Amazing One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts: 1 Pan

Oh, Thanksgiving! It’s such a magical time, right? The smells, the family, the sheer abundance… but let’s be real, the *cleanup* can be a big ol’ buzzkill. I’ve spent years trying to perfect those classic holiday flavors while wrestling with mountains of dishes. That’s exactly why I am SO excited to share this gem with you today – my absolute go-to for [One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts (Minimal Cleanup)]. This apple crumble isn’t just good, it’s ridiculously easy and comes out perfect every single time, all while using just ONE pan. Trust me, after the grand Thanksgiving feast, the last thing you want is a sink full of pots and pans. This recipe is my little secret for keeping things sweet and simple!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Thanksgiving Dessert

Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling a whole Thanksgiving feast. Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Super Easy: Minimal prep means you get more time with your loved ones.
• Incredible Flavor: Sweet apples baked with warm spices and a perfectly crisp topping. It’s pure comfort!
• Practically No Cleanup!: That’s right, everything happens in just one pan. Less scrubbing, more enjoying!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a classic apple crumble – it’s a guaranteed hit.

Gather Your Ingredients for Your One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts

Okay, when I say this dessert is easy, I mean it! You probably have most of these goodies in your pantry already. For this amazing apple crumble, all you’ll need to pull together is:

• For the Apples:
  • 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and then sliced about 1/4 inch thick. You want them tender, but not mushy!
• For the Crumble Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – your standard pantry staple.
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats – these give the topping that perfect chewy, crunchy texture.
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – make sure it’s packed in there! This is key for that rich, caramel-y sweetness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – because, fall!
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – just a pinch to make it extra cozy.
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Cold is important here; it makes the topping nice and crumbly.
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (totally optional, but oh-so-good!) – I love adding these for a little nutty crunch.

Simple Steps for Your One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts

Honestly, the hardest part about making this apple crumble is peeling the apples! Once that’s done, it’s smooth sailing. We’re talking about a dessert that comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why all Thanksgiving desserts aren’t made this way. Plus, remember, these steps are all about keeping that sink empty for us!

Preparing the Apple Base

First things first, let’s get those apples ready. Make sure they’re all peeled, cored, and then sliced up. I usually go for about a quarter-inch thickness – you want them tender and sweet but not completely falling apart after baking. Just spread them out evenly in your 9×13 inch baking pan. No need to toss them with anything fancy; they’ll get all their flavor from the topping and the warm spice as they bake.

Creating the Perfect Crumble Topping

Now for the best part – the crunchy, buttery topping! Grab a separate bowl (okay, *one* extra bowl, but it’s manageable!) and toss in your flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give that a quick mix. Then, add your cold butter pieces. This is where the magic happens. Use a pastry blender, two forks, or even just your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry stuff until it looks like coarse crumbs. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy and have pecans, toss ’em in now!

Assembly and Baking for One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts

This is where it all comes together, and it’s so simple. All you need to do is sprinkle that glorious crumble topping you just made all over those apples spread out in the pan. Make sure it’s an even layer, covering as much of the apples as you can for that perfect crispy bite. Now, pop that pan into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for that topping to be a gorgeous golden brown and for the apples underneath to be bubbly and tender when you poke them with a fork. For more tips on making Thanksgiving baking a breeze, check out my Thanksgiving Baking Tips. This is truly the easiest way to achieve amazing [One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts (Minimal Cleanup)]. It’s almost too good to be true!

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts

You know, it’s the little things that can really make a dessert sing, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect balance of ease and flavor during a busy holiday. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that turn this already simple apple crumble into something truly special. These little tweaks are all about making sure your [One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts (Minimal Cleanup)] turn out absolutely stellar every single time.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

While I adore this recipe just as it is, don’t be afraid to play around! If you’re not a fan of pecans, chopped walnuts or even some slivered almonds work beautifully in the topping. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a little extra warmth. You can even toss a tablespoon of lemon juice with the apples before you put them in the pan – it adds a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness, and it helps keep them from browning too much if you need to prep them a bit ahead of time. For more apple ideas, check out my Apple Pie Variations guide!

Achieving the Ideal Texture

Getting that perfect texture is all about a few key things. For the apples, slicing them about a quarter-inch thick ensures they become tender and sweet without turning to total mush during baking. You want them soft, but still with a little bit of structure. And for that crumble topping? Using cold butter is non-negotiable! It creates those lovely coarse crumbs that bake up wonderfully crisp. If you’re feeling really lazy, you can absolutely use your hands to mix it, just try not to overwork the dough – we want crumbly, not doughy!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Dessert

This apple crumble is absolutely divine served warm, just a little bit out of the oven. It’s fantastic on its own, but oh my goodness, with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream? Pure heaven! Whipped cream is also a lovely, lighter option if you prefer. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let the crumble cool completely. Cover it snugly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully on the counter for a day or two, or you can pop it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Honestly, reheating a small portion in the oven or microwave is almost as good as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions about One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts

Got questions about making this easy apple crumble? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes that pretty much takes care of itself, but a little extra intel never hurts, especially when you’re aiming for stress-free [One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts (Minimal Cleanup)].

Can I make this ahead of time?

Oh yes! You can totally make the topping ahead and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Or, you can assemble the whole thing (apples and topping) and cover it tightly to bake the next day. Just know the topping might not be *quite* as crisp, but it’ll still be delicious!

What kind of apples are best for this crumble?

I really love using a mix of apples for the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith are great for a bit of tartness, while something like Honeycrisp or Fuji gives you that lovely sweetness. Avoid super soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn to mush too quickly.

How do I know when the crumble is done?

You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is beautifully golden brown and looks lovely and crisp. Also, peek at the apples around the edges – they should be bubbling gently, and if you poke them with a fork, they should be tender. That’s your cue it’s done!

Nutritional Estimate for Your One-Pan Thanksgiving Dessert

Now, I’m no registered dietitian, but based on the ingredients and serving size, here’s a ballpark idea of what you’re getting with this yummy apple crumble. Each serving (that’s about 1/8th of the whole pan!) is roughly:

• Calories: Around 350
• Fat: About 18g (with 11g of that being saturated)
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 45g
• Sugar: Around 30g
• Fiber: About 4g
• Protein: Around 3g

Keep in mind, these numbers are just estimates. They can totally change depending on the apples you use, how much butter sneaks into your topping, and if you add those delicious pecans! But all in all, it’s a pretty reasonable way to end a big meal, don’t you think?

Share Your One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts Experience

Alright, now that you’ve hopefully whipped up this incredible apple crumble, I really want to hear all about it! Did it become your new favorite for [One-Pan Thanksgiving Desserts (Minimal Cleanup)]? Did you tweak it in any fun ways? Please, drop a comment below and tell me all your culinary adventures! And if you snapped any photos of your masterpiece, I’d absolutely love to see them – tag me on social media! Your feedback and photos mean the world and help inspire other home cooks. Happy baking, everyone!

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