I’m excited to share my take on the Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp recipe, a delightful dessert that’s both comforting and easy to make.
The secret to nailing this recipe is using a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor profile.
One thing I absolutely love about this apple crisp is how the buttery, crunchy topping perfectly complements the tender, spiced apples beneath.
A helpful tip: make sure to let the crisp cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 5 lbs Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 Orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 Lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups Flour
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Oatmeal
- 1/2 lb Cold Butter (diced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter a 9x14x2-inch oval baking dish.
Step 2:
Peel, core, and cut the apples into large wedges.
Combine the apples with the orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
Step 3:
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, oatmeal, and cold butter.
Mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is pea-sized.
Step 4:
Spread the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any drips.
Step 5:
Bake for 1 hour until the top is browned and the apples are bubbly.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use the Right Apples
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
They hold up well during baking and have the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Cold Butter is Key
Ensure your butter is really cold before incorporating it into the topping.
This helps create the perfect crumbly texture.
Don’t Skip the Citrus
The lemon and orange zest and juice add a wonderful brightness to the filling.
It balances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
Make Ahead Option
You can prepare the apple mixture and the topping separately in advance.
Store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Both complement the warm, spiced apples beautifully.
What to Serve with Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp
Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic choice.
The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the warm apple crisp.
You can’t go wrong with high-quality vanilla ice cream.
Whipped Cream
Light and fluffy.
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the crisp.
Be sure to whip it just before serving for the best texture.
Cheddar Cheese
An unexpected but delicious pairing.
The sharpness of cheddar complements the sweetness of the apple crisp.
Try a small slice on the side.
Spiced Pecans
A crunchy and flavorful addition.
Sprinkle some spiced pecans for an extra layer of flavor.
They add a nice nutty crunch.
Caramel Sauce
Rich and gooey.
Drizzling warm caramel sauce over your apple crisp takes it to another level.
You can make your own or use a store-bought version.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Fruits
You can swap out apples for pears, peaches, or berries.
Try a mix for a unique twist.
Oat-Free Topping
If you prefer an oat-free topping, use ground almonds or additional flour.
This will give a different texture but still be delicious.
Sweeteners
Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
These provide a different depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour.
Ensure your oats are also gluten-free.
How to Store Leftover Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp
Cool Completely
Make sure to allow your apple crisp to cool completely.
Leave it on a wire rack for 2-3 hours until it reaches room temperature.
This step helps prevent sogginess.
Refrigeration
Once cooled, transfer the apple crisp to an airtight container.
If you don’t have a container, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, place the cooled apple crisp in a freezer-safe container.
You can also use freezer-safe plastic wrap.
Freeze for up to 3 months without compromising texture or flavor.
Labeling
Label your container with the date.
This way, you won’t forget when you stored it.
Keep an eye on its shelf life.
Enjoy your leftover Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp any time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over- or Under-Cooking the Apples
Use a paring knife to check your apples’ tenderness.
You don’t want them mushy, but they should be tender with some resistance.
Incorrect Apple Preparation
Peel and core the apples thoroughly.
Cut them into large, even wedges to ensure even cooking.
Skipping the Foil Cover
If your topping browns but apples aren’t tender, cover the crisp with foil.
This will allow the apples to cook without burning the topping.
Imbalanced Ingredients
Add the right amount of lemon zest, juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for balanced flavor.
Too much or too little can make the dish too tart or too sweet.
Ignoring the Topping Texture
Ensure your topping mix has a crumbly texture by combining cold butter with flour, sugars, salt, and oatmeal.
If your butter’s too warm, it won’t form the right texture.
Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 lbs Apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1 Orange zested and juiced
- 1 Lemon zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 1/4 cups Flour
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Oatmeal
- 1/2 lb Cold Butter diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9x14x2-inch oval baking dish.
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into large wedges.
- Combine the apples with the orange zest, orange juice, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, oatmeal, and cold butter.
- Mix on low speed until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is pea-sized.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
- Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any drips.
- Bake for 1 hour until the top is browned and the apples are bubbly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.