Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that features sweet baked apples topped with a crispy oat and cinnamon mixture. It’s simple to make and perfect for fall!
This dish fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell, making everyone’s tummy rumble. Who can resist a scoop of creamy ice cream on top? I know I can’t! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, balancing the sweetness. Honeycrisp is another favorite for its sweetness and crisp texture. If you’re short on apples, feel free to mix in some pears for a twist!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is commonly used, but you can substitute it with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor. Brown sugar in the topping adds depth, but using maple syrup instead is a great natural option if you’re looking for something different.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives warmth, but if you want to change it up, try nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor. A bit of allspice can also add an interesting note to the mix!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute to keep it delicious and crisp!
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing. However, if you’re watching your diet, try yogurt or a dairy-free ice cream made from almond or coconut to keep it lighter.
How Can I Ensure My Crisp Topping is Perfectly Crunchy?
The texture of your topping is key to a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp. For a great balance, you’ll want to ensure you properly mix the butter with the dry ingredients. Here’s how:
- Use cold butter and cut it into small pieces. This helps create those little pockets of fat for flakiness.
- When combining, you want the butter to be mixed until you have coarse crumbs with some larger pieces. Don’t overmix; a few chunks are good!
- If it’s too crumbly, add a splash of water to bring it together without losing the texture.
- Bake until golden brown; if the topping browns too quickly, cover it with foil until the apples are cooked through.
Let it cool slightly before serving so the topping holds together better. Enjoy this warm dessert and share with family and friends!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cinnamon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool a bit before serving, so plan for about an hour total before it’s time to dig in. Perfect for a cozy dessert after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake your apple crisp until it’s bubbly and golden brown!
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, take your sliced apples and toss them with the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. This will help enhance the flavor of the apples. Once everything is well mixed, transfer the apple mixture into a greased 8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and the additional 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Then add the cold butter pieces. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients. You want to achieve a crumbly texture with some pea-sized pieces—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Now, sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple mixture in your baking dish. Spread it out so that the apples are nicely covered and ready to bake.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Ready for the oven! Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown, and you can see the apple filling bubbling up around the edges. Such a delicious sight!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the crisp out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This will make it easier to serve. It’s best enjoyed warm—serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For a fancy touch, sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon on top!
Enjoy the cozy flavors of your warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling paired with the buttery, crispy topping. It’s the perfect comfort dessert to share with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even a mix of different apples for added depth of flavor. Just ensure they’re firm varieties that hold up well during baking!
Can I Prepare the Apple Crisp Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the apple filling and topping ahead of time, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, simply layer them together and bake as directed right from the fridge.
What Should I Do if My Topping is Too Dry?
If your topping seems too dry and crumbly, try drizzling a bit of cold water or melted butter into the mixture while stirring. This can help bind it together without making it soggy. Aim for a balance between crumbly and cohesive!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, let the apple crisp cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warm.