Apple Cinnamon Crisp

Apple Cinnamon Crisp

Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Bursting with juicy, tender apple slices, aromatic spices like cinnamon, and a perfectly crunchy topping, this dish is not just food—it’s a warm embrace of nostalgia. It’s a comforting recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings by the fire. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or craving a simple dessert to enjoy after dinner, this Apple Cinnamon Crisp is worth making. With easy, step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this Apple Cinnamon Crisp recipe. First and foremost, it requires minimal ingredients and very little prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Within a mere 30 to 35 minutes, you can transform everyday apples into a culinary masterpiece. This recipe is also incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a dessert on its own or accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a delightful treat that everyone—from children to adults—will love!

Ingredients

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6-8 apples): Choose your favorite variety like Granny Smith for a tart kick or Honeycrisp for that perfect sweet balance.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of bright acidity to enhance the apples’ natural flavors.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the tart apples.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: The warm, fragrant spice that dances through the dessert, adding a cozy feel.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint of this earthy spice elevates the warmth of the dish.
• 1 cup rolled oats: Adding a delightful chewiness and texture to the topping.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for achieving that golden, crisp topping.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: For a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apple filling.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This buttery richness brings everything together beautifully.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for a perfectly baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp.

2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal after baking.

3. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Be sure to coat the apples thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors.

4. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This allows the apples to cook evenly and become perfectly tender.

5. In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly, ensuring that the butter is well-distributed for a crispy topping.

6. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, ensuring every slice has a delightful crunch on top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

8. Let the dish cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy warm, and consider pairing it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat!

Tips & Tricks

• Apple Selection: Mix different varieties of apples for a depth of flavor. Try combining tart Granny Smith with sweet Fuji or Gala apples.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple mixture and topping ahead of time, store them separately in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve.

• Extra Crunch: For added texture, toss in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the topping.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a versatile dessert that shines on its own or paired with a myriad of accompaniments. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or special occasions like Thanksgiving dinner. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation!

Nutritional Information

This comforting dessert serves approximately 8 people, with each serving containing about 220 calories. It provides a decent source of dietary fiber, courtesy of the apples and oats, making it a more balanced choice than many other desserts. While it’s definitely a treat, serving it with fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt can provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your Apple Cinnamon Crisp, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it! Allow it to cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Feel free to experiment with variations! Substitute peaches or berries for the apples for a different flavor profile. You can also swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey for a refined-sugar-free option.

Conclusion

Now that you have the ultimate guide to making this delicious Apple Cinnamon Crisp, it’s time to roll your sleeves up and get started! With its simple preparation, comforting flavors, and stunning presentation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you may try—the joy of baking is even sweeter when shared!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen apples. Just ensure they are properly thawed and drained before using them in the recipe.

2. How do I know when the crisp is done?
The crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. You can test the apples with a fork to ensure they’re soft.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

4. Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is optional. Leaving the skin on can add extra fiber and nutrients to the dish, though it may change the texture slightly.

5. Can I add other fruits to this crisp?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other seasonal fruits like berries, pears, or peaches for a vibrant fruit medley that’s bursting with flavor.

Enjoy creating this heartwarming Apple Cinnamon Crisp, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

Apple Cinnamon Crisp

A delightful dessert bursting with juicy apples, warm spices, and a perfectly crunchy topping, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6-8 apples) Choose your favorite variety like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice Enhances the apples’ natural flavors.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness to balance the tart apples.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon Adds warm, fragrant spices.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Elevates the warmth of the dish.

For the topping

• 1 cup rolled oats Adds chewiness and texture.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour Foundation for achieving a crispy topping.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed Provides rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Brings everything together beautifully.
• 1 pinch salt Enhances the flavors.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Topping

1. In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly.
2. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
2. Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
3. Enjoy warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Mix different varieties of apples for depth of flavor. Prepare the apple mixture and topping ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator. Consider adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.