This Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp is a warm dessert made with juicy apples and a crunchy topping, all drizzled with sweet apple cider glaze. It’s the perfect cozy treat!
When I make this dish, my whole kitchen fills with an amazing smell. I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls right out of the pan! 😄 Pair it with some vanilla ice cream for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A blend of tart and sweet apples is ideal. I love using Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness. If you’re low on one variety, feel free to mix in whatever apples you have on hand!
Apple Cider: The fresh apple cider adds incredible flavor. If you don’t have cider, you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice, but it won’t give the same depth of flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of the apples. Brown sugar can be used in its place for a slight caramel flavor, or use honey or maple syrup for a natural swap.
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give the crisp a chewy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, just use certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, but if you’re out, vegetable oil can be a good substitute, though it will change the flavor somewhat.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping makes or breaks your apple crisp, so let’s make sure it’s just right! Aim for a crumbly texture that gets nice and golden as it bakes. Here’s how to get it perfect:
- Ensure your butter is cold. This helps create a flaky topping as it bakes.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter with the dry ingredients until you have pea-sized crumbs.
- Avoid overmixing; it’s better to have some larger chunks as they will bake up crunchy!
By following these steps, your topping will be a delightful contrast to the soft, warm apple filling—so delicious!
Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (about 6 medium apples; ideally a mix of tart and sweet), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Optional Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and about 40–45 minutes for baking. Total time is around 1 hour, which includes cooking the glaze and letting everything come together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, salt, and flour. Gently toss everything together to make sure the apples are coated well—this will ensure all that lovely flavor gets into the apples!
2. Simmer the Apple Cider:
Grab a small saucepan and bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce slightly for about 5 minutes. This will concentrate the flavor. Once done, set it aside and let it cool for a moment.
3. Preheat the Oven:
While your cider is simmering, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be ready for your apple crisp once everything is assembled!
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Next, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is so satisfying—don’t be afraid to get in there!
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Take the reduced apple cider and pour it over your apple mixture, tossing gently again to coat. Spread the apple mixture evenly into a greased baking dish (about 8×8 inches).
6. Add Topping:
Now, sprinkle that delicious oat topping evenly over the apple mixture. It’s the best part!
7. Bake:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells amazing!
8. Make the Apple Cider Glaze:
While your apple crisp is baking, use the same small saucepan to combine the remaining 3/4 cup of apple cider and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it’s boiling, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and cook while stirring for about 1–2 minutes until it thickens up. Remove from heat.
9. Glaze the Crisp:
When your apple crisp is out of the oven and bubbling, drizzle the warm apple cider glaze evenly over the top. This adds a wonderful shine and sweetness!
10. Serve:
Enjoy your apple crisp warm, and don’t forget to top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like. It’s a delightful way to celebrate fall and comfort food!
Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp—perfect for fall gatherings and cozy nights!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for a balanced flavor. I recommend using Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Feel free to mix in whatever apples you have on hand!
Can I Make This Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and topping in advance, keeping them separate. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it! The assembled crisp can also be refrigerated for up to a day before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Freeze Apple Cider Glazed Apple Crisp?
You can freeze the apple crisp before baking! Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to baking time.