Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Warm & Cozy Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Crafting a delightful cinnamon apple crisp brings pure comfort to any autumn afternoon.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising warmth and nostalgia.

Crisp apples nestled beneath a golden, crumbly topping create a dessert that feels like a heartfelt embrace.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen might surface with each spoonful of this classic treat.

Seasonal ingredients combine effortlessly, turning simple elements into something magical.

Fragrant spices and tender fruit promise a dessert that connects you to cherished moments.

Scoop into this delectable creation and savor every incredible bite.

Why Cinnamon Apple Crisp Feels Like Comfort

  • Conquer Kitchen Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this apple crisp recipe perfect for baking novices and seasoned home cooks alike.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warm, sweet apples combined with a crunchy oat topping deliver a nostalgic dessert that appeals to all ages and satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding pecans or experimenting with different apple varieties, letting home bakers personalize their delicious creation.
  • Serve Anywhere, Anytime: Versatile dessert works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend treats that bring people together.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Ingredients To Grab

For the Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Tart and sweet fruit that forms the core of the dessert, providing natural sweetness and soft texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple slices from browning and adds a bright, fresh note to the filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and helps create a caramelized flavor.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple's flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
For the Crisp Topping:
  • Rolled Oats: Provides a hearty, textured base for the crumble with a nutty flavor.
  • Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a crumbly texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds rich, molasses-like sweetness and helps the topping caramelize.
  • Cold Butter: Creates a flaky, rich texture when mixed into the dry ingredients.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
For the Optional Crunch:
  • Pecans: Adds a delightful nutty flavor and provides extra crunch to the dessert.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic accompaniment that offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm crisp.

How To Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp Easily

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, uniform wedges. Drizzle lemon juice over the slices to keep them from turning brown and oxidizing.

Step 3: Season the Apple Mixture

Gently toss the apple slices with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, making sure each slice gets an even coating of the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Create the Apple Base

Spread the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even and inviting layer that will become the heart of your dessert.

Step 5: Mix the Crisp Topping Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Rolled oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend these dry ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful base for the crisp topping.

Step 6: Incorporate Butter into the Topping

Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredient mixture using your fingertips. Continue mixing until the texture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 7: Apply the Crisp Topping

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer, ensuring complete coverage of the fruit mixture.

Step 8: Add Optional Nutty Crunch

If desired, scatter chopped pecans across the top to introduce an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The topping should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the apple filling will become deliciously bubbly.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out warm servings of the apple crisp, and if you’re feeling indulgent, top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

Tips For A Great Cinnamon Apple Crisp

  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain fresh, crisp appearance and prevent oxidation.
  • Create Crumbly Topping: Use cold butter and work it into dry ingredients with fingertips for a perfect, light texture that bakes into a delightful crisp layer.
  • Ensure Even Baking: Slice apples uniformly and spread them in an even layer to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal texture throughout the dessert.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Optional pecans add delightful crunch and nutty richness, elevating the traditional apple crisp with a sophisticated touch.
  • Serve at Perfect Temperature: Allow the crisp to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, letting the filling set and creating a more stable, delicious dessert that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.

Ways To Change Up Cinnamon Apple Crisp

  • Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Apple Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for natural sweetness.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Crunch: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.
  • Spiced Autumn Variation: Add ground nutmeg and cardamom to the apple mixture, creating a more complex and warming flavor profile.

Tasty Pairings With Cinnamon Apple Crisp

  • Enhance Vanilla Ice Cream Pairing: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm apple crisp, creating a heavenly contrast between hot and cold temperatures.
  • Complement with Caramel Drizzle: Rich golden caramel sauce adds luxurious depth, intensifying the apple's natural sweetness and complementing the crispy oat topping.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai tea's warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon mirror the dessert's flavor profile, offering a cozy and comforting drinking experience.
  • Pair with Calvados Liqueur: Smooth French apple brandy provides an elegant adult twist, enhancing the dessert's apple essence with its sophisticated alcoholic notes.

How To Store Cinnamon Apple Crisp Properly

  • Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the crisp fresh and preventing moisture absorption.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months, preserving the dessert's texture and flavor.
  • Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
  • Heat individual servings for 30-45 seconds, checking every 15 seconds to prevent soggy topping and ensure even warming.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Q&A

  • How do I know if my apples are ripe enough for this recipe?

Choose firm, fresh apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking. Avoid overripe or mushy apples which will turn into applesauce.

  • Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats work best for creating the perfect crisp texture. Quick oats are too fine and might make the topping dense and less crumbly. Stick to traditional rolled oats for the best results.

  • Why do I need to toss apples with lemon juice?

Lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor. It helps maintain the apples’ fresh appearance and prevents oxidation during baking.

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Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warm spices and sweet apples merge in this irresistible Cinnamon Apple Crisp, blending homestyle comfort with rustic charm. Crisp buttery crumbles crown tender fruit, promising a delightful dessert that invites you to savor autumn’s most comforting flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base:

  • 6 medium apples
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform thin wedges, then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon into the apple slices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  4. Spread the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
  5. Combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl, blending dry ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Cut cold butter into small cubes and incorporate into the dry mixture, using fingertips to create a crumbly texture.
  7. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple layer, covering the entire surface.
  8. Optional: Scatter chopped pecans across the top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and apple filling becomes bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes to allow filling to set.
  11. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Toast oats briefly before mixing into the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains a rich, flaky crisp topping.
  • Reduce sugar content by using half the amount and adding a sprinkle of monk fruit sweetener for diabetic-friendly adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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