessert that looks so gourmet.. it’s perfect for a dinner party, it’s so impressive:) xx
Thank you, Smidge! You’re right, it’s one of those great ones that is actually less labor intensive but looks quite impressive to guests or family 🙂 xx
I am not a big sweet pie person so i think that this whole apple crisp would be just the thing for me! c
I think so too, C! Good morning.
Delicious! I’ve got a kitchen table full of apples and was thinking of apple dumplings. But I love this idea of a whole apple crisp. Festive, and not too sweet. Love it!
So do I – the slaws and baked goods keep coming:) mmm dumplings!
Definitely looks dangerous (but worth it!) to me 😀
Yum!!!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Haha agreed:)
I love all the dishes you can make with apples. I’m excited to try your crisp!
Thank you! Let me know how you like it.
You have read my mind. This is exactly what I am craving. However, one really frustrating thing is living in HK during the fall season. You should see the bad quality of apples that are shipped in from around the world. They are quite dismal. I came a town where we used to go to the apple orchard and mill every weekend to get fresh cider. So I guess I will just drool over your recipes for now… Take care, BAM
Oh no! That’s a tough one. I mean, baking apples is usually a good way to coax out some flavor, but I know exactly what you mean when you’re looking for that pure apple taste. I can imagine how much you miss it!
Love a good pie and that shot with the Parisienne scoop and apple peelings is so charming! Anything rustic that puffs with a brown crust and that dribble of fruit juices makes me and my pastry addiction happy 🙂
Haha I actually thought you’d like that shot, Alice – it reminded me of some of your kitchen photos:)!
They look sensational and this is so perfect for Autumn. What a beautiful dessert xx
Thank you! The whole family loved them.
Boy does this bring back memories! my Mom used to make something like this for us kids…what a treat!!!
I love those kind of memories, David!
I know what you mean about apple pies being dangerous to have around 🙂
I love the idea of a whole apple crisp! individually served and beautifully presented
Thank you so much! And yes, stopping with the pie for now haha.
I really do like the idea of mandated portion control! 🙂 Of course, when the recipe is this delicious, I might be tempted to eat more than one! The cranberry juice really is a nice addition!
haha thank you, Debra!