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Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream inspired by The Barnacle
Inspired by The Barnacle

Warm Apple Crisp with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Dessert Vegetarian
This classic dessert features tender spiced apples beneath a crunchy oat topping. The preparation balances the natural sweetness of the fruit with warming spices and buttery crumble. Served warm with melting vanilla ice cream, this comforting dish provides satisfying contrasts in temperature and texture.
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 70 mins
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples (Peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 2 large Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples (Peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup Granulated sugar (For filling)
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar (Packed, for filling)
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon (For filling)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg (For filling)
  • 1/8 tsp Ground allspice (For filling)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (For filling)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (For filling)
  • 3/4 cup All-purpose flour (For topping)
  • 3/4 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats (For topping)
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar (Packed, for topping)
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon (For topping)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (For topping)
  • 8 tbsp Unsalted butter (Cold, cubed, for topping)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts (Optional, for topping)
  • 1 pint Vanilla bean ice cream (For serving)
  • 1/4 cup Caramel sauce (Optional, for serving)

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch square baking dish or 2-quart casserole
  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry cutter or fingertips
  • Apple peeler and corer (optional)
  • Sharp knife

Chef's Tip

Using a mix of apple varieties creates more complex flavor and texture. Granny Smith provides tartness and structure, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp add juiciness. For the crispiest topping, don't compress the crumble too much when placing it on top of the apples.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch square baking dish or 2-quart casserole.
  2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice.
  3. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cornstarch.
  4. Add sugar mixture to apples and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
  5. For the topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  6. Add cold cubed butter and work into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
  7. Sprinkle topping evenly over the apple mixture, covering the fruit completely.
  8. Place baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any overflow.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving to allow filling to set slightly.
  11. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Plating

Spoon warm apple crisp into shallow dessert bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of the crunchy topping. Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top or to the side, allowing it to start melting into the warm dessert. For an elegant touch, drizzle with caramel sauce and add a small sprig of mint.

Storage & Reheating

Apple crisp can be stored, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds until warmed through. The topping will soften somewhat upon storage but will still be delicious.

About This Recipe

This apple crisp draws inspiration from The Barnacle's homestyle dessert tradition. The combination of spiced apples and buttery oat topping creates that perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes this a timeless favorite. This home version adapts restaurant techniques to create a rustic yet impressive dessert that showcases seasonal fruit.

How did it turn out?

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe!