Save This Ricotta Apple Granola Crisp brings together the tender sweetness of baked apples, luxurious creaminess of ricotta, and a crunchy granola top for a dessert that feels both homey and a touch special. It is surprisingly easy to pull together and versatile enough for chilly nights in or an unexpected brunch treat. My own family devours this, always hoping there is some left for breakfast the next day.
I stumbled on this combo one autumn afternoon when I needed dessert fast. Now it is on repeat whenever apples are in the fruit bowl and nostalgia calls.
Ingredients
- Apples: Five medium apples offer a juicy-sweet foundation Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance of tart and sweet
- Lemon juice: Just a bit keeps the apples bright and brings out their flavor Look for juicy, smooth-skinned lemons
- Brown sugar: Deepens the apples’ natural sweetness and helps draw out their juices Choose soft, moist sugar for easy mixing
- Cinnamon: Essential for warmth Use freshly ground if possible for stronger aroma
- Nutmeg: Adds background spice and complexity Grate fresh nutmeg for the biggest impact
- Pinch of salt: Even a little salt elevates all the flavors
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and rich This mild cheese bridges the apples and crunchy topping Select whole milk ricotta for best texture
- Honey: Natural sweetness and floral notes Local varieties have wonderful flavor
- Vanilla extract: Lifts the custard layer Look for pure extract rather than imitation
- Lemon zest: Adds bright citrusy notes Smooth-skinned lemons are easier to zest
- Granola: Crunchy with pockets of nuts and seeds Adds texture and flavor Opt for a lightly sweetened mix with visible nuts and seeds for a satisfying crunch
- Unsalted butter: Brings toastiness to the topping Quality butter makes a difference here
- Maple syrup: Binds and sweetens Select real maple syrup for that classic cozy finish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C Lightly grease an eight inch square baking dish with a little butter or neutral oil This helps everything release after baking
- Prepare the Apples:
- Combine peeled apple slices with lemon juice brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and a pinch of salt in a large bowl Toss thoroughly so each slice is coated Even distribution ensures every bite is flavorful Arrange the apples evenly in your prepared dish pressing gently so the layer is compact
- Make the Ricotta Mixture:
- In a small bowl mix ricotta cheese honey vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest Stir until creamy and fully blended The lemon zest should be finely grated for even flavor Dollop the ricotta mixture over the apples and nudge gently with a spatula to cover much of the fruit leaving a bit peeking through
- Prepare the Granola Topping:
- In another bowl combine granola with melted unsalted butter and maple syrup Stir until all the granola looks glossy and well coated This step helps the topping bake up golden and crunchy Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the ricotta layer ensuring a thick even blanket
- Bake the Crisp:
- Place the dish in the center of your warm oven and bake for thirty to thirty five minutes You are looking for a bubbling edge golden brown topping and apples that are fork tender Start checking at the thirty minute mark so the granola does not overbrown
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the baked crisp to cool for at least ten minutes before serving This helps everything set and makes scooping easier Serve while warm for the ultimate cozy effect or let the dish cool completely and enjoy at room temperature
Save The real star for me is the ricotta layer With a hint of honey and lemon it turns simple apples into something extra special I still think about the first time my son asked for seconds and wanted to know what made it so creamy
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator This crisp keeps well for up to three days and you can enjoy it cold or gently reheated in a low oven If you want to prep ahead assemble everything but the granola topping and refrigerate Add the topping just before baking so it stays extra crunchy
Ingredient Substitutions
No ricotta on hand Try mascarpone or a thick Greek yogurt for a similar effect Use pears or even mixed berries when apples are out of season For an allergyfriendly version search for nutfree or glutenfree granola or make your own at home
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the crisp warm into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream A dollop of extra honey or a drizzle of maple syrup makes it feel even more decadent This dish also plays well on a brunch buffet next to coffee or chai
Cultural and Seasonal Story
Fruit crisps are a classic in American kitchens They are humble easy to adapt and a way to enjoy orchard fruit through the seasons In my house they show up as a quick answer to friends stopping by for coffee or a finale to big family dinners Around apple season we always make this version together splitting the work between peeling apples and sneaking tastes of the topping
Seasonal Adaptations
Substitute apples with ripe peaches in summer or a combination of apples and pears in fall Make a spiced version with ground ginger and cardamom for a winter twist Top with pumpkin seed granola for a fresh autumn feel
Success Stories
My niece requested this crisp for her birthday breakfast with a candle right in the middle Readers say their kids help assemble the layers and it has become a new ritual for weekend brunches It disappears faster than any pie I bake and usually gets raves for the layering of cream and crisp
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze prepare the apple and ricotta layers in the baking dish but keep the granola topping separate Cover well and freeze for up to two months Bake straight from the freezer adding the topping just before baking and extending the bake time by five to ten minutes
Save Serve warm with extra honey or ice cream for a final touch Your kitchen will smell amazing and there probably will not be leftovers
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use another fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears or stone fruits work well and offer a different flavor profile. Adjust baking time as needed.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Exactly! Use certified gluten-free granola and confirm your other ingredients are gluten-free for a safe dish.
- → What can I serve with this dessert?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements its flavors beautifully.
- → How do I avoid nuts if I have allergies?
Simply choose a nut-free granola for the topping and check ingredient labels carefully.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare and bake in advance, then reheat gently before serving. Granola topping stays crisp for a day.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian. However, it's not suitable for vegans or infants due to ricotta and honey.