Apple Delight Recipe
Apple Delight is the kind of dessert that instantly conjures up memories of cozy autumn evenings, the comforting aroma of cinnamon, and the pleasure of warm, gooey apples tucked beneath a golden, crumbly topping. This classic recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients, rewarding you with a beautifully balanced combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy—all in every bite. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or save it for a chilly night, Apple Delight truly lives up to its name by transforming humble apples into something spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Delight lies in its straightforward ingredient list—each item shines in the final dish. These kitchen staples work together in harmony, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor and irresistible texture.
- Apples: Use 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; their tartness and juiciness are the heart of this dessert.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon keeps the apples bright and prevents browning, while adding a touch of citrusy zing.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup balances the tartness and helps the filling turn syrupy.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon infuses warmth and that must-have cozy spice vibe.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon provides depth and a subtle earthiness that lingers beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup forms the base of the crumbly topping, giving it perfect structure.
- Packed Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup adds molasses-rich sweetness and a touch of caramelized flavor to the topping.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, chilled and cubed, creates those prized buttery crumbles as it bakes.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): 1/2 cup adds crunchy texture and a nutty contrast—totally optional, but delicious.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (for serving): A classic finishing touch that brings creamy coolness to every warm bite.
How to Make Apple Delight
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. Peel, core, and slice your apples—this extra bit of prep makes all the difference in texture and lets the apples bake into fork-tender perfection. Place them in a large bowl and immediately toss with lemon juice to keep them from browning while you work.
Step 2: Season the Apples
Sprinkle the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg over the apples in the bowl. Gently toss everything together so the fruit is evenly coated in fragrant sweetness and spice. This not only flavors the apples but helps draw out their juices, which will bubble up deliciously as the Apple Delight bakes.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spread the seasoned apple slices evenly in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not too tightly packed. Distribute them in an even layer so they bake uniformly and soak up all that gorgeous spiced syrup.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Add in the chilled cubes of unsalted butter, then use a pastry cutter or a fork to work everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re feeling extra, now’s the time to stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans, which lend a delightful crunch to the Apple Delight topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples, making sure every bit of fruit is blanketed in buttery goodness. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns golden and the apples are bubbling gently. Let the Apple Delight cool for just a few minutes—serving it warm is a must.
How to Serve Apple Delight
Garnishes
For the full experience, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream is absolutely divine on hot Apple Delight. You can also sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top, or add a few extra chopped nuts for texture and flair. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
Serve Apple Delight with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea to complement its warm flavors. For a more decadent dessert plate, pair it with a small wedge of sharp cheddar cheese—an old-school trick that brings out the apples’ natural sweetness and balances their tartness in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual Apple Delight servings in ramekins for a personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. You can also layer the baked Apple Delight into pretty glasses for a parfait-style dessert, complete with whipped cream and extra spices or nuts sprinkled between layers. For an autumn gathering, decorate the top with thin apple slices arranged in a rosette pattern before baking for an extra show-stopping look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some extra Apple Delight? Store cooled leftovers right in the baking dish, just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making leftovers just as scrumptious as the first day.
Freezing
To freeze, let Apple Delight cool completely, then wrap it securely in a double layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat before serving.
Reheating
For best results, bake the refrigerated or thawed Apple Delight uncovered at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through and the topping crisps up. A quick zap in the microwave works too, though the crumble won’t be quite as crisp, but still delicious!
FAQs
Can I use any type Dessert
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Fuji hold their shape and give a balanced flavor, you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Mixing a few varieties adds extra depth and nuance to your Apple Delight.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples results in a softer, more cohesive filling, but if you like a bit of texture and color, feel free to leave the skins on. Just wash them well first. The skin adds fiber and a rustic touch to your finished Apple Delight.
Can I make Apple Delight nut-free?
Yes! The nuts are totally optional and can be omitted without sacrificing any flavor or texture from your crumble topping. If you’d like to add a little extra crunch, you can substitute rolled oats instead of nuts for a lovely texture boost.
Is it possible to prepare Apple Delight in advance?
Definitely. Assemble the dish right up to the moment before baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed. This makes Apple Delight a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or gatherings.
Can I make a lighter version of Apple Delight?
For a lighter twist, replace half the butter in the crumble topping with rolled oats or use light butter. You can also reduce the sugar a bit if your apples are particularly sweet. The dessert will still be wonderfully comforting and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something simple yet truly satisfying, Apple Delight promises to be your new go-to dessert. The combination of spiced, tender apples and a buttery, golden-sweet crumble is pure comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and coming back all season long!
Print
Apple Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Delight is a classic dessert featuring tender, spiced apples topped with a buttery, nutty crumble. This comforting treat is perfect for a cozy fall evening or any time you crave a delicious, fruit-filled indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crumble: In another bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- You can use any variety of baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with rolled oats for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
