There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Imagine sinking your spoon into a bubbling skillet apple crisp, topped with a scoop of ice cream that slowly melts into sweet, creamy rivers. Oat Topped Apple Pear Crumble It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, inviting you to indulge in its comforting embrace. If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of a skillet apple crisp with ice cream, let me assure you: it’s an experience worth having. For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Pear Walnut Crumble recipe.
Once upon a time, I had an apple crisis (yes, I went there). I had more apples than I knew what to do with after an enthusiastic trip to the orchard. After contemplating my life choices while staring at the pile of fruit, I decided to summon my inner chef and whip up a delightful skillet apple crisp with ice cream. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels It was one of those moments where every bite felt like a celebration; trust me when I say this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This skillet apple crisp with ice cream is incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- The delightful flavor profile balances the sweetness of the apples with the warmth of spices.
- Visually stunning, it adds charm to any table setting with its golden crust and vibrant filling.
- Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt with seasonal fruits or toppings!
Ingredients for Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish:
- Apples: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast against the sweet topping.
- Brown Sugar: This adds depth and caramel notes that elevate your apple crisp to dessert royalty.
- Rolled Oats: They provide that chewy texture we all adore while soaking up delicious juices from the apples.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that irresistible crumb topping—think of it as the crispy crown for your dish.
- Cinnamon: The spice that makes everything nice! A must-have for flavoring your filling and topping alike.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it adds richness and helps create that golden brown crust we crave.
- Ice Cream: Choose your favorite flavor—vanilla is classic but feel free to get adventurous!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Skillet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab your trusty cast-iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) and place it on medium heat on your stovetop.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Core and slice about six cups of apples (about six medium-sized ones). Toss them in a large bowl with half a cup of brown sugar and two teaspoons of cinnamon until they’re well-coated.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, mix one cup of rolled oats, one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of brown sugar, and three-quarters of a cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until crumbly—it should resemble sandy beach vibes—but tastier!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour those luscious apples into your preheated skillet evenly. Sprinkle the oat mixture generously over them like confetti on cake day.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Slide your skillet into the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy while those apples bubble away underneath.
Step 6: Serve It Warm
Remove from oven (carefully!), let it cool slightly because molten lava-like apple filling isn’t fun for anyone. Scoop generous servings into bowls alongside a scoop (or two!) of ice cream.
Enjoy every mouthful as flavors collide in joyous harmony—a true dessert symphony!
You Must Know
- Skillet apple crisp with ice cream is the ultimate comfort dessert.
- The warm, gooey apples paired with a crunchy topping and melting ice cream create a flavor explosion that will leave you dreaming of autumn all year long.
- Perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your skillet to medium heat while you prepare your apples. Sauté the apples with sugar and cinnamon before adding the crisp topping. Bake it all together until golden brown, and top it off with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or berries if you want to mix things up. Add nuts or oats to your topping for extra crunch or drizzle some caramel sauce over the finished dish for an indulgent twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, and add fresh ice cream on top right before serving!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an even tastier crisp, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- Let your apple mixture sit for about 10 minutes after adding sugar to enhance their natural juices.
- Always serve warm with ice cream for a delightful contrast!
Sometimes, I make this skillet apple crisp for my friends during game night. Their reactions never fail to make me chuckle as they fight over the last scoop of ice cream!
FAQs:
What is Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream?
Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that combines warm, baked apples with a crunchy topping, all cooked in a skillet. The dish is served hot, often topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect contrast of temperatures and textures. Homemade Hot Cocoa This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced by spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The crispy topping typically consists of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar, which caramelizes during baking for an irresistible finish.
How do I choose the best apples for Skillet Apple Crisp?
When making Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream, selecting the right apples is crucial for achieving optimal flavor and texture. Look for apples that are firm and tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance between sweetness and acidity. Avoid using overly soft or mealy apples, as they can become mushy and unappealing in your crisp. Freshly picked apples from local orchards often yield the best results.
Can I make Skillet Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream ahead of time! To do this, assemble the crisp without baking it first. Store the unbaked dish covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge until bubbly and golden brown. This allows you to enjoy freshly baked apple crisp without much fuss on the day you plan to serve it. For more inspiration, check out this Baked Apples with Feta recipe.
What can I substitute for ice cream with my Skillet Apple Crisp?
If you're looking for alternatives to ice cream to serve with your Skillet Apple Crisp, consider options like whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. You could also try dairy-free ice cream if you have lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions. Another delicious choice is caramel sauce drizzled over the warm crisp; its richness complements the sweet apples beautifully without needing traditional ice cream.
Conclusion for Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream:
In summary, Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream is a comforting dessert that combines baked apples and a crunchy topping perfectly. Choosing the right apples significantly enhances this dish's flavor and texture. You can easily prepare it ahead of time or substitute ice cream with various options to suit your preferences. Whether enjoyed after dinner or at a gathering, this dessert is sure to impress everyone who tries it!
Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Skillet Apple Crisp with Ice Cream is the ultimate cozy dessert, blending sweet, spiced apples beneath a crunchy oat topping and served warm with creamy ice cream. This delightful dish is perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home. The inviting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills the air, making every bite feel like a comforting embrace.
Ingredients
- 6 cups tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping)
- Ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat a cast-iron skillet on medium.
- In a large bowl, mix sliced apples with ½ cup brown sugar and cinnamon until coated.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Layer the apple mixture in the skillet and top with the oat mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm with your favorite ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of recipe (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the topping. - Swap apples for pears or berries for a different flavor profile. - Drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp before serving for an indulgent touch.
