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- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced - 1 cup granola - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup oats - 1 cup apple juice - Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving For this cozy casserole, I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet crunch. Both types hold their shape well during baking. You can also use Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter taste. Choose apples you enjoy. The right apple makes a big difference. You can make this dish with different ingredients. If you have no granola, use crushed cookies or cereal. For nuts, try almonds or skip them altogether. If you're avoiding sugar, use a sugar substitute. You can also replace apple juice with water or another juice. Each swap will change the flavor, but it can still taste great. Feel free to get creative! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature helps cook the apples and crisp the topping just right. Take four large apples. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness. Peel, core, and slice them. In a large bowl, mix the apples with 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 cup of apple juice. Toss everything well, so the apples get coated. Let this sit for a moment. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of granola, 1/2 cup of oats, and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Drizzle 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter over the mix. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. This will give you a delicious crunchy topping for your casserole. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the bottom. Make sure to cover the dish well. Next, sprinkle the granola mixture over the apples. This crunchy layer adds a great texture to your dish. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You want the apples to be tender and the topping to turn a nice golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cozy creation! To get the best slices, first, pick firm apples. I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Wash them well. Peel the apples using a simple peeler. Cut them in half, then remove the core. Slice each half into thin pieces. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. If you slice them too thick, they may not soften well in the oven. A crunchy topping makes the casserole fun! Use a mix of granola, oats, and nuts. Walnut or pecan adds a nice flavor. Make sure to chop the nuts roughly. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture. This helps it brown nicely. Mix well so every piece gets some butter. Spread this mix evenly over the apples. A thick layer gives the best crunch. Let the apple casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors blend. Serve it warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cold scoop melts slightly, making it extra yummy. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for extra flavor. Enjoy it with family or friends for a cozy dessert night! {{image_2}} You can make your cozy apple casserole even better by adding dried fruits or berries. Dried cranberries or raisins bring a sweet and tangy taste. You can use about half a cup. Just mix them in with the apples before baking. Fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, also add a nice touch. They can add color and flavor. Just remember to reduce the apple juice a bit to keep it from being too wet. If you want a nut-free dish, you can skip the nuts. If you enjoy different nuts, try almonds or hazelnuts. These options will still give your casserole a nice crunch. You can also use seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They add a great texture and are packed with nutrients. Just chop them roughly and mix them in with the granola topping. You can easily make this casserole gluten-free. Just swap out the granola and oats for gluten-free versions. Many stores offer gluten-free granola. Make sure to check the labels for any hidden gluten. You can even use ground almond flour for a unique twist. This way, everyone can enjoy this cozy dessert, no matter their dietary needs. To keep your cozy apple casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge. It will last about three to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a good option. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you like, you can add a scoop of whipped cream or ice cream right before serving. Freezing the casserole is easy. First, cool it completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy it later! It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can! You can swap brown sugar for white sugar or coconut sugar. Each type of sugar gives a different taste. Brown sugar adds a rich flavor that pairs well with apples. White sugar will sweeten without changing the taste much. Coconut sugar is a great option if you want a healthier choice. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may change slightly. Your apple casserole can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well. Use plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh. If the topping loses its crunch, you can pop it back in the oven for a few minutes. This will help revive that crispy top. Absolutely! You can prepare the apple mixture and topping in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, layer them in the dish and pop it in the oven. It saves you time and makes hosting stress-free. You can also bake it the night before and reheat it the next day! This blog post covered all you need to make a delicious apple casserole. We discussed the key ingredients, recommended apple varieties, and ingredient substitutions. The step-by-step instructions guide you from preparation to baking. Tips for perfect slices and a crunchy topping will help you succeed. You learned about tasty variations, storage, and useful FAQs. In the end, you can create a warm apple dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking and share this delight with friends and family!

Cozy Easy Apple Casserole

Indulge in the warmth of this cozy easy apple casserole that's perfect for any occasion! Packed with delicious apples, crunchy granola, and a hint of cinnamon, this comforting dessert is truly effortless to make. Discover how to whip up this delightful dish that your family will adore. Click to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a heartwarming dessert that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup granola

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup oats

1 cup apple juice

Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and set aside.

      In another bowl, combine granola, oats, and chopped nuts. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.

        In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the bottom.

          Spread the granola mixture over the top of the apples, creating a nice crunchy layer.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.

              Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 8 servings

                  - Serving Suggestions: Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra cozy touch!