This warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a delightful treat! Imagine sweet apples mixed with a sprinkle of cinnamon and topped with a crunchy oat topping. It’s like a hug in a dish!
The best part? It’s so easy to make! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream. Trust me, it makes everything better. Who can resist the combo of warm apples and cold ice cream? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Fuji apples works beautifully. Granny Smith gives a tangy flavor, while Fuji adds sweetness. If you want to switch things up, try Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a different taste.
Lemon Juice: This prevents the apples from browning and adds a fresh tang. If you’re out, lime juice can work too, but use it sparingly as it’s a bit stronger.
Brown Sugar: It adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut sugar instead, or even white sugar for a less robust sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the seasoning. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used with similar results.
How Do I Get the Crunchy Topping Just Right?
The topping is what makes this crisp a standout! It should be buttery yet crumbly. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Use cold butter. Cold butter creates that desired crumbly texture when mixed.
- Don’t overmix. You want small clumps of butter in with the oat mixture—this helps create crispy bits when it bakes.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples. This ensures each bite gets a good amount of crunch.
Let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving; this allows the juices to settle a bit. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s heavenly!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 medium apples; a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Fuji)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 40-45 minutes of baking time. Allow an extra 10 minutes for cooling before serving. In total, you’re looking at around an hour for this delicious dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps get it nice and hot while you prepare everything. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a similar-sized ovenproof dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This keeps them from browning while you mix. Next, add the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, ground cinnamon, the optional nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the Apple Mixture:
Transfer the apple filling into your prepared baking dish. Spread the apples evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add the cold butter cubes to this mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles crumbly clusters.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle a bit. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like!
Now, enjoy this cozy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion or just when you’re craving the delightful flavors of cinnamon and apples!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can mix in Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Cortland apples to add different flavors and textures. Just aim for a mix of sweet and tart for the best balance!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free Cinnamon Apple Crisp, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Your crisp will still turn out deliciously! Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I Prepare This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and the crisp topping separately in advance. Store the apple mixture in the fridge and keep the crumb topping in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, assemble and bake as directed.
How do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor!
