This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that will make your home smell amazing! It’s made with juicy apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a crunchy topping that adds perfect texture.
Honestly, who can resist that smell? When it comes out of the oven, I just want to grab a spoon and dig right in! 🍏✨ Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugars. If you can’t find them, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. Mixing sweet and tart apples can add depth to the flavor!
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugars work well together for a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could substitute coconut sugar or just use less sugar overall based on your taste preference.
Cinnamon: This is the star of the dish! If you want to change things up a bit, consider using a dash of nutmeg or allspice for added warmth. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon, which is key to that classic flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is typically preferred, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Just melt it and fold it into the topping as usual!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Perfectly Crisp Topping?
The topping is crucial for that satisfying crunch! Here’s how to make sure yours turns out perfectly crisp:
- Mix the dry ingredients together first to combine them evenly before adding the melted butter.
- Don’t over-mix! You want the mixture to remain crumbly. Stir until it’s just combined.
- Spread the topping evenly over the apples without pressing down. It should be light and airy for the best crisp result.
- Bake it until golden brown. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Letting it cool slightly before serving allows the filling to thicken. Serve it warm for a delightful experience!
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 6 medium apples, Granny Smith or any tart-sweet variety)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
For Serving (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Additional cinnamon for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep, with an additional 40-45 minutes of baking time. Simply mix your ingredients, bake, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and flour. Toss everything together gently to coat the apples evenly. Once mixed, pour this apple mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Mix the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined. You want it to be clumpy for that perfect crisp topping!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and crunch!
5. Bake It Up:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a lovely golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, allow your Cinnamon Apple Crisp to cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling set up a bit more. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding a dusting of cinnamon for that extra touch!
Enjoy your comforting Cinnamon Apple Crisp! 🍏🍦
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Just make sure they’re firm and good for baking!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apple filling and the crisp topping separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if the mixture is cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, cover the Cinnamon Apple Crisp with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat it, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free as well to avoid cross-contamination.
