The Coziest Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Crafting a delightful cinnamon apple crisp transports you to cozy autumn afternoons filled with warmth and sweet memories.

Apples picked from local orchards bring rustic charm to this classic dessert.

crisp layers of tender fruit mingle with buttery, crumbly topping that melts in your mouth.

Fragrant spices dance through the kitchen, promising comfort in every bite.

Grandmothers’ time-honored techniques inspire this simple yet remarkable treat that celebrates seasonal bounty.

Seasonal ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

Prepare to savor each spoonful of pure, homemade happiness.

What Makes Cinnamon Apple Crisp So Comforting

• Enjoy a classic dessert that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Swap nuts, adjust spices, or add different fruits to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.
• Bake a generous batch that feeds a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend dessert celebrations.
• Assemble the entire crisp in under 20 minutes, letting the oven do most of the delicious work while you relax.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Apples: Sweet and tart base of the dessert.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds brightness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance apple flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling.

• Oats, Flour: Provides structure and texture to the crisp.
• Brown Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon: Adds sweetness and depth to the topping.
• Butter: Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
• Chopped Nuts (Optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make a Perfect Apple Crisp Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Magic

Peel and slice those juicy apples into delicate 1/4-inch pieces.

Trim away the cores and transform them into beautiful apple slices.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Toss everything together until each apple slice is beautifully coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a delicious foundation.

Step 5: Craft the Crispy Topping

• Oats
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Step 6: Work the Butter Magic

Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.

Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks like crumbly, delightful breadcrumbs.

Step 7: Optional Nutty Boost

If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in some chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 8: Top It Off

Sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the apple mixture, creating a golden, enticing layer.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges.

Step 10: Prevent Over-Browning

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to protect its beautiful color.

Step 11: Cool and Settle

Let the crisp rest and cool for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and settle.

Step 12: Serve with Flair

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Helpful Tips for a Golden, Crunchy Apple Crisp

• Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
• Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly, ensuring a perfectly golden crumble without burning.
• Cut apples into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices for even cooking and balanced texture throughout the dessert.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for a more complex, aromatic profile.
• Toast the oats briefly before mixing into the crumble for extra nutty flavor and improved crispiness.

Best Storage and Reheating Tips for Apple Crisp

• Store cooled apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Transfer completely cooled crisp to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove crisp from refrigerator, unwrap, and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until heated through and topping crisps up again.
• Place individual serving in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and texture. Avoid overheating to prevent soggy topping.

What Complements Cinnamon Apple Crisp Nicely

• Pair Warm Vanilla Bliss: Serve a classic vanilla bean gelato or homemade whipped cream alongside the crisp, creating a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apple dessert.
• Boost Beverage Harmony: Pour a chilled glass of caramel-noted hard apple cider or a smooth bourbon, which complement the cinnamon and apple flavors perfectly.
• Elevate Comfort Combination: Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the crisp and pair with a rich, smooth chai tea to enhance the warming spice profile of the dessert.
• Craft Nutty Sidekick: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the crisp and serve with a small glass of amaretto liqueur, bridging the nutty and sweet elements deliciously.

Apple Crisp Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Crisp: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use maple syrup instead of sugar to create a plant-based version that's dairy-free and egg-free.
• Low-Sugar Apple Crisp: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content for those watching their sugar intake.
• Nut-Free Crumble: Omit chopped nuts from the topping and add extra oats or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can mix varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a more complex flavor profile. Just ensure the apples are firm and hold their shape during baking.

• Is it necessary to use all the mentioned spices?

No, you can simplify the spice blend. At minimum, use cinnamon for traditional flavor. If you don’t have some spices, the recipe will still taste delicious with just a few.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour in the topping. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire dessert is gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this crisp ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the crisp earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if going directly from cold refrigerator to oven.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cinnamon apple crisp brings warm comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending sweet apples with buttery crumble. Crisp golden topping and spiced fruit promise delightful moments you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Filling Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) sliced apples
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 pinch ground cloves

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (90 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for a delectable dessert.
2. Carefully transform apples into uniform 1/4-inch slices, removing cores and peels with precision.
3. Create a luxurious apple filling by combining sliced apples with sugars, warming spices, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a generously sized mixing bowl.
4. Ensure each apple slice is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice mixture.
5. Transfer the glistening apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Craft a crumbly topping by blending oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
7. Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients, using fingertips to create a textured, coarse crumb consistency.
8. Enhance the topping with chopped nuts for added crunch and depth of flavor.
9. Liberally distribute the crumb mixture across the apple filling, creating a rustic, enticing layer.
10. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring the golden-brown transformation of the topping and watching for bubbling edges.
11. If the surface browns too quickly, shield with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
12. Allow the crisp to rest and settle for 15-20 minutes, letting flavors meld and intensify.
13. Serve while warm, accompanied by a luxurious scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your crisp.
• Cutting apples uniformly ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
• Toast nuts before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch to the dessert.
• Customize the spice blend by adjusting cinnamon levels or experimenting with ginger or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg