If there’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, it has to be this Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples bubbling beneath a perfectly crunchy topping made with oats, brown sugar, and a hint of nuts. It’s comfort food at its finest, blending sweet and spice in a way that pulls you right back to cozy family gatherings or a peaceful autumn afternoon. Whether you’re baking this for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe hits all the right notes with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a vital role in making this apple crisp spectacular. From the tartness of fresh apples to the warm spices and the buttery crumble, every element adds a layer of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so inviting.
- 6 cups sliced apples: Choose firm, tart apples for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the apples caramelize perfectly.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Infuses a deep, molasses-rich flavor into the filling and topping.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and coziness to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the spice mix.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice: A pinch enhances complexity without overpowering.
- Pinch of ground cloves: Just a hint for a nostalgic spice kick.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Balances the sweetness and keeps apples from browning.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling into a luscious, not-too-runny consistency.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Builds the hearty, chewy topping texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates structure in the topping for a satisfying crisp.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the topping beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Adds rich flavor and makes the topping perfectly crumbly.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Offers a delightful crunch and nutty taste in the topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the topping with extra warmth and spice.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crisp bakes evenly and the topping turns golden just right. While the oven warms, peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices. This helps the apples cook evenly and retain a perfect tender bite without turning to mush.
Step 2: Mix the Spiced Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything until the apples are thoroughly coated in this luscious, fragrant mixture. The lemon juice brightens the flavors while the cornstarch is going to thicken that beautiful sauce as the crisp bakes.
Step 3: Create the Irresistible Topping
In a separate medium bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Now add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. If you love a bit of crunch, gently fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to elevate the texture even more.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the apple filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apples, covering every inch so that golden crispiness forms on top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, watching until the topping is beautifully golden and you see bubbling filling around the edges. If your topping starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe cool for about 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time is key to let the filling thicken and flavors meld beautifully. Then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a touch of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, melting magnificently over the warm crisp. For a lighter finish, a spoonful of freshly whipped cream brings creaminess without overwhelming the spices. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This crisp shines as a stand-alone dessert but pairing it with a simple cup of hot tea or coffee creates a comforting combination perfect for relaxing afternoons. For a brunch twist, serve alongside creamy yogurt or cottage cheese to balance the sweetness and add richness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions that impress guests. You can also layer it with whipped cream and caramel sauce in glass parfaits for a pretty, layered dessert. Alternatively, scoop warm crisp over pancakes or waffles for an inspiring breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making each bite even more enjoyable. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the crisp in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on top. Avoid microwaving it if possible, because the topping can lose its crunchiness. A quick oven reheat restores that freshly baked magic perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples work best for texture, you can use frozen apples if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the crisp soggy.
What type of apples are best for the crisp?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn lend the best flavor and texture. They hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness and spices.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use a plant-based ice cream or whipped topping when serving for a delicious vegan treat.
Is it possible to add other fruits?
Yes! Pears, cranberries, or blueberries all make wonderful additions or substitutes. Just be mindful of moisture content and adjust cornstarch accordingly to keep the filling from becoming too runny.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Using cold butter and incorporating nuts like pecans or walnuts helps achieve a crunchy topping. Baking uncovered until golden brown also maximizes crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s easy to make, packed with cozy spices, and offers that perfect combination of tender fruit and crunchy topping. I truly hope you give it a try—whether for a simple family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s bound to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced apple slices topped with a buttery oat and flour crumble. Baked until golden brown and bubbling, it’s perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 cups sliced apples (about 6–7 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the apple crisp.
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices to create the juicy base of your crisp.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and sugars.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make Topping: In a medium bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate it until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
- Assemble Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the apple filling in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple crisp cool for 15-20 minutes to set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
Notes
- Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts from the topping.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, increase the oats slightly or bake uncovered towards the end.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
