Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that features sweet, juicy apples topped with a crunchy, cinnamon-spiced oat crust. It’s the perfect treat for chilly days!
This dish is like a hug in a bowl! I love to serve it hot, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Who can resist that combo? It’s pure comfort food! 🍏🍎
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a lovely tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. If you can’t find these, try Fuji or Braeburn apples which also work great. Mix varieties for a richer flavor!
Lemon Juice: This helps brighten the flavor of the apples. If you’re out of lemons, you can use a splash of apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create a nice texture for the topping. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my choice for controlling the saltiness. You can swap it with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar: For extra flavor, consider using dark brown sugar, which has a higher molasses content. You could also substitute with maple syrup (reduce other liquids slightly).
How Can I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
Achieving a crunchy topping is key to a good apple crisp. Here’s how to nail that texture:
- Use cold butter! It keeps the topping from melting fully and creates that crunchy finish.
- Don’t overwork the butter into the oats; you want some pea-sized chunks for the best texture.
- Make sure to sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples—this promotes nice browning.
If desired, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch in the topping. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients before adding the butter!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
To Serve:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Cinnamon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour for this delicious treat to be ready to enjoy!
Simple Instructions to Follow:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important because we want the crisp to bake evenly and become perfectly golden.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg if you like. This will enhance the apples’ flavor. Once mixed, spread the apple mixture out evenly in your greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes to this mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the oat mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is what makes the topping deliciously crunchy!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Make sure it’s well-covered to get that great crisp texture all over.
5. Bake It:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look out for a golden brown topping and tender, bubbly apples. Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly—just enough so you don’t burn your mouth! Serve it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra tasty touch.
Enjoy your comforting, cinnamon-spiced apple crisp! 🍏🍎
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to mix and match. Fuji, Braeburn, or even a combination of sweet and tart apples can provide a delightful flavor.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance! Assemble the apple filling and topping, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, layer them in the baking dish and follow the baking instructions. Just keep in mind that baking time may be slightly longer if the mixture is cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. A scoop of ice cream on top when reheating can bring back some of that fresh flavor!
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
