This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that fills your home with a lovely smell. Sweet apples are mixed with cinnamon and topped with a crunchy oat crust, making it simply irresistible!
I love serving it hot with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, perfect for those who want a sweet treat without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, balancing the sweetness of sugar. You can also mix in honeycrisp or Fuji for extra flavor. If you’re low on apples, pears can work too!
Lemon Juice: This helps keep apples from browning and adds brightness to the flavor. If you don’t have lemon juice, try using lime juice or even a little vinegar as a substitute.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works great, but you can use coconut sugar or even maple syrup, just adjust the amount to taste and reduce other liquids slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the recipe. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used instead.
How Do You Make the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is crucial to a great apple crisp! To achieve that perfect crumble, make sure your butter is cold and cut into the dry ingredients until you see some pea-sized pieces. This helps create a crispy texture when baked.
- Mix oats, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Cold butter should be cubed and added to the mix. Work it in gently with your fingers or a pastry cutter.
- Don’t overmix; you want texture, so stop once the topping looks crumbly.
Finally, sprinkle the topping generously over the spiced apples before baking, ensuring an even layer for a delicious crunch! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 5-6 medium apples; Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples work well)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Estimated Time:
This delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes to bake, making the total time around an hour for a comforting dessert that serves well warm or cold!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized oval dish. This way, the crisp won’t stick while it bakes.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples and lemon juice. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the apples from turning brown. Then, add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and salt. Stir everything together until the apples are well coated.
3. Assemble the Apple Filling:
Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so the apples are even. This ensures every bite has the perfect blend of apples and crisp topping!
4. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the cold butter pieces to this mixture. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This will create a nice textured topping.
5. Top and Bake:
Now, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples in the dish. Bake it all together in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown, and the apples are bubbling and tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Cool and Serve:
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to serve. Enjoy the warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp on its own or topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
This warm and comforting Cinnamon Apple Crisp is perfect for any occasion, especially on a cool day. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Any Type of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Golden Delicious for a sweeter flavor. Just aim for a balance between tart and sweet apples for the best results!
Can I Prepare the Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately ahead of time. Assemble it just before baking, or cover and refrigerate the layers for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, allow the filling to come to room temperature before adding the topping and baking.
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for a quick reheat.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free. Enjoy the same delicious flavors without compromising your dietary needs!
