Today I’m participating in a Holiday Blog Hop set up by the lovely Erin of Big Fat Baker. We had to use one of our required holiday baking ingredients – cranberry, pecan or vanilla. I opted to use vanilla because I’m slightly obsessed with vanilla. It’s pretty awesome…am I right?
So, since I had a basket full of apples and I knew I was cooking with vanilla I decided to combine the two. The result? Amazing! The apples were packed with vanilla and warm cinnamon flavor.
I actually delivered this crisp to my hairdresser as a “I’m sorry” gift. I had missed my hair appointment on the day I made this and she squeezed me in later that day. After I brought her this delicious dessert all was forgiven 
Vanilla Bean Apple Crisp:
5 cups apples (peeled, cored and cubed)
1/3 cup vanilla sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla paste
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping:
2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup rolled oats
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup brown butter
Preheat oven 350 degrees
To make brown butter slice your butter into equal pats. Add to a light colored skillet and melt over medium heat. Stir frequently. (I say light colored because you need to see the color of the butter)
Once the butter is melted it will start to foam and then subside. You will see small flecks at the bottom of the pan. When they have reached light brown and the butter smells nutty it is ready. Browned butter can burn very easy so if the flecks turn black you will have to throw it out and start over.
Once your butter is ready take it off the heat and let it cool while you make the filling.
Mix together apples, sugar, vanilla paste, lemon juice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Add to 8×8 baking dish or distribute equally into smaller single serving gratin dishes.
Top with crumbly topping and bake for 35-35 minutes.
For Topping:
Mix the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon and brown butter in bowl. Mix until crumbly looking.
Source: Adapted from Closet Cooking
Omg this looks so good. And yes you are so right, vanilla is amazing! I love the crisp topping too. That is my favorite of all fruit dessert toppings. I can’t wait to go to the store to get some apples!
I love the addition of vanilla bean paste…I ran out of mine a few weeks ago and badly need to buy another jar! This apple crisp looks awesome…I’d like a bowl for breakfast right now!
Yummmmm! I love crisp-my favorite dessert dessert
lovely addition to apple crisp
ironically i just posted a version as well, with rosemary and honey!
What a delicious and comforting pudding, I’ll bet it is positively sumptuous!
*kisses* HH
Your lucky hairdresser! She probably has her fingers crossed that you’ll miss more appointments!
Uhhh, yum. I swoon for crumbly toppings!!
Wow! I’ve always wanted to try vanilla bean paste, this sounds wonderful!
Nice choice — vanilla and apple are a fantastic combo! Such a sweet gift too!
I would totally cut your hair in exchange for this crisp. (Not that you’d want me to.)
Hello,
I’m interested in joining the Holiday Recipe Club. Thanks so much for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Laura
It looks so good-I totally would have forgiven you for much worse if you brought this to me!
no wonder your hairdresser forgave you… who could resist this delicious looking crisp!??
This sounds so good!
This looks AMAZING. I wish I could eat apple crisp everyday of my life
I may be slightly obsessed with vanilla as well, in fact for the longest time my favorite perfume was a vanilla scented one!
what a nice gesture–i’m sure your hairdresser loved it (and hopes you postpone future appointments too!).
I think I need to get my hands on some vanilla paste. This looks amazing!!
Oh I LOVE vanilla, love love love it. I think I’m the only girl who doesn’t have a hair dresser. I should get one, so I’ll have yet another person to deliver treats too.
Okay you realize you’re torturing me a bit by posting this right? Apple season is nearly over it seems and now I’m going to be craving crisps and pies again!!
Just come across this on Foodbuzz, Im so glad! Im just going to grab a coffee and sit down for some sunday morning reading!
I’m a convert to vanilla bean paste too. It’s all I use now. This looks like a great crumble!
Scrumptious crisp, so perfect with apples and vanilla!
Sounds like a lovely version of apple crisp… I am a big fan of vanilla, as well!
I loooove apple crisp, and the idea of adding vanilla to it? Genius!
Hmmm…I may have to us this recipe for my next forgiveness gift
Looks terrific.