The Best Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe for Cozy Sweet Bliss

Crafting a delightful cinnamon apple crisp can transport you to cozy autumn afternoons with minimal effort.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen as apples caramelize beneath a buttery crumble.

Crisp textures contrast beautifully with warm, soft fruit nestled underneath golden-brown layers.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic dessert that feels both nostalgic and comforting.

Baking becomes an intimate experience when you select ripe, local apples and sprinkle them with fragrant spices.

Warm servings paired with vanilla ice cream create an irresistible treat that sparks memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Jump into this simple recipe and let your taste buds celebrate the pure magic of homemade goodness.

Why Cinnamon Apple Crisp Smells Like Comfort

• Create Comfort Quickly: This apple crisp delivers pure homestyle comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to make everyone happy, from kids to grandparents, with its classic flavor combination and irresistible warm texture.
• Adaptable Seasonal Treat: Works wonderfully with different apple varieties and can be customized for holidays, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transforms basic pantry staples into a spectacular dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, without complex techniques.

What Goes Into Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a sweet, tangy foundation for the dessert.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple slices from browning and adds a subtle bright flavor to balance the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, caramelized sweetness and help develop a deep flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create the classic crumbly texture of the topping.
• Rolled Oats: Adds a hearty, nutty element and creates a rustic, textured surface.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

• Butter: Cold butter creates flaky, tender crumbs and adds rich, creamy flavor to the topping.

• Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce: Provide additional indulgence and complementary flavors when serving.

How To Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp In No Time

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a 9-inch baking dish and lightly coat it with butter or cooking spray. Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F.

Step 2: Slice and Protect Apples

Wash and core the apples, then slice them into thin, even wedges. Quickly toss the slices with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning.

Step 3: Season Apple Slices

Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over the apple slices. Gently mix to ensure every slice gets a delicious coating of sweet and spicy goodness.

Step 4: Create Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Rolled oats
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Mix these dry ingredients to create a crumbly base for the topping.

Step 5: Work in Butter

Cut cold butter into small cubes. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry mixture. Keep working until the mixture looks like uneven, coarse crumbs.

Step 6: Layer Apple Filling

Spread the seasoned apple slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add Crumbly Topping

Generously sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apples. Make sure to cover the entire surface with a textured, bumpy layer.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool for 15 minutes. This helps the filling set and allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crisp while it’s still warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Tips For A Crunchy Topping And Gooey Middle

• Choose Ripe, Firm Apples: Select a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for balanced flavor and perfect texture.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice immediately to maintain fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Create Crumbly Topping: Use cold butter and work quickly with fingertips to achieve a light, crisp streusel texture.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantities based on apple varieties and personal preference for a customized dessert experience.
• Master Baking Timing: Watch for golden-brown topping and bubbling edges as perfect indicators of complete baking and optimal doneness.

Delicious Spins On Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Gluten-Free Apple Crumble: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Apple Crisp: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Add ground nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to the crumb topping for a more complex, warming flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Apple Dessert: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly option.

Perfect Pairings For Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Bourbon Delight: Smooth, rich bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced apple crisp, creating a luxurious dessert experience that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
• Enhance with Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai tea with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger perfectly matches the apple crisp's warm spices, offering a comforting and complementary beverage that elevates the dessert.
• Match with Aged Caramel Chardonnay: A slightly oaked chardonnay with caramel undertones harmonizes beautifully with the crisp's buttery crumb topping and sweet apple filling, providing a sophisticated adult pairing.

How To Store Cinnamon Apple Crisp Without Losing Texture

• Transfer cooled apple crisp to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the crisp's texture by placing a paper towel over the top to absorb excess moisture.
• Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen apple crisp in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp FAQs That Warm You Up

• Are apples the best fruit for this recipe?

Not necessarily. While apples are traditional, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or mixed berries for unique flavor combinations.

• Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but rolled oats provide better texture and a more satisfying crunch in the crumble topping.

• How do I know when the apple crisp is perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges, which indicate the apples are tender and the crumble is crisp.

• Is it important to use cold butter?

Absolutely! Cold butter creates those delightful, uneven crumbs that give the topping its signature flaky and crisp texture.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Warm cinnamon apple crisp delivers comforting fall flavors straight from grandmother’s kitchen. Buttery crumble and spiced apples create a perfect dessert that welcomes you to savor each delightful, homemade bite.

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Ingredients

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Fruit Base:

• 4 medium apples
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Optional Garnish:

• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
• 2 tbsp caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9-inch baking dish with a light coating of butter or cooking spray.
2. Wash, core, and slice apples into uniform thin wedges, then immediately toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Sprinkle granulated sugar and ground cinnamon over apple slices, gently mixing to ensure even distribution and coating.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, additional cinnamon, and salt, creating a crumbly dry mixture.
5. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work into the dry ingredients using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
6. Transfer seasoned apple slices into the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
7. Generously sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple layer, covering the entire surface with a textured, bumpy layer.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes, letting the filling set and flavors meld together.
10. Serve warm, optionally topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzling caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your crisp.
• Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness throughout the dessert.
• Experiment with alternative flours like almond or oat flour for gluten-free options without compromising the crisp’s delightful crumbly topping.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or monk fruit for a healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg