Washington Apple Crisp with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Why Try This Recipe?

It's a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that's easy to make and features fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Table of Contents

Why Try This Recipe?
Description
When is the Best Time to Make It?
Pairing Ideas
Allergies
Ingredient Substitutions
Inspiration
Storage Instructions

Description

There's something incredibly comforting about a warm apple crisp, especially when it's made with fresh Washington apples. The apples are tart and juicy, providing a nice contrast to the sweet, buttery crisp topping. But what really sets this dessert apart is the salted caramel drizzle. It adds a layer of richness and a hint of saltiness that balances out the sweetness of the apples and the crisp. And let's not forget about the vanilla bean ice cream. It's creamy and rich, with a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the apple and caramel perfectly. This is the kind of dessert that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a big spoon. It's simple enough to make on a weeknight, but special enough to serve at a dinner party. And it's sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine.

When is the Best Time to Make It?

Fall, when Washington apples are in season.

Pairing Ideas

Pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee.

Allergies

Gluten, Dairy

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting the listed ingredients with alternatives of your choice from the list below to suit your taste and dietary preferences:

You can substitute the Washington apples with any other tart, firm apples
The vanilla bean ice cream can be substituted with whipped cream or Greek yogurt.

Inspiration

The classic American apple crisp, elevated with a salted caramel drizzle and vanilla bean ice cream.

Cooking Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh, in-season Washington apples. Make sure to cut the apples into even slices so they cook evenly.

Notes

The apple crisp can be made a day ahead and reheated in the oven before serving. The salted caramel sauce can also be made ahead and warmed up before drizzling.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

steps

Let's make it

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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, half of the granulated sugar, and half of the flour. Toss to coat the apples in the sugar and flour.
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In another bowl, combine the remaining flour, the rolled oats, the melted butter, the brown sugar, and the cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a crumbly mixture.
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Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.
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Bake for 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
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While the apple crisp is baking, make the salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan, combine the remaining granulated sugar, the water, and the salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture turns a golden caramel color.
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Carefully add the heavy cream to the saucepan (the mixture will bubble up) and stir until smooth. Add the scraped vanilla bean and stir to combine.
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Serve the apple crisp warm, drizzled with the salted caramel sauce and topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.