Cozy Homemade Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe for Fall Gatherings

Autumn’s golden hues always inspire my passion for classic cinnamon apple crisp desserts that warm the soul.

Sweet memories flood back from childhood kitchens where grandmother would carefully slice ripe apples into buttery crumble mixtures.

Tart Granny Smith varieties complement the rich, caramelized topping perfectly in this rustic treat.

Crisp textures and deep cinnamon notes create a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet elegant dessert that requires minimal kitchen skills.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction when you serve this delightful comfort food straight from the oven.

One spoonful promises to transport you to cozy moments of pure culinary bliss.

Top Features of Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• This cinnamon apple crisp delivers warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for cozy gatherings and easy dessert moments.
• Even novice bakers can confidently create this foolproof recipe with just basic chopping and mixing techniques.
• Prepare this delightful treat in under an hour, making it an ideal last-minute sweet option for busy households.
• Suitable for multiple occasions from casual family dinners to potluck gatherings, this dessert appeals to all age groups with its classic, comforting taste.

Ingredient List for Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Apples, Lemon Juice: Sweet, tart apples are the star of this dessert, with lemon juice helping to prevent browning and add a bright flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a balanced taste and texture.

• Flour, Rolled Oats: The foundation of the crispy, crumbly topping that gives this dessert its signature texture. All-purpose flour and old-fashioned rolled oats provide structure and heartiness.
• Brown Sugar, White Sugar: Sweet components that caramelize and create a golden, crunchy top layer. Dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness and create a cozy, comforting flavor profile. Fresh-ground spices will provide the most intense taste.
• Butter, Salt: Butter adds richness and helps bind the topping, while a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.

Simple Instructions for Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to create the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Lightly coat the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the Apple Base

• Crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Lemon juice

Wash and peel the apples. Slice them into thin, even pieces. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 4: Craft the Crumbly Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Cold butter

In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 5: Assemble the Crisp

Spread the seasoned apple slices evenly across the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbly topping generously over the apples, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the apple filling will become bubbly and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Smart Storage Tips for Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the crisp's texture and flavor intact.
• Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore the delightful crispness of the topping and maintain the dessert's warm, comforting appeal.
• Heat individual servings for 30-45 seconds, watching carefully to prevent sogginess and preserve the delectable crunch.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Flavor Partners for Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts deliciously over the warm, spiced apple crisp, creating a heavenly contrast between hot and cold temperatures.
• A light drizzle of rich caramel sauce enhances the apple's natural sweetness and adds a luxurious depth to the dessert's flavor profile.
• The aromatic, warming spices in chai tea beautifully echo the cinnamon notes in the apple crisp, creating a harmonious and comforting beverage pairing.
• A dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts add delightful texture and a nutty undertone to the dessert.

Unique Variations for Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• Gluten-Free Crumble: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Crisp: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra protein and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar. Add extra cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories.
• Seasonal Berry Variation: Mix in fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries alongside apples for a colorful and nutritious update to the classic recipe.

Expert Advice for Cinnamon Apple Crisp Perfection

• Choose Sweet-Tart Apples: Select Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that holds up well during baking.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh appearance before mixing with other ingredients.
• Create Crispy Topping Perfection: Use cold butter and mix it into the crumble topping with your fingertips to ensure a light, crisp texture that doesn't become dense.
• Adjust Sugar for Diet Needs: Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Enhance Flavor Complexity: Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the apple mixture to add depth and warmth to the traditional cinnamon profile.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm, comforting Cinnamon Apple Crisp delights with sweet-tart apples nestled under a golden, crumbly oat topping. Homemade goodness beckons you to savor each spoonful of this classic dessert that whispers autumn’s embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)

Sugars:

• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the crisp.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating the interior with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3. Core and slice the apples into uniform thin wedges, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
4. Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness and prevent browning.
5. Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, compact base layer.
6. Combine the dry topping ingredients in a separate bowl, mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well integrated.
7. Cut cold butter into the dry topping mixture, using your fingertips or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly, coarse texture that will deliver a delightful crisp surface.
8. Generously sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture over the apple layer, covering the fruit completely and ensuring an even distribution.
9. Transfer the assembled crisp to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool for 15-20 minutes, which helps the filling set and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

• Select sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast and texture in your crisp.
• Toast the oats briefly in a dry skillet before mixing into the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex crunch.
• Sprinkle a pinch of salt in the crumble mixture to balance the sweetness and bring out deeper caramel notes from the brown sugar.
• Allow the crisp to cool for 15-20 minutes after baking, which helps the topping set and makes serving cleaner and more structured.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg