Apple Cinnamon Crisp Recipe

Golden Secrets to Bake the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Crisp Recipe

Warm, golden apples nestled in a cinnamon apple crisp promise pure comfort on chilly evenings.

The classic dessert blends sweet, tender fruit with a beautifully crumbly topping that crunches delightfully with each bite.

Orchards bursting with ripe apples inspire this simple yet irresistible treat that speaks to hearty home cooking.

Layers of caramelized fruit mingle with buttery, spiced crumbs creating a dessert that warms both body and soul.

Fragrant cinnamon weaves through soft apple slices, promising a nostalgic experience with every spoonful.

Baked to golden perfection, this crisp transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary finale that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this delectable dessert and watch as smiles spread across happy faces.

Apple Cinnamon Crisp Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Delicious Apple Filling

Peel and slice fresh apples into thin, even pieces.

In a mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice

Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create Irresistible Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Softened butter

Use your fingers or a fork to mix ingredients until they form a delightful, crumbly texture.

Step 4: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over the apple mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Place the dish in the preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the apples become tender and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Handy Pointers for Apple Cinnamon Crisp

  • Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your crisp.
  • Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during preparation.
  • Use cold butter and mix the topping with fingertips to achieve a deliciously crumbly, slightly chunky topping.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour and use coconut oil instead of butter for a gluten-free and vegan-friendly version.
  • Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence, or sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch.

Apple Cinnamon Crisp Storage and Reheat Tips

  • Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the crispy topping and fruity filling fresh and delicious.
  • Warm individual servings in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, helping restore the crisp texture and bringing back that freshly baked warmth.
  • For a quick reheat, zap individual portions for 30-45 seconds, though this might slightly soften the crispy topping.
  • Wrap the cooled dessert tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Apple Cinnamon Crisp Pairing Guide

  • Pair Velvety Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a luxurious contrast to the warm, spiced apple crisp, melting deliciously over the crumbly topping.
  • Create Caramel Drizzle Companion: Smooth, rich caramel sauce enhances the dessert's sweetness, adding depth and complementing the cinnamon-apple flavors.
  • Match Cinnamon-Spiced Chai Tea: Warm, aromatic chai tea with its similar spice profile beautifully echoes the cinnamon notes in the apple crisp, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Select Aged Bourbon Whiskey: A small pour of smooth bourbon offers a sophisticated adult pairing, its woody undertones enhancing the dessert's warmth and complexity.

Different Takes on Apple Cinnamon Crisp

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup instead of brown sugar to create a dairy-free and animal-product-free dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce the amount of sweetener to create a lower-calorie and diabetic-friendly version of the apple crisp.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweet apples.

FAQs

  • What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the crisp.

  • How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil if the topping starts browning too quickly, which will protect it from over-browning while allowing the apples to continue cooking.

  • Is this dessert considered healthy?

While it contains fruit, the crisp is still a dessert with added sugar and butter. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a treat with some nutritional benefits from the apples and oats.

Why You’ll Crave Apple Cinnamon Crisp

  • Celebrate Seasonal Simplicity: Embrace the cozy autumn vibes with this effortless dessert that showcases fresh, ripe apples and warm cinnamon flavors.
  • Master Easy Baking: Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires minimal culinary skills and basic kitchen tools, making it a confidence-boosting dessert anyone can create.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a delightful blend of sweet, crunchy topping and tender, spiced apples that appeals to all ages, from kids to grandparents.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Transforms into a crowd-favorite dessert that works beautifully for casual family dinners, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Everything in Apple Cinnamon Crisp

Main Ingredients:
  • Apples: Sweet and tart fruit perfect for baking.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds cozy flavor.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the entire dessert.
  • Flour: Provides structure to the crisp topping.
  • Oats: Adds hearty texture to the crumble.
  • Butter: Creates rich, golden topping.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens apple flavor and prevents browning.
Optional Toppings:
  • Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Creamy companions that complement the warm crisp.
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Apple Cinnamon Crisp Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

Description

Sweet apple cinnamon crisp beckons with layers of warm, spiced goodness that dance between rustic comfort and delightful indulgence. Homemade crumbly streusel and tender cinnamon-kissed apples blend perfectly, offering you a delectable dessert that whispers of home and happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Fruits and Spices:

  • 4 large apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Wet and Fat Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even cooking environment.
  2. Carefully peel and slice the apples, creating uniform pieces for consistent baking.
  3. Gently coat the apple slices with ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and a splash of tangy lemon juice, ensuring each slice is evenly seasoned.
  4. Transfer the spiced apple mixture into a lightly greased baking dish, spreading them in an even layer.
  5. Create the crisp topping by combining flour, rolled oats, rich brown sugar, and softened butter in a separate mixing bowl.
  6. Use your fingertips or a fork to blend the ingredients, working them together until a coarse, crumbly texture develops.
  7. Generously distribute the crumbly topping across the prepared apple base, covering the entire surface for maximum crunch and flavor.
  8. Place the assembled crisp into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the apples become tender and the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crispy layer.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and the topping set.
  10. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Adjust sugar levels based on apple variety to control overall dessert sweetness.
  • Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 238
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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