Cinnamon Apple Crisp

When it comes to comforting desserts, few can rival the warm, inviting aroma of a freshly baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp. This delightful dessert is a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall, showcasing tender apples enveloped in a sweet, buttery crumble. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this apple crisp is sure to please your family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Delicious: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort.
2. Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, fruits, or spices. Experiment with different varieties of apples to find your perfect combination!
3. Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared in advance, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday meals.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday celebration, this apple crisp is a timeless dessert that fits any occasion.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Cinnamon Apple Crisp so special:

For the Apple Filling:

• Sliced Apples: You’ll need 6 cups of sliced apples (approximately 5-6 medium-sized apples). Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices as they provide a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of lemon juice help prevent the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the dish.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup of granulated sugar sweetens the apples and balances their natural tartness.
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon infuses the filling with warm, comforting spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg adds depth and a hint of warmth that complements the apples beautifully.

For the Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour forms the base of the crumble topping.
• Rolled Oats: 1 cup of rolled oats adds heartiness and texture, giving the crisp its signature chewiness.
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup of brown sugar contributes a rich, caramel-like flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: Another ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the topping brings cohesion and warmth.
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg ties the flavors together, creating a warm and inviting aroma.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter is crucial for achieving a rich, crumbly topping. Using cold butter helps create that perfect texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through each step to ensure your Cinnamon Apple Crisp turns out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crisp bakes evenly and reaches the right level of golden brown perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

In a large mixing bowl, toss together:

• 6 cups of sliced apples
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Mix until the apple slices are well coated. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps to retain the apples’ vibrant color. Once combined, transfer the apple mixture to a greased baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well).

Step 3: Make the Topping

In another mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of rolled oats
• ½ cup of brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Stir until well mixed. Then, cut in ½ cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly to keep the butter cold, which will create a flaky topping when baked.

Step 4: Assemble the Crisp

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. Be generous—this topping is what makes the crisp so delicious!

Step 5: Bake the Crisp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check the apples by inserting a fork or knife; they should be soft and easily pierced.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

1. Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top of warm apple crisp is a classic pairing that everyone loves. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top just before serving. It adds a delicious sweetness that enhances the flavors.
3. Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your crisp with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for a comforting afternoon treat or a cozy dessert after dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (if it lasts that long!), here’s how to store and reheat your Cinnamon Apple Crisp:

• Refrigeration: Allow the crisp to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warmed through. For a crispy topping, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked crisp for later enjoyment. Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the freezer and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts: Cinnamon Apple Crisp

This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Whether it’s a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this crisp is sure to impress and satisfy.

So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the sweet, spiced aroma of baked apples. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Enjoy! 🍏🍂✨