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Warm Apple Crisp with Brown Sugar Streusel inspired by The Ground Round
Inspired by The Ground Round
Try the Original

Warm Apple Crisp with Brown Sugar Streusel

Dessert Vegetarian
This homestyle dessert features tender baked apples with warm spices, topped with a crunchy brown sugar oat streusel. The contrast between the soft, cinnamon-scented fruit and the buttery crumble creates a comforting texture combination. Served warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top, this dessert brings nostalgic flavors that are perfect for any season.
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 60 mins
Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples (Peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 2 large Honeycrisp apples (Peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour (For filling)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (Divided)
  • 1 cup Old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (For topping)
  • 3/4 cup Brown sugar (Packed)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Cold, cubed)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped pecans (Optional)
  • 2 cups Vanilla ice cream (For serving)
  • 1/4 cup Caramel sauce (For drizzling, optional)

Tools You'll Need

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

Chef's Tip

For the best texture contrast, use a mix of apple varieties - tart Granny Smiths hold their shape while cooking, and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala provide juicy sweetness. This combination ensures both flavor complexity and proper texture.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch square baking dish or 2-quart casserole.
  2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons flour, vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until well coated.
  3. Transfer apple mixture to prepared baking dish, arranging in an even layer.
  4. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, combine oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt.
  5. Add cold cubed butter and work into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
  6. Stir in chopped pecans if using.
  7. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples, covering completely.
  8. Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 40-45 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling at the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Plating

Spoon warm apple crisp into individual dessert bowls. Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Garnish with a small sprig of mint for color contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Cover and refrigerate leftover apple crisp for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave on 50% power until just warm. The topping will soften somewhat upon storage but will still be delicious.

About This Recipe

This Apple Crisp recreates The Ground Round's popular comfort dessert. The combination of different apple varieties provides textural contrast and balanced sweetness, while the generous streusel topping offers that signature buttery crunch. The warm spices and classic pairing with vanilla ice cream create a nostalgic dessert experience that's both homestyle and restaurant-worthy.

How did it turn out?

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