How to Perfect Your Apple Crisp This Fall
It’s officially apple season—and that means it’s also apple crisp season. Though September might be too early in the year for apple crisp’s more formal, buttoned-up relative, apple pie (we’re saving those for Thanksgiving), there’s no reason all that seasonal fruit should go to waste. Crisps (and their oatless counterpart, crumbles) are an ideal, low-maintenance fall dessert. But, just because they’re simple and straightforward, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a few tricks that can turn a very good apple crisp into an excellent one. Here are five of our favorite tips for perfecting this classic fall dessert.
1. Use the right apples
You won’t get very far if you don’t start with the right ingredients. “I love a Granny Smith,” said Food Editor Emily Ziemski, “but any mix of heartier apples (such as Mutsu and Honeycrisp) will hold up nicely to baking.” You’ll want to avoid anything too soft, like a Red Delicious or McIntosh, she added, as those risk disintegrating and becoming mealy during baking. If you’re uncertain, you can’t go wrong with using a mix: Choosing a variety of apple types will yield a range of textures and flavors in each bite, from tart and firm to sweet and jammy.