This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s super easy to make. Juicy apples meet a crumbly topping full of cinnamon and oats, making it a perfect fall treat!
Honestly, the smell of this baking in the oven is heavenly! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Talk about a happy plate! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Gala or Fuji for sweetness creates a perfect balance. If you can’t find these, feel free to use any tart apple like Honeycrisp or even some pears for a twist!
Lemon Juice: This adds tang and keeps the apples from browning. If you’re out of lemon, a splash of vinegar or a little orange juice works in a pinch!
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: The mix gives great sweetness and depth. You can reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness or substitute with maple syrup or honey (though this may change the consistency a bit).
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for control over the saltiness. Coconut oil or a dairy-free butter can work as a substitute for a vegan option.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream complements this dessert beautifully. If you want to mix it up, try caramel or cinnamon ice cream for extra flavor!
How Do You Get That Perfect Crisp Topping?
Achieving a nice, crumbly topping is key to a delicious apple crisp. Here’s how:
- Use cold butter to make your mixture flaky. Cut it into the dry ingredients until you see pea-sized pieces.
- Don’t overmix the topping. You want it to be crumbly, not a dough.
- Sprinkle it evenly over the apples to make sure every bite gets that tasty crunch!
- For extra crunch, consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping!
Remember, patience is key. Let it cool a bit before serving; this helps it hold together better when you dish it up!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Gala or Fuji works well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time and 40-45 minutes of baking time. You’ll get a delightful dessert that’s perfect for a cozy family night or a holiday gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish (or any similar ovenproof dish you have). This helps keep your crisp from sticking!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice. This keeps them from turning brown. Then, add granulated sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together so that the apples are well coated. Once coated, transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have some larger pieces for texture!
4. Add the Vanilla:
Now, stir in the vanilla extract and give the mixture a light mix to combine.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-brown!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps everything set up nicely. When you’re ready to serve, dish it out warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a light dusting of ground cinnamon if desired.
Enjoy your cozy, fragrant Cinnamon Apple Crisp! It’s the perfect way to treat yourself and loved ones.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Crisp?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala or Fuji are great choices, feel free to experiment with other apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. A mix of sweet and tart apples will give you the best flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. The texture and taste will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare Cinnamon Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately up to a day in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, assemble and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
