Nothing says “fall” quite like a warm, bubbly Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Topping. With tender, spiced apples and a golden, buttery oat topping, this dessert captures the essence of autumn in every bite. This apple crisp is perfect for gatherings, Thanksgiving, or as a simple treat to enjoy on chilly evenings. Each spoonful combines the softness of baked apples with the irresistible crunch of cinnamon-oat topping, and it’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

This comforting dessert can be served on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm apples, creating a delicious contrast of hot and cold. The cinnamon topping adds a fragrant warmth that fills your home as it bakes, making this dessert a seasonal must-have!

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)	6 large, peeled, cored, and sliced
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Brown sugar	1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon	1 1/2 teaspoons
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour	1 tablespoon

Cinnamon Topping:

Ingredient	Quantity
Rolled oats	3/4 cup
All-purpose flour	3/4 cup
Brown sugar	1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Cold unsalted butter	1/2 cup (1 stick), cubed

Equipment Needed

9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Measuring cups and spoons
Apple peeler and corer (optional)
Pastry cutter or fork
Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease the baking dish.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch slices. Place the apples in a large mixing bowl.
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour to the apples. Toss everything together until the apple slices are evenly coated. This helps the apples stay tender and develop a rich flavor as they bake.
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks. These butter pieces will melt in the oven, creating a crispy, golden topping.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.

Step 3: Bake the Apple Crisp

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Let the apple crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The ice cream will melt over the warm apple crisp, adding extra creaminess to each bite.

Tips and Variations

Choosing the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for this recipe because they hold their shape well and provide a tartness that balances the sweet topping. Honeycrisp apples are also delicious, adding a natural sweetness. For a blend of flavors, try using a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples.
Make it Nutty: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with cinnamon and apples.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crisp gluten-free.
Extra Spices: If you love spice, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple mixture for a little extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Crisp is best served warm, straight from the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is the classic pairing; the cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm, spiced apples, creating a luscious dessert experience. For a simple alternative, try a dollop of whipped cream sprinkled with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

If you’re serving this apple crisp at a gathering, set it out in the baking dish with a serving spoon and let guests help themselves. You can also serve it with small bowls of toppings like caramel sauce, toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of maple syrup, giving everyone the chance to customize their own serving.

Pairings

Apple Crisp’s spiced, fruity flavors pair well with cozy, warming drinks. Try serving it with a hot cup of apple cider or a mug of spiced chai tea. The spices in both drinks echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the crisp, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. For coffee lovers, a latte or cappuccino brings out the dessert’s warmth and makes for a comforting pairing.

If you prefer wine, a glass of Riesling or Moscato complements the sweetness of the apple crisp. Both wines are lightly sweet with a hint of acidity, which balances the richness of the topping without overpowering the delicate apple flavor.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, cover the apple crisp tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the crisp by wrapping it tightly and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply place the apple crisp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method helps restore the crispiness of the topping. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, though the topping may soften slightly.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 2g
Allergens: Contains dairy and gluten.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

This Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Topping is a comforting classic that brings warmth and coziness to any fall or winter gathering. The combination of tender, spiced apples and crispy oat topping is simple yet deeply satisfying, making it a dessert everyone will love. Try it out this season, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments or tag us with a picture if you make this cozy treat!