There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar filling your home, wrapping you in warmth even before you take your first bite. This Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for chilly evenings, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving a classic sweet treat. With tender baked apples, a hint of spice, and a crunchy, buttery oat topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
One of the best parts of this dessert is its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a festive celebration, or just a quiet night at home, this dish always delivers. The combination of flavors is reminiscent of homemade apple pie but without the fuss of rolling out pastry dough. Plus, the crisp topping adds a satisfying contrast to the softness of the apples, creating an irresistible texture in every bite.
Pair it with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience. If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle a handful of toasted nuts for extra crunch. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this apple crisp will quickly become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients for Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (Best Apples for Baking Guide), peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch. Mix well and transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
For tips on preparing apples, check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Peeling and Coring Apples.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the topping has a crumbly texture. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Evenly spread the crisp topping over the apples in the baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow the apple crisp to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of Homemade Whipped Cream.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Best Apples for Baking: A combination of tart and sweet apples provides the best flavor and texture. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work particularly well.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
For more information on food storage, check out USDA Guidelines on Proper Food Storage.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but rolled oats provide a heartier texture. Quick oats will result in a softer topping.
How can I make this apple crisp dairy-free?
Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter.
Can I freeze apple crisp?
Absolutely! Assemble the crisp, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Maple Pecan Apple Crisp: Substitute some of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add extra pecans for a richer flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Crisp: Add 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries for a tart twist.
- Caramel Apple Crisp: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the crisp before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with Classic Caramel Sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra-special treat.
Closing Thoughts
This Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced apples and a crunchy, buttery topping. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s a timeless dessert that never fails to delight. If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments or tag us on social media. Enjoy!
For more classic dessert recipes, check out our Ultimate Fall Desserts Guide.