Elegant 9×13 Apple Crisp with Streusel Topping 🍎 – Sophisticated Fall Dessert
This 9×13 apple crisp with a buttery almond flour streusel topping bakes to golden perfection in 45 minutes, making it the perfect holiday gathering dessert.
This elegant 9×13 apple crisp is a masterclass in autumnal sophistication. With its buttery almond flour streusel topping and tender cinnamon-kissed apples, it's the kind of dessert that transforms any dinner table into a festive occasion. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or cozy family meals, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with refined flavor. The streusel topping adds a delightful textural contrast, while the warm spices evoke the essence of the season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe will have you serving a show-stopping dessert in under an hour.
This apple crisp is designed for both form and function - it's easy to prepare in advance, bakes quickly, and maintains its elegant presentation even after sitting for hours. The almond flour streusel adds a nutty depth that elevates the classic apple crisp into a gourmet experience. With its generous size in a 9×13 pan, it's perfect for feeding a crowd without sacrificing quality.
What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail: the streusel topping is made with almond flour for a refined texture, the apple filling uses a specific cinnamon-to-clove ratio for perfect balance, and the recipe includes make-ahead instructions for stress-free entertaining. It's a dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to execute.
Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply want to impress your guests with a fall classic, this apple crisp will become your go-to recipe. The golden, crumbly topping and juicy apple filling create a harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This recipe is designed for both form and function - it's easy to prepare in advance, bakes quickly, and maintains its elegant presentation even after sitting for hours. The almond flour streusel adds a nutty depth that elevates the classic apple crisp into a gourmet experience. With its generous size in a 9×13 pan, it's perfect for feeding a crowd without sacrificing quality.
Ingredients
- 9 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 6-7 medium apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Apple Filling In a large bowl, combine sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the apples.
- Step 2: Make Streusel Topping In a medium bowl, mix almond flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped walnuts if using.
- Step 3: Assemble and Bake Spread streusel topping evenly over apple filling. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Card
Elegant Apple Crisp Recipe
Sophisticated fall dessert with almond streusel
🛒 Ingredients
- - 9 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
- - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- - 1 cup almond flour
- - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Apple Filling: Toss apples with sugars, flour, spices, and salt. Pour into baking dish.
💡 Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness and firmness.
Make Streusel Topping: Mix almond flour, oats, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter.
💡 Cold butter ensures a crumbly texture in the streusel.
Assemble and Bake: Spread streusel over apples. Bake until golden and bubbly.
💡 Let cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Almond Flour
The almond flour adds a rich, nutty flavor and lighter texture compared to traditional oat streusel. It creates a more refined topping that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Substitutions: You can use 1/2 cup rolled oats instead of almond flour for a more traditional streusel, or a mix of 1/4 cup each of almond flour and all-purpose flour for a different texture.
These apples hold their shape during baking and provide the perfect balance of tartness that complements the sweetness of the filling. The acidity also helps prevent browning.
Substitutions: You can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter option, or a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
Substitutions: You can use all brown sugar if you prefer a deeper flavor, or all granulated sugar for a lighter filling.
Using cold butter in the streusel ensures it stays in small pieces, creating a crumbly texture. This is crucial for achieving that signature streusel crunch.
Substitutions: If you forget to chill the butter, you can still use it but it will create a denser topping. For best results, always use cold butter.
Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice apples evenly. Uniform slicing ensures even baking. Toss apples immediately with the sugar mixture to prevent browning.
The streusel should look like coarse sand with some larger chunks. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water. If too wet, add a bit more flour or oats.
Prepare the apple filling and streusel separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before baking.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the streusel for extra depth of flavor. A pinch of sea salt on top before baking enhances the sweetness.
Variations & Customizations
Cinnamon Sugar Streusel
Omit the almond flour and use 1 cup rolled oats instead. Add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon for a more traditional streusel topping.
Chocolate Drizzle
After baking, drizzle with a simple chocolate sauce made from melted dark chocolate, a bit of heavy cream, and a touch of salt for a decadent twist.
Spiced Apple Crisp
Add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the apple filling for a warm, spiced flavor that's perfect for fall.
VVhanberry Compote
Add a layer of reduced cranberry sauce between the apples and streusel for a tart contrast to the sweet apples.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream for a classic contrast of warm and cold
- Caramel sauce drizzled over the top for extra richness
- Whipped cream for a light and elegant finishing touch
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a spiced chai tea to complement the warm spices and caramel flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the apple filling and streusel separately up to 24 hours ahead. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before baking.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer Storage
Wrap cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my streusel too dry?
A: If your streusel is too dry, it might be because the butter was too warm or you overmixed it. Ensure the butter is cold and handle the mixture gently.
Q: Can I use a different pan size?
A: This recipe is specifically designed for a 9x13-inch pan. Using a different size may affect baking time and texture.
Q: How do I prevent the apples from becoming too soft?
A: Use Granny Smith apples which hold their shape better. Don't overbake - the apples should be tender but not mushy.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the apples. The streusel is naturally gluten-free if using almond flour and oats labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This elegant apple crisp is more than just a dessert - it's an experience. The combination of the almond flour streusel and perfectly spiced apples creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and refined.
Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or simply want to enjoy a taste of autumn, this recipe will become a cherished tradition. The generous 9x13 size makes it perfect for feeding a crowd without sacrificing quality.
