Celebrate Fall with a Hearty Cinnamon Apple Crisp: The Perfect Sweet Treat

Photo byAngie Bright

Cinnamon Apple Crisp: A Classic Dessert That Never Disappoints

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm cinnamon apple crisp fresh out of the oven. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking together fills the kitchen with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're looking for a dessert to serve at a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, cinnamon apple crisp is the perfect choice. This classic dessert offers the delightful combination of tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crispy oat topping.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With a few basic ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can whip up a dessert that is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile—ideal for autumn, when apples are in season, but just as enjoyable year-round. And of course, there’s always the option to elevate it by serving it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Secret to the Best Cinnamon Apple Crisp

The key to making the perfect apple crisp is choosing the right apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, creates a balanced flavor that’s not too sweet and not too tart. The apples should be sliced thin to ensure they cook evenly and soften nicely under the crisp topping.

As for the topping, a good blend of oats, flour, sugar, and butter creates a golden-brown layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling. The oats add texture and heartiness, while the brown sugar and butter give the topping a rich, caramelized flavor.

Let’s dive into how you can create this mouth-watering dessert at home!

Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, peeled and cored)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling
   In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish
   Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Prepare the Topping
   In a separate bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the ingredients form a crumbly texture.
5. Assemble the Crisp
   Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish, covering them completely.
6. Bake
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the experience.

Why Cinnamon Apple Crisp Is the Perfect Dessert

Cinnamon apple crisp is more than just a dessert—it's an experience. The contrast between the crisp topping and the soft, juicy apples creates a delightful texture that satisfies on every level. The cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the apples.

Best of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different types of apples or even add in some extras like chopped nuts or dried cranberries for a twist. Whether you make it as a cozy weeknight treat or serve it at a special event, cinnamon apple crisp is sure to be a hit.

To make your Cinnamon Apple Crisp, you can follow a straightforward recipe that combines sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a buttery oat crumble. This classic dessert balances the tender, spiced apple filling with a crispy, sweet topping. It's perfect for cozy fall nights or any time you want a comforting treat.

For more detailed instructions and variations on this dish, you can visit Sally'sBaking Addiction​(Sally's Baking Addiction). Additionally, The Kitchn offers a helpful guide for perfecting your apple crisp.