Sourdough Apple Crisp
Need a quick dessert that’s big on cozy vibes but light on effort? Say hello to my go-to: Sourdough Apple Crisp! Perfect for busy moms or anyone juggling a packed schedule, this easy dessert is packed with sweet apples, cinnamon, and a fun sourdough twist that adds a tangy kick to the mix.
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Sourdough Apple Crisp
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Apple Filling:
6-7 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
2 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
For the Sourdough Crisp Topping:
½ cup sourdough discard (unfed)
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges, about ¼ inch thick. Place them in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour to the apples, and toss to coat the slices evenly. The flour will help thicken the juices as the crisp bakes.
Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
Step 2: Make the Sourdough Crisp Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some small pea-sized pieces of butter should remain.
Stir in the sourdough discard until the topping forms clumps. The sourdough helps bind the topping and adds that signature tang.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the sourdough crisp topping over the apple mixture, covering the apples completely for that perfect crisp-to-fruit ratio.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the apple crisp for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling underneath. If the topping browns too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Let the apple crisp cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.
Helpful tips
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works best, as it provides a balanced flavor and texture. You want apples that hold their shape during baking without turning mushy.
Use unfed sourdough discard for this recipe. It adds flavor without impacting the structure of the topping too much. If your discard has been sitting for a few days, that's perfectly fine!
Adding oats to the topping gives it a heartier texture and a satisfying crunch. You can substitute quick oats if needed, but rolled oats are preferred for their texture.
This dessert can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and baked just before serving. Store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven to crisp up the topping.
Serving Suggestions
This Sourdough Apple Crisp is best served warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the cool ice cream with the warm, spiced apples and crispy topping is pure autumn bliss.
For an extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top, or enjoy it with a mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.
Customize Your Recipe
For added crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping.
Feel free to play with the spices — add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple filling for extra warmth.
Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
While apples are the star of this recipe, you can also use pears or a combination of apples and berries for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the crisp in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp the topping, or microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up. The oven method helps maintain that crunchy texture.
This Sourdough Apple Crisp is the perfect “toss it together” treat for those evenings when you want something warm and comforting without spending all day in the kitchen. Bonus: it's a great way to use up that sourdough discard! Trust me, your family will love it, and you’ll love how simple it is to make. Happy baking!
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