EASY CANNED APPLE CRISP RECIPE

Imagine biting into a warm, bubbly apple dessert, the cinnamon scent filling your kitchen, and the sweet-tart apples melting in your mouth – all with minimal effort. This Canned Apple Crisp recipe delivers that cozy, comforting experience, and I promise it’s so easy, even on the busiest weeknight, you can whip it up and impress everyone!

Ingredients

This recipe is so forgiving, so don’t worry if you need to make some substitutions based on what you have on hand. It’s all about creating that comforting apple crisp experience!

Apple Filling:

• 2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling, or canned sliced apples, drained
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens the flavor)

Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Let’s Talk About Canned Apples

Using canned apples (specifically apple pie filling) is a HUGE timesaver. It means no peeling, coring, or slicing! It makes this one of the best quick desserts ever. However, keep in mind that apple pie filling is already quite sweet. If you prefer a less sweet crisp, opt for canned sliced apples in water or light syrup and adjust the sugar in the filling accordingly. Don’t forget to drain those apples well! Excess liquid will make your crisp soggy.

Must-Have Equipment

Honestly, you probably already have everything you need.

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry blender or fork (for cutting in the butter)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get baking! I’m walking you through this, step by step, so your Apple Crisp turns out perfectly every time.

Prep the Apple Filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the canned apple pie filling (or drained canned apples), flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Make the Crisp Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is key for a tender, crumbly topping. If you don’t have a pastry blender, just use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients. Work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt.
3. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple filling.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary! If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
2. Let the apple crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth!

Tips for the BEST Canned Apple Crisp

I want your apple crisp to be legendary! Here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and prevents it from being overly sweet.
• Cold Butter is KEY: Using cold butter in the topping is essential for creating those beautiful, crumbly textures. If the butter gets too warm, the topping will be greasy and dense.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you’re using apple pie filling, taste it before adding the granulated sugar. You might want to reduce the amount to suit your preferences.
• Get Creative with Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves.
• Add Nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts added to the topping provides a nice crunch.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry apple crisp. The filling should be bubbly, and the topping should be golden brown.
• Serving Suggestions: Warm apple crisp is divine on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Consider trying it with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a real treat!

Variations to Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it!

• Different Fruits: While this is a Canned Apple Crisp recipe, you can easily swap out the apples for other canned fruits like peaches, pears, or mixed berries. Just adjust the spices accordingly.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in both the filling and the topping. Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free as well.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter in the topping. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to help bind the topping.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple filling for a touch of heat.
• Add a Streusel Topping: Instead of the oat topping, you can make a simple streusel topping with flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.

Troubleshooting

Let’s tackle some common apple crisp dilemmas:

• Soggy Topping: This usually happens when there’s too much liquid in the apple filling. Make sure to drain the canned apples well. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the filling to help thicken it. Also, be sure you aren’t using melted butter in the topping.
• Dry Apple Crisp: This usually happens when the apple crisp is overbaked. Keep a close eye on it and tent it with foil if the topping starts to brown too quickly.
• Bland Flavor: Don’t be afraid to add more spices! A little extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves can make a big difference. And remember that lemon juice!
• Hard Topping: Ensure you are using cold butter and cutting it into the flour properly. If you are overmixing, it could become hard.

Why This Recipe Works

This Canned Apple Crisp recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. It leverages the convenience of canned apples, which means you can have a warm, comforting dessert on the table in under an hour. The combination of sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a classic dessert. Plus, it’s so easy to customize, you can make it your own with different fruits, spices, and toppings. You might even like it more than this Perfect Autumnal Apple Crisp recipe!

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for a quick treat. For a more oven-fresh taste, reheat the apple crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Canned Fruit Recipes Beyond Apple Crisp

This recipe is proof that canned fruit can be a lifesaver! Don’t limit yourself to just apple crisp. Canned peaches make a delicious cobbler, canned pineapple is fantastic in upside-down cake, and canned cherries are perfect for a quick pie filling. Embrace the convenience and get creative! If you love apple desserts, you should also try this Best Easy Apple Crisp Recipe.

Is Canned Apple Crisp Healthy?

While this isn’t a health food, it can still be part of a balanced diet. Using canned apples means you’re still getting some of the nutritional benefits of apples, like fiber. You can also make it healthier by reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe and using whole-wheat flour in the topping. Remember moderation is key!

Final Thoughts

This Canned Apple Crisp is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a baking dish. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something delicious and comforting. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples fill your home. You deserve it! Don’t forget to check out Apple Crisp and Apple Crisp for alternative recipes! And for an extra-indulgent treat, consider Caramel Apple Cheesecake Heaven or even Caramel Apple Cheesecake Nirvana. This recipe will surely become one of your go-to quick desserts. Enjoy!