Easy Sourdough Apple Crisp Recipe
Discover this easy sourdough apple crisp recipe, a delicious twist on a classic fall dessert that uses sourdough discard for added flavor.
Nothing says fall like the warm, comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp. But what if I told you that adding a little sourdough discard could take this classic dessert to the next level making it the perfect discard dessert recipe for fall?
This Easy Sourdough Apple Crisp recipe brings together the tartness of fresh apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the subtle tang of sourdough, creating a delicious twist on a beloved favorite. Perfect for using up your sourdough starter discard, this recipe is not only a great way to reduce waste but also a nice way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Every fall, our family takes a trip back home to the mountains of North Carolina to visit family and to go apple picking! It’s a little tradition we started a few years ago and we look forward to it each year. We spend way too much money on very few apples but the extra cost is worth the experience and we always come home with enough apples to make this recipe as well as apple turnovers because there a family favorite!
Why Use Sourdough Discard In Apple Crisp?
Using sourdough discard adds a unique flavor that isn’t overpowering but adds just the right depth of flavor. The tangy notes from the sourdough are a nice contrast to the sweet apples and warm spices.
Plus, incorporating sourdough discard is a fantastic way to reduce waste in the kitchen. If you’d like to learn more about storing and using sourdough discard in your kitchen, check out my Discard Crash Course that’s available for just a few bucks.
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Key Ingredients for Sourdough Apple Crisp
Apples– The star ingredient of this recipe is, of course, apples—tart varieties like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart apples work best to balance the flavors.
Spices– The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves—bring warmth and depth to the apple filling, creating that cozy, comforting taste we love in fall desserts.
Sourdough Discard– Sourdough discard adds a subtle tang to the crisp topping, providing a unique flavor twist that also helps reduce waste from your sourdough starter.
Together, these ingredients make for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any season, especially fall!
You can find a full list of ingredients in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Sourdough Apple Crisp
Peel and thinly slice the apples into small chunks and arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish or 12-inch cast iron skillet and set aside.
Add white sugar, rolled oats, and spices to a large bowl and stir until combined.
Then add the room temperature or melted butter and sourdough discard to the dry ingredients and mix until you have a stiff dough. Use your hands if necessary.
Add your sourdough crisp topping to the juicy apples and press the mixture onto the apples.
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Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
The end result is a deliciously sweet treat that’s a crowd pleaser and is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Variations
When it comes to sourdough apple crisp, there are plenty of ways to customize and add your own twist to the classic recipe. You can mix in different types of fruit like pears, cranberries, or even berries to add extra sweetness and tartness.
For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the topping or drizzle caramel over the top before serving. These variations allow you to make the sourdough apple crisp uniquely yours and cater to different tastes and preferences in your household.
Common Questions
The best apples are firm apples for this recipe. We use a mix of tart Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp or Pink Lady but any apple you like or have on hand will work. We prefer to mix sweet and tart apples together.
Yes, you can use the same amount of active starter in place of discard.
Absolutely! While apple crisp is traditionally made with apples, you can easily incorporate other fruits like pears, berries, or peaches.
f you prefer to skip the oatmeal in the topping, you can use a simple combination of butter, flour, and sugar for a buttery, crumbly topping.
How To Reheat and Store Leftovers
To store sourdough apple crisp, first let it cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the crisp to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat the apple crisp the next day or later and maintain its crispness, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the crisp in an oven-safe dish and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
Heat for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through, removing the foil for the last few minutes of heating can help re-crisp the topping. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the topping soggy instead of crisp.
This easy sourdough apple crisp recipe combines the comforting flavors of a classic apple crisp with a unique twist using sourdough discard. The tangy notes from the sourdough perfectly complement the sweet, spiced apples and buttery, crunchy topping, making it delicious recipe for fall.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for using up extra sourdough discard while creating a delicious treat for your family.
Ready to give it a try? Grab your sourdough discard and a few fresh apples, and get baking! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below, and let us know how your sourdough apple crisp turned out. If you’re looking for more sourdough discard recipes, be sure to check out our other posts for more inspiration and ideas!
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If you make this recipe, please leave a rating on the recipe card below! I’d also love for you to tag me @autumn.chasingoursimple on Instagram so I can see what you’ve been baking!
Additional Sourdough Recipes
Sourdough Pumpkin Rolls
Sourdough Coffee Cake
Sourdough Banana Bread
9 Easy Discard Recipes for Beginners
Sourdough Apple Crisp
Ingredients
- 10-12 apples peeled and chopped
- 2 cups white sugar or cane sugar
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/2 sticks butter room temperature or melted butter in a pinch
- 1 1/2 cups sourdough discard or active starter
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the apples and arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish or 12-inch cast iron skillet and set aside.
- Add sugar, rolled oats, and spices to a large bowl and stir until combined.
- Then add the butter and sourdough discard to the dry ingredients and mix until you have a stiff dough. Use your hands if necessary.
- Add your sourdough crisp topping to the apples and press the mixture onto the apples.
- Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- The end result is a deliciously sweet treat that’s a crowd pleaser and is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
