This Apple Blueberry Crisp is a warm mix of sweet apples and juicy blueberries, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form!
The best part? The smell while it’s baking is simply heavenly! I love to serve it with a scoop of ice cream on top—nothing beats that warm and cold combo! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best for this crisp due to their balance of sweetness and acidity. If you want a sweeter dish, consider Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. A mix of different types can add more depth in flavor.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries create a nice flavor, but frozen ones can be used too. Just remember to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture. You can also mix in raspberries or strawberries for a different twist!
Lemon Juice: This helps prevent the apples from browning. If you don’t have lemon juice, a little vinegar (apple cider or white wine vinegar) can work, but it’ll give a slightly different taste.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal for texture. Quick oats are a good alternative, but don’t use steel-cut oats as they won’t soften in the time the crisp bakes.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here, but if you only have salted, just adjust the salt in the recipe to taste. Coconut oil or a vegan butter can be great substitutes if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crumble Topping?
The topping is key to a great crisp! Follow these tips to ensure it turns out perfectly crunchy and flavorful:
- Use cold butter: This helps create that crumbly texture. Make sure to cut it into small cubes and work it quickly into the dry mix.
- Avoid over-mixing: You want some pea-sized clumps in your topping—it gives a nice crunch! Stop mixing when you see these clumps form.
- Bake until golden: Don’t be afraid to let it turn golden brown on top. This not only makes it look appealing, but also adds that tasty, toasted flavor.
- Let it cool slightly: Cooling allows the juices to thicken a bit, which makes serving easier.
How to Make Apple Blueberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning and add brightness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Optional Ingredients:
- powdered sugar for dusting
- vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Blueberry Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-45 minutes to bake. It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crisp bakes evenly and becomes golden brown.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Then gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to mash them.
3. Assemble the Fruit Mixture:
Spread the apple and blueberry mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9-inch round baking dish or a similar size casserole dish. Make sure it’s nice and even for even baking!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together well. Then add the cold cubed butter to the mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture with some pea-sized clumps.
5. Top the Fruit Mixture:
Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apple and blueberry mixture, covering it completely. This topping will create that delicious crispy layer when baked!
6. Bake the Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly around the edges. It will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Enjoy your lovely Apple Blueberry Crisp—it’s a comforting dessert that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can use any apples you have on hand. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of varieties can also enhance the flavor and texture of your crisp.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. This will keep the deliciousness while accommodating gluten sensitivities!
What Should I Serve This With?
This Apple Blueberry Crisp is fantastic on its own, but it really shines with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with yogurt for a lighter option.
