There’s something irresistibly cozy about the scent of apples baking with cinnamon and butter, which is exactly what you’ll get with this Apple Delight. Generous layers of sweet-tart apples, a crumbly buttery topping, and a sprinkle of nuts transform simple ingredients into a classic dessert that feels both comforting and a little bit special. If you love fall treats bursting with flavor, Apple Delight is about to become a new must-make in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
How to Make Apple Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, a quarter cup of the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure every slice is coated—this helps the apples keep their color and infuses them with all those warm, spicy flavors. Once mixed, spread them evenly in your prepared baking dish so each bite will be deliciously consistent.
Step 2: Make the Crumbly Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour and the remaining half cup of sugar. Now it’s time for some therapeutic mixing—add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or fork, working until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (think pea-sized pieces of butter nestled among the flour). If you’re adding the pecans or walnuts, fold them in at this stage for extra crunch. This step is really where the crumble magic happens!
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Delight
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the dish, making sure to cover them completely. This will become the irresistible, golden crown of your Apple Delight, so don’t skimp! As the dessert bakes, the juices from the apples will bubble up into the topping, fusing everything together perfectly.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a topping that’s deeply golden and apples that are fork-tender and bubbling at the edges. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point—like the best corner of a pie shop! Give it a few minutes to cool before serving so the juices can thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve Warm With Your Favorite Topping
Spoon the warm Apple Delight into bowls and top each serving with a generous cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You’ll notice how the cold cream melts into the fruity, buttery layers—go ahead and indulge, you deserve it!
How to Serve Apple Delight
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Delight, try a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar over each serving. Fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a handful of toasted nuts add flavor and that irresistible “homemade but fancy” look. The little details make each bowl feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides like sliced fresh apples, a tangy fruit salad to balance the sweetness, or even a small cheese board if you’re serving it as part of a larger gathering. Apple Delight also shines alongside coffee or spiced tea for the ultimate cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Apple Delight in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or plate it family-style in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. For a rustic finish, serve directly from the baking dish with a vintage spoon. It’s also fun to layer leftovers in small jars for a portable (and adorable) next-day treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra Apple Delight, simply cover your baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The topping will soften a bit, but the flavors meld beautifully over time, so it’s just as delicious chilled or gently reheated.
Freezing
Apple Delight can be frozen for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating. This makes it a wonderful make-ahead dessert—perfect for holiday prep or surprise company!
Reheating
To enjoy Apple Delight warm again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or pop the entire dish back in a low oven (around 300°F) for 15 to 20 minutes. If the topping isn’t as crisp as you’d like, a few extra minutes uncovered in the oven should do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for Apple Delight?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are classic choices, feel free to mix and match with other varieties like Fuji, Braeburn, or even Pink Lady. Using a blend of apples gives the Apple Delight a more complex flavor and texture profile.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer, more traditional texture, but if you like a little extra bite and fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before slicing.
Can I make Apple Delight gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the topping, and double-check that your oats (if using) are certified gluten-free. The result will be just as tasty and comforting.
What about nut allergies? Can I skip the nuts?
Definitely—Apple Delight is just as delicious without the nuts. You can also replace them with sunflower seeds or extra oats for a crunchy topping with zero allergy worries.
Can I prepare the dessert ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble Apple Delight up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake fresh just before serving. Alternatively, bake it ahead and gently reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it—the flavors develop even more after a little rest.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Apple Delight, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dessert in so many homes. The harmonious balance of tender apples and crumbly topping is truly hard to resist! Whether you’re baking for your family or bringing a little warmth to a gathering of friends, make this recipe your own and watch it disappear—one happy spoonful at a time.
Print
Apple Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Apple Delight dessert, featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery, nutty crumble. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday meals!
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Apples: In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, ¼ cup of the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Make the Crumble: In another bowl, combine the flour and remaining ½ cup sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- You can substitute part of the flour with oats for a crispier topping.
- For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute.
- This dish is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday meals.
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