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Looking for a dessert that’s as comforting as a warm hug? This Apple Cinnamon Crisp is the perfect treat for any occasion! Made with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, this dessert brings the essence of fall to any season. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel, and you have a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Crisp
This Apple Cinnamon Crisp is all about simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe that yields amazing results every time. It’s:
- Easy to make – Just combine the filling, sprinkle on the topping, and bake!
- Perfectly spiced – The blend of cinnamon and nutmeg gives it a warm, cozy flavor.
- Versatile – Enjoy it warm, cold, or with your favorite toppings.
- A crowd-pleaser – Great for potlucks, family dinners, and holidays!
The smell when this crisp is baking fills your kitchen with the delightful aromas of apples and spices. It’s a true taste of home!
What Does Apple Cinnamon Crisp Taste Like?
This Apple Cinnamon Crisp combines the sweet and tart flavors of baked apples with a crunchy, buttery oat topping. The apples become soft and tender, absorbing the spices, while the topping turns golden brown with a satisfying crumble. Each bite offers a delicious contrast between the juicy apple filling and the crumbly, buttery topping – it’s like a warm slice of autumn!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Crisp
For the Filling:
- 8 medium apples (about 10 cups, 1200g), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
Optional for Serving: Salted caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – To bake the crisp.
- Large mixing bowl – For mixing the filling.
- Medium mixing bowl – For the topping.
- Pastry cutter or fork – To mix the topping ingredients.
- Peeler and knife – For prepping the apples.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugar. Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the oats, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Apple Cinnamon Crisp from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel for an extra special treat.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Cinnamon Crisp
- Choose the right apples: Go for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, for the best flavor and texture.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a perfect crumbly topping.
- Don’t skip the oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the topping a wonderful texture. Avoid quick oats, as they may turn mushy.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of allspice or cloves to make the flavor even richer.
What to Serve with Apple Cinnamon Crisp
This Apple Cinnamon Crisp pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a classic touch, but you can also try it with:
- Salted caramel sauce – Drizzle it over the top for an extra sweet-salty flavor.
- Whipped cream – Light and airy, it balances out the richness of the crisp.
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts – Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and nutty flavor.
Storing Your Apple Cinnamon Crisp
- Room Temperature: Cover and store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or a mix of berries to give this dessert a twist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour in both the filling and topping with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Apple Cinnamon Crisp?
To reheat, bake in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will revive the topping’s crunch!
Can I Prepare Apple Cinnamon Crisp in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and topping separately, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, assemble and bake as directed.
Conclusion: Cozy Up with Apple Cinnamon Crisp
This Apple Cinnamon Crisp recipe is a true gem that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. It’s warm, sweet, and just the right amount of crunchy – a dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering or just because, it’s sure to be a hit!
Looking for more dessert inspiration? Check out these related recipes:
- Easy Peach Dumplings – A simple twist on a classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
- Chewy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies – Perfectly chewy and absolutely delicious!
- Coconut Cream Lush – A light and creamy dessert with tropical flavors.
Enjoyed this recipe? Share your creations on Pinterest and leave a review below – we’d love to hear from you!
PrintApple Cinnamon Crisp: The Perfect Cozy Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cozy Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a delicious blend of warm, spiced apples and a buttery, crumbly oat topping that’s perfect for any occasion. The juicy, cinnamon-scented apple filling and crunchy topping make this an irresistible dessert. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of salted caramel for a truly indulgent treat!
Ingredients
Filling:
- 8 medium apples (about 10 cups, 1200g), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
Optional for Serving: Salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, brown sugar, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated, then spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the oats.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture. Bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the crisp cool for at least 5 minutes. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled with optional salted caramel and vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala.
- Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a perfectly crumbly topping.
- You can prepare the filling and topping separately and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg