Easy Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp Recipe: Cozy Fall Treat

Apple crisp erupts with seasonal passion, transforming humble orchard gems into a symphony of sweet, tangy delight.

Rustic and unpretentious, this dessert captures autumn’s essence in every golden-brown crumb.

Cinnamon and nutmeg waltz through tender apple slices, promising a sensory journey that transcends ordinary baking.

Layers of caramelized fruit nestle beneath a crackly, buttery streusel that whispers comfort with each forkful.

The recipe marries simplicity with extraordinary flavor, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Warm spices and soft fruit meld into a culinary masterpiece that calls you to savor every decadent bite.

Your taste buds will dance with anticipation of this soul-warming creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredient Breakdown for Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp

• Granny Smith Apples, Honeycrisp Apples: Select firm, crisp varieties with vibrant color and no bruising.
• Lemon Juice: Choose freshly squeezed for bright, zesty flavor enhancement.
• Granulated Sugar: Pick fine-textured sugar for smooth sweet distribution.
• Ground Cinnamon: Opt for fresh, aromatic spice with rich warm undertones.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Select high-quality, fresh ingredients for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Seek unclumped, pure sugars with deep caramel notes.
• Salt: Use fine table salt for balanced seasoning.
• Unsalted Butter: Pick cold, high-fat content butter for perfect crumbly consistency.

• Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Choose rich, creamy options with authentic dairy flavor.

Tools Required for Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp

• Oval Baking Dish (9x14x2-inch): Perfect for creating those delightful apple crisp layers.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Where the magic of crumble topping comes together.
• Pastry Blender or Fingertips: Essential for creating those delectable crumbly pebbles.
• Rimmed Baking Sheet: Catches any sweet drips and prevents oven mess.
• Peeler: Helps smoothly remove apple skins.
• Sharp Knife: For cutting apples into uniform, beautiful chunks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for apple preparation.

How to Bake Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a spacious baking dish. Butter the inside generously to keep everything from sticking.

• Chop And Season Apples

Grab some crisp, tangy apples and slice them into chunky pieces. Splash some zesty lemon juice over the slices and dust with warm cinnamon and sweet sugar. This will wake up their natural flavor and keep them from turning brown.

• Craft The Crumbly Topping

Mix flour, sugars, and rolled oats in a bowl. Toss in cold butter chunks and use your fingers to transform the mixture into a landscape of sandy, pebbly crumbles. The key is working quickly so the butter stays cool and creates those delightful crunchy bits.

• Layer And Bake

Pour the seasoned apple chunks into the buttered dish. Shower the crumbly topping across the surface, making sure every apple gets a cozy blanket of goodness. Slide the dish into the oven and let magic happen for about an hour.

• Serve With Flair

Pull out your masterpiece when the top turns golden and the apples bubble with excitement. Let it rest briefly, then serve warm. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes this dessert absolutely irresistible.

Ideas to Elevate Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp

• Boost Apple Crumble Flavor: Mix different apple varieties like Fuji and Braeburn for a complex, layered taste profile that adds depth to every bite.
• Customize Crumble Texture: Roughly chop some nuts like pecans or walnuts and fold into the topping mixture to create extra crunch and nutty richness.
• Spice Up The Dessert: Experiment with warming spices such as nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to elevate the traditional cinnamon flavor and surprise your taste buds.
• Make It Healthier: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase nutritional value without compromising the delicious crumbly texture.

Serve Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp Warm

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Complement the warm, spiced apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luxurious contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Enhance with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the top for an extra layer of nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that elevates the dessert.
• Create a Breakfast Twist: Transform leftover apple crisp into a decadent morning treat by serving a small portion alongside Greek yogurt or as a topping for morning pancakes or waffles.
• Wine and Dessert Pairing: Enjoy this classic dessert with a glass of sweet dessert wine like Riesling or a crisp moscato, which beautifully complements the warm, spiced apple flavors.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store the apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to maintain its delightful texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Keep unbaked in the refrigerator, then pop directly into the oven when ready to serve. Cold preparation allows flavors to meld and intensify.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Wrap the cooled apple crisp securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore its crispy top and warm, gooey center.
• Portion and Preserve: Cut individual servings before storing. This technique prevents repeated reheating, which can make the topping soggy. Separate portions in small containers for quick, easy grab-and-go dessert moments.

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Apple Crisp Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s barefoot contessa apple crisp combines sweet Granny Smith apples with a buttery, crumbly topping. Cinnamon-spiced and baked until golden, this classic dessert brings warmth and comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 lbs (2.27 kg) McIntosh or Macoun apples
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1–½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (90 g) oatmeal
• ½ lb (227 g) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 2 tsps ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 orange zest
• 1 lemon zest
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned in the middle for consistent heat distribution.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Thoroughly grease a 9x14x2-inch oval baking dish with unsalted butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. Layer Apple Mixture: Spread the prepared apple mixture evenly across the greased dish, creating a smooth and compact base.
4. Create Crumble Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, kosher salt, rolled oats, and chilled butter, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to break down the cold butter into small, pea-sized pieces until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
5. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crumbly topping uniformly over the apple layer, covering the entire surface. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the apple crisp cool for 15-20 minutes to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Butter Coating Tip: Use softened unsalted butter for a smooth, even layer that prevents sticking and adds rich flavor to the baking dish.
• Apple Selection Strategy: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of texture and sweetness in your crisp.
• Crumble Texture Trick: Work quickly with cold butter and use your fingertips to create a sandy, coarse topping that ensures a perfectly crisp and crumbly texture.
• Baking Sheet Protection: Always place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet to catch potential drips and make handling easier, preventing messy oven spills.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg