Grilled Nebraska Apple Crisp

Introduction

There’s something magical about grilling desserts, especially when you’re working with fresh Nebraska apples on the Arteflame grill. This Grilled Nebraska Apple Crisp has all the soul-warming charm of a classic apple crisp, but takes it to another level with caramelized, smoky apple flavor that can only be created on an open flame. With the Arteflame’s center grill grate and large steel flat top, we can achieve the perfect balance between texture and flavor—no lids, no pots or pans required. Just clean, bold taste that’s crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Let’s fire up the grill and create a dessert that will have your guests talking for weeks!

Ingredients

• 6 fresh Nebraska apples, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Extra butter for grilling

Instructions

Step 1: Get the Arteflame Grill Ready

1. Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack dry firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Let the fire burn and stabilize for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt, vanilla, and half the brown sugar.
2. Set this mixture aside to marinate while you prepare the crisp topping.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, the rest of the brown sugar, and butter.
2. Use your fingers to work the butter into the dry mix until it forms coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Grill the Apples

1. Place a pat of butter directly on the hotter inner part of the flat cooktop.
2. Add the apple mixture in a single layer and let them grill, stirring occasionally until they begin to caramelize (about 10 minutes).

Step 5: Add the Crisp Topping

1. Using a grill-safe, flat cooking surface (like a cast iron griddle or tray), spread the grilled apples evenly.
2. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
3. Position the tray on a medium-heat section of the flat top cooktop, cover loosely with foil (optional, not a lid), and let cook for another 20 minutes until golden brown and crisp on top.

Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness.
• Make sure the grill surface is evenly heated before adding your apples.
• For extra smokiness, let a few apple slices grill on the hottest area of the flat top before mixing them in.
• You can melt a little butter on the flat top before adding the oat topping for extra crispiness.

Variations

1. Maple Pecan Apple Crisp: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans and replace brown sugar with maple syrup.
2. Bourbon Apple Crisp: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the apple mixture for an adult twist.
3. Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle caramel sauce over the grilled apples before adding the topping.
4. Spiced Cran-Apple Crisp: Mix in 1/3 cup dried cranberries and a dash of clove with the apples.
5. Apple-Peach Crisp: Substitute half the apples with fresh grilled peaches for a summer flavor.

Best pairings

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Hot apple cider or mulled wine
• Whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon
• Grilled pork chops with apples as a side
• A chilled glass of riesling or hard cider

Conclusion

This Grilled Nebraska Apple Crisp takes homemade dessert to new levels of flavor. The Arteflame grill allows the sugars in the apples to caramelize beautifully, the oat topping to become golden and crisp, and the overall dish to gain a subtle smokiness that’s unforgettable. No oven, no pans—just pure flavor and fun. Enjoy this grilled dessert after a meal or make it the star of your backyard gathering.