Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe: Warm & Cozy Fall Delight

Crafting a delightful cinnamon apple crisp brings pure comfort to any kitchen.

Warm spices dance with sweet fruit in this classic dessert.

Apples provide the perfect canvas for a crispy, golden topping that melts in your mouth.

Fragrant cinnamon weaves its magic through layers of tender fruit and buttery crumble.

Simple ingredients combine to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Seasonal and nostalgic, this recipe connects you to cherished memories of home-cooked goodness.

Prepare to experience a slice of pure culinary joy that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavorful Takes On Cinnamon Apple Crisp

  • Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic crisp texture.
  • Vegan Apple Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar to create a plant-based alternative that's equally delicious.
  • Spiced Autumn Crisp: Incorporate ground nutmeg, cardamom, and a pinch of cloves to the apple mixture for a warm, aromatic seasonal variation that elevates the traditional recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Blend: Mix in fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries with the apples, and reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a healthier option.

Tasty Pairings For Cinnamon Apple Crisp

  • Creamy Vanilla Scoop Complement: Rich vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm apple crisp, creating a luxurious temperature and texture contrast that elevates every bite.
  • Warm Spiced Beverage Match: Brew a hot cinnamon-infused chai tea or robust black coffee to complement the dessert's warm spices and provide a comforting drinking experience.
  • Caramel Whiskey Indulgence: Pour a smooth caramel-noted whiskey or bourbon alongside the crisp, matching its sweet undertones and enhancing the dessert's complex flavor profile.

Storing Cinnamon Apple Crisp Made Easy

  • Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove crisp from refrigerator, place in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra 10-second intervals if needed.

Cinnamon Apple Crisp FAQ Guide

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type offers a unique flavor and texture, so experiment to find your favorite combination.

  • How do I know if the apple crisp is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the crisp should have a slightly crispy, caramelized surface.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

Why Cinnamon Apple Crisp Is Pure Comfort

  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft this delightful apple crisp with minimal kitchen skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights, this recipe satisfies sweet cravings and impresses guests with its classic comfort food appeal.
  • Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily enhance the recipe by adding nuts, experimenting with spices, or swapping apple varieties to create a unique dessert that reflects personal taste preferences.
  • Stress-Free Baking Experience: Enjoy a low-maintenance dessert that requires minimal prep time, delivers maximum flavor, and provides a warm, inviting treat with minimal kitchen effort.

What’s Inside Cinnamon Apple Crisp

For the Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that provide the sweet and tangy foundation of the dessert.
  • Lemon Juice: Helps prevent apple browning and adds a bright, zesty flavor to the filling.
For the Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create a balanced sweetness and help caramelize the apples and topping.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple flavor perfectly.
For the Crisp Topping:
  • Rolled Oats: Provide a hearty, textured base for the crumbly topping.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together and create a crispy texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crumbly topping.
For the Optional Add-ins:
  • Pecans, Walnuts: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to enhance the crisp.
For the Optional Serving Suggestions:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream: Provide a creamy, cool contrast to the warm apple crisp.
For the Baking and Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures the crisp doesn't stick to the baking dish.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

How To Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Base

  • Grab fresh apples
  • Wash them thoroughly
  • Remove the core
  • Slice into delicate, uniform wedges about 1/4-inch thick to ensure even baking.

Step 3: Season the Apple Slices

Toss apple slices with a zesty splash of lemon juice, sprinkle of sugar, and a dash of cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Coat each slice generously to lock in flavor and prevent browning.

Step 4: Create the Apple Layer

Pour the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a smooth, even layer.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Topping Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Rolled oats
  • All-purpose flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend these ingredients until well mixed.

Step 6: Create the Crumbly Topping

Take cold butter and cut into tiny cubes. Work the butter into the dry mixture using your fingertips, creating a sandy, crumbly texture that will transform into a golden crisp.

Step 7: Add the Nutty Crunch (Optional)

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts across the top for an extra layer of texture and rich flavor.

Step 8: Cover and Bake

Generously scatter the crumb topping over the apple base, ensuring complete coverage for a deliciously crunchy top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling that signals it’s ready.

Step 10: Rest and Cool

Pull the crisp from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and flavors to mingle.

Step 11: Serve with Flair

Dish up while warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips That Help With Cinnamon Apple Crisp

  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to maintain their fresh, vibrant color and stop oxidation.
  • Slice Evenly for Perfect Texture: Cut apple wedges to a consistent 1/4-inch thickness to ensure uniform baking and prevent uneven cooking.
  • Create Crumbly Topping Trick: Use cold butter and work it into the dry ingredients with fingertips for a perfect sandy, crisp texture that bakes beautifully.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the dessert.
  • Serve at Optimal Temperature: Allow the crisp to rest 10-15 minutes after baking, letting the filling set and flavors meld for maximum deliciousness.
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Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon apple crisp brings warm nostalgia straight from grandmother’s kitchen, blending sweet orchard apples with rich cinnamon crumble. Comfort dessert lovers will savor crisp buttery layers and caramelized fruit that dance perfectly between rustic charm and delightful sweetness.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base:

  • 6 medium apples
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tbsp vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Wash and core the apples, then slice them into uniform thin wedges, ensuring each slice is approximately 1/4-inch thick for consistent baking.
  3. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, coating each slice evenly to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
  4. Transfer the seasoned apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading them in an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and integrate it into the dry mixture, using your fingertips to create a crumbly, sandy texture that will form the crisp topping.
  7. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously and evenly over the apple base, covering the entire surface to create a golden, crunchy layer.
  8. Optional: Scatter chopped pecans or walnuts across the top for added texture and nutty flavor.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling becomes bubbling and tender.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
  11. Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

  • Slice apples precisely to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright, tangy undertone to the sweet dessert.
  • Opt for cold butter when creating the crumble topping to achieve a flakier, more textured crisp layer.
  • Consider using gluten-free oats and flour for a celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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