Sheet Pan Apple Crisp

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One-pan meals, either in a Dutch oven or on a sheet pan, are very popular, thanks to the easy preparation and clean-up the recipes usually promise. This time, I found a recipe for a one-pan dessert that was a hit in my family. 

The October 2020 issue of Real Simple magazine provides a sheet pan apple crisp recipe that is, yes, simple. Because the dessert is thinly spread out on the sheet pan, it promises more of that crispy, crumbly oat topping that gives the “crisp” to apple crisp.

Begin by coating the rimmed baking sheet with butter. Then peel and slice enough apples to cover the pan size you choose. I chose to make half the recipe, with four apples, and use a small sheet pan. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, divided, plus more for baking sheet
  • 8 apples, peeled, cored and sliced (11 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from one lemon)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional; we used fresh whipped cream)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with butter. Microwave 4 tablespoons butter on high until melted, 30-45 seconds.
  2. Toss together apples and lemon juice on baking sheet; drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss until well combined and thoroughly coated. Spread mixture in an even layer.
  3. Cut remaining 12 tablespoons butter into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss together oats, flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until well combined. Add butter pieces; using your fingertips, rub butter into oat mixture until moist clumps form and no dry bits of flour remain. Scatter evenly over apples on baking sheet.
  4. Bake until topping is golden and crisp, 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes. Scoop and serve with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

As the apple crisp bakes, the scent wafting through your home will make your mouth water — another perfect way to enjoy autumn!

Real Simple is available at Whitehall Public Library or on Flipster.