This Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert. It’s made with juicy apples, topped with a crunchy oat mixture, and drizzled with sweet apple cider glaze!
When the aroma of this dish fills the kitchen, you know it’s going to be good! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—pure happiness in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For this recipe, I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. Mixing in some sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji adds a nice balance too. If you can’t find these, any firm apples will work!
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use apple juice, but it won’t have the same depth of taste. To add some zing, try adding a splash of lemon juice.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute can work well too.
Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide wonderful texture. You can use quick oats if that’s what you have, but they’ll be softer. Just avoid instant oats, as they won’t hold up in the crisp.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Topping?
The crispy topping is what makes this dish so special! To achieve that perfect crunch, make sure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces. This keeps the topping crumbly. Here’s how:
- Mix the dry ingredients first. This helps distribute the sugar and spices evenly.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend in the butter. You want small pea-sized pieces for a great texture.
- Avoid over-mixing the topping. You want it to stay crumbly—they should clump together just a bit!
After baking, let the apple crisp cool slightly before adding the glaze. This helps keep it crispy!
Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. After assembling, just let it cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling with glaze. A cozy dessert in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure the crisp doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/4 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated with this sweet mixture. Pour the apples into your prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.
3. Create the Crisp Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients and using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until you have a crumbly texture. You want it to feel coarse but stick together slightly when squeezed.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples in the baking dish. Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is nice and bubbly. You’re going to love that smell as it bakes!
5. Prepare the Apple Cider Glaze:
While the crisp is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes clear—this should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your apple crisp is done baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm apple cider glaze evenly over the top of the crisp. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like. Enjoy every bite of this cozy dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can mix in sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added flavor. Any firm apples will do! Just avoid overly soft varieties.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately, refrigerate them overnight, and then assemble and bake the next day for fresh results. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before baking if it’s too cold.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for thickening. Use about 1.5 tablespoons of flour for every tablespoon of cornstarch needed.
