Description
Few things are as comforting as the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This classic Apple Cinnamon Crisp is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines sweet, tender apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this dessert bakes will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in, or looking for a quick dessert to make with pantry staples. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy and mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with the cinnamon, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated. The cinnamon adds warmth, while the lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and enhances their natural flavor. Once mixed, transfer the apple mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, old-fashioned oats, and brown sugar. Add the softened butter to the mixture, and using your hands or a fork, mix until it forms a crumbly texture. The mixture should resemble coarse sand, with small clumps of butter, flour, oats, and sugar evenly distributed. This buttery, sweet topping will become golden and crispy as it bakes, offering the perfect contrast to the soft apples beneath.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Topping Over the Apples
Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the apples in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the apples completely with the topping to get that satisfying crunchy layer in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Crisp
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The apple filling should be bubbly, and the topping should be golden brown and crisp. If your topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once the apple cinnamon crisp is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to settle, and it will be easier to serve. For an extra indulgent treat, pair the warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Apple Cinnamon Crisp warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgence. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, consider pairing it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey. It’s also a great dessert for holiday dinners, and it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips:
- Apples: For the best texture, use a mix of firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, alongside sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. This will give you a balance of flavors and a great texture.
- Topping Variations: If you’d like to make the topping even more decadent, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle some cinnamon into the topping mixture for extra warmth.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple mixture and the topping separately in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours and assemble just before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this crisp.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crisp in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to refresh the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g