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Autumn Apple Crisp with Vanilla and Caramel

This apple crisp features tender, spiced apples topped with a sweet, buttery oat crumble enhanced by vanilla bean. A drizzle of rich caramel provides a luxurious finish, creating a warm and inviting dessert with contrasting textures of soft fruit and crisp topping, finished with a glossy caramel glaze.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples peeled, cored and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon freshly grated for more aroma
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional, for depth of flavor
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup rolled oats old-fashioned preferred
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into cubes
  • 1 vanilla bean vanilla bean split and scraped
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade, for drizzle

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking Dish
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well coated. Spread the apples evenly in a buttered baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Add cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates a buttery, crunchy topping.
  4. Sprinkle the oat crumble evenly over the apples, pressing it gently to adhere.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma of baked apples and toasted oats will fill your kitchen.
  6. Once out of the oven, wait for the crisp to cool slightly. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to seep into the cracks and enhance each bite with rich sweetness.
  7. Serve the apple crisp warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy the contrast of tender fruit, crunchy topping, and luscious caramel.

Notes

For extra vanilla flavor, infuse the vanilla bean seeds into the caramel sauce before drizzling. This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cider or spiced tea during autumn evenings.