One Apple, Five Desserts: Apple Crisp, Crumble, Cobbler, Turnover, and Galette

Recipe Overview

While these five apple desserts might seem similar at first glance, each brings its own unique characteristics and charm to the table. The Crisp and Crumble offer two takes on streusel-topped treats, while the Cobbler introduces a biscuit-like dimension. The Turnover transforms apple filling into a portable pastry, and the Galette presents a free-form, rustic-elegant tart that’s surprisingly simple to master.

These recipes all start with the same basic apple filling but showcase different techniques and textures. From casual family desserts to impressive dinner party finales, you’ll find the perfect apple dessert for any occasion. The beauty of these recipes is their adaptability - master the basic techniques, and you can customize each one to your taste.

Base Apple Filling (For All Variations)

Ingredients

• 6 cups apples: peeled, cored, and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice
2. Combine sugar, spices, cornstarch, and salt
3. Mix with apples until evenly coated
4. Let stand 15 minutes before using

Apple Crisp

Additional Ingredients for Topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, cold and cubed
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare apple filling
2. Mix dry topping ingredients
3. Cut in cold butter until crumbly
4. Place filling in 9x13 baking dish
5. Cover with topping
6. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes

Apple Crumble

Additional Ingredients for Topping

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare apple filling
2. Combine flour, sugar, and salt
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
4. Layer filling in baking dish
5. Top with crumble mixture
6. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes

Apple Cobbler

Additional Ingredients for Topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter
• ¾ cup cold milk
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Prepare apple filling
2. Mix dry ingredients for biscuit topping
3. Cut in butter until crumbly
4. Stir in milk and egg until just combined
5. Drop spoonfuls of dough over filling
6. Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes

Apple Turnovers

Additional Ingredients

• 2 packages puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling
• Powdered sugar for glaze (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare apple filling, chop apples smaller
2. Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares
3. Place filling in center of each square
4. Fold diagonally, seal edges
5. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar
6. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes

Apple Galette

Additional Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Roll dough into 14-inch circle
2. Arrange apple filling in center, leaving 2-inch border
3. Fold edges over filling, pleating as needed
4. Brush crust with egg wash
5. Sprinkle with coarse sugar
6. Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes

Pro Tips

• Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked
• Keep butter cold until ready to use
• Don’t overmix cobbler dough
• Let galette and turnovers cool before serving
• Adjust sugar based on apple variety used

Variations

• Add nuts to crisp or crumble toppings
• Include raisins or cranberries in filling
• Drizzle with caramel sauce
• Add cheese to galette crust
• Spice up filling with ginger or cardamom

Serving Suggestions

Each dessert has its perfect pairing:

• Crisp & Crumble: Vanilla ice cream
• Cobbler: Fresh whipped cream
• Turnovers: Caramel dipping sauce
• Galette: Crème fraîche or vanilla bean ice cream

Storage

• Crisp/Crumble/Cobbler: 4 days refrigerated
• Turnovers: 2 days room temperature
• Galette: 3 days refrigerated
• All freeze well for up to 3 months

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between a crisp and crumble?

   • Crisps contain oats in topping
   • Crumbles are flour-based
   • Both are equally delicious!

2. Can I make these ahead?

   • Prepare components separately
   • Assemble just before baking
   • Freeze unbaked for later

3. Best apples to use?

   • Granny Smith
   • Honeycrisp
   • Braeburn
   • Mix varieties for best flavor

4. Why is my filling too wet?

   • Let filling drain before using
   • Adjust cornstarch if needed
   • Don’t skip resting time

Whether you’re craving something rustic like a crisp or elegant like a galette, these five apple desserts offer something for every occasion and skill level. Each brings its own unique charm to the table while celebrating the versatile apple. Happy baking!