This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that features sweet apples topped with a crunchy, spiced oat mixture. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall, or any time you crave comfort food!
The best part? Your whole house will smell amazing while it bakes! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—because who can resist that creamy goodness with warm apples? 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, tart apples like Granny Smith work wonders in this dish. They hold their shape well while baking. You can also mix in Honeycrisp or Fuji for a little sweetness. If you want a softer texture, use McIntosh.
Granulated Sugar: This helps balance the tartness of the apples. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia. Just adjust to taste!
Cinnamon: It’s the star spice here! I usually add a bit more than called for because I love its flavor. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, you can use allspice or cardamom for a different twist.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats create a nice texture in the topping. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll make the topping a bit softer. Steel-cut oats aren’t suitable as they won’t cook through in the baking time.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I recommend for controlling the saltiness of the dish. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can easily replace it.
Why is Proper Layering Important in Apple Crisp?
Layering is key to getting that perfect combination of textures in your apple crisp. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by evenly distributing the apple mixture in the prepared baking dish. This ensures that every bite has apple goodness.
- Next, sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples. Don’t just dump it all on; instead, take your time to spread it out so that every inch is covered.
- This helps with even baking and prevents some apples from being too soggy while others are dry.
Lastly, bake until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling—this means those flavors have melded beautifully!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40-45 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to allow a few minutes for it to cool before serving. Just enough time for the lovely aroma to fill your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a glass baking dish of a similar size to ensure that your crisp doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Make sure all the apple slices are evenly coated! Once done, pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir it well to combine. Then, drizzle the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is moistened and crumbly. This will create your delicious topping!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Make sure to spread it out for even coverage so every bite has that yummy crisp topping!
5. Bake and Enjoy:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. It should smell heavenly!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the Cinnamon Apple Crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like. A little sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds that perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy your comforting and aromatic Cinnamon Apple Crisp! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or McIntosh apples. Mixing different types adds unique flavors and textures.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the crisp!
How Should 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) until heated through, or use the microwave for quick warming.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the apple filling and topping separately a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
