Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized by a dessert that breaks all the rules! This Amazing Zucchini Apple Crisp is not your ordinary dessert - it's a culinary magic trick that transforms humble zucchini into a sweet, irresistible treat that will leave your family and friends wondering about your secret ingredient. Imagine a dessert so deliciously unexpected, it'll become the talk of your next gathering, challenging everything you thought you knew about fruit crisps!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups zucchini, grated
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and grate the zucchini using a box grater. Place grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly.
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, uniform pieces approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini and sliced apples. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
- If using, chop the nuts finely and fold them into the crumb mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the zucchini and apple mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the crisp to set.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Moisture Matters: When preparing zucchini, squeezing out excess water is crucial. Use a clean kitchen towel and press firmly to remove as much liquid as possible, preventing a soggy crisp.
- Apple Selection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- Crumb Topping Technique: Work the butter into the dry ingredients using cold fingers or a pastry cutter to create a perfect, crumbly texture.
- Even Baking: Ensure your zucchini and apple pieces are cut to uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the crisp cool for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the fruit mixture or a pinch of nutmeg to the crumb topping for additional depth of flavor.
- Storage Tip: This crisp keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be gently reheated in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
