Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the delightful embrace of warm, spiced apples topped with a buttery, crunchy crisp that brings comfort and joy. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table, spoons at the ready. Imagine crisp autumn days where the leaves crunch underfoot, and you indulge in this heavenly dessert while wrapped in a cozy blanket.
This recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s a warm hug from Grandma, a slice of nostalgia on cool evenings, and a perfect excuse to gather friends for movie night. With every bite, you’ll relish the sweet-tart apples mingling with cinnamon and sugar, all crowned with that irresistible crispy topping. It’s simply divine!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for any skill level
- The blend of sweet apples and warming spices offers an unforgettable flavor experience
- Its golden-brown crust looks stunning when served warm with ice cream on top
- You can enjoy it as dessert or even breakfast for an indulgent start to your day
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Apples: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.
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Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and caramel flavor to both the filling and topping.
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Oats: Rolled oats provide a hearty texture and crunch to the topping.
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Cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives this dish its signature aroma and warmth.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for binding everything together in a delightful crust.
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Butter: Use cold butter for a flaky topping; it adds richness and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Cinnamon Apple Crisp bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare Your Apples
Peel, core, and slice about six cups of apples. Toss them in a large bowl with half a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let those flavors mingle while you prepare the topping.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In another bowl, mix one cup of rolled oats, one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt. Cut in half a cup of cold butter until you achieve a crumbly texture that resembles sandcastles at the beach—only tastier.
Step 4: Combine Layers
Spread your apple mixture evenly into a greased baking dish (an 8×8 inch will do just fine). Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples like you’re adding icing on a cake—the more the merrier!
Step 5: Bake
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the apples are bubbling and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that extra indulgence—trust me; you’ll want to!
Enjoy this timeless treat that captures all the warmth of home! Each scoop delivers an explosion of flavor that’s sure to be loved by everyone at your table.
You Must Know
- This delightful Cinnamon Apple Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening
- The combination of sweet apples and crunchy topping makes it irresistible
- It’s perfect for sharing, but you might want to keep it all to yourself!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the best Cinnamon Apple Crisp, start by prepping your apples while the oven preheats. Toss them with cinnamon and sugar, then prepare your crisp topping. Assemble everything and bake until golden brown for the ultimate texture contrast.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or add in some nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of nutmeg or vanilla extract can elevate the flavor profile, making this dessert truly your own!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cinnamon Apple Crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that delightful crispiness returns!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfecting your Cinnamon Apple Crisp, use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor
- Avoid overmixing your topping to keep it crumbly
- Always let it cool slightly before serving to enhance flavors and prevent burns
Sometimes I whip up this Cinnamon Apple Crisp for my friends, and they always seem to swoon over it! One time, a friend even tried to steal the whole dish—talk about a dessert heist!
FAQs
What is the best type of apples for Cinnamon Apple Crisp?
When making a delicious Cinnamon Apple Crisp, the best apples to use are tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the crisp topping. You can also blend different types of apples for added flavor complexity. Local, in-season apples will give your dish the freshest taste, enhancing the overall experience.
How long does it take to make Cinnamon Apple Crisp?
Preparing Cinnamon Apple Crisp typically takes about 20 minutes, while baking usually requires an additional 30-40 minutes. This means you can enjoy this delightful dessert in under an hour. The time spent assembling the ingredients and mixing them together is minimal, allowing you to focus on perfecting your apple slicing technique and creating a perfect crumb topping.
Can I make Cinnamon Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Cinnamon Apple Crisp ahead of time by assembling all components and refrigerating them separately. This way, you can bake it fresh just before serving. If you want to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes before enjoying again for that fresh-baked flavor.
Is it possible to make Cinnamon Apple Crisp gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Cinnamon Apple Crisp gluten-free by substituting regular flour with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, including oats if used in your topping. This way, you can enjoy this classic dessert without compromising dietary restrictions.
Conclusion for Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy topping. Using the right apples enhances its taste, while simple preparation makes it accessible for home bakers. Feel free to experiment with variations like gluten-free options or different spices. This dessert not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings warmth and comfort, making it perfect for any occasion or family gathering. Enjoy every bite of this homemade treat!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that beautifully marries sweet-tart apples with a crunchy, buttery topping. This classic treat fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma, making it the perfect indulgence for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends and family. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of delight.
Ingredients
- 6 cups tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice; toss to coat.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Spread apple mixture in a greased baking dish; top with the oat mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the crisp (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
