Every time the leaves start to turn, I can’t resist breaking out this Warm Cinnamon Spiced Apple Crisp. This heartwarming dessert that’s bursting with autumn flavors is perfect for cozy gatherings and late-night treats alike. Sweet, tender apple slices mingle with zesty lemon juice to keep them bright, while fragrant cinnamon and a whisper of nutmeg lend that comforting, spiced hug you crave on a crisp evening. The beauty of this apple crisp lies in its simplicity: beginner bakers will feel like pros in no time, and experienced cooks will find joy in customizing the topping or mixing apple varieties. It only takes about 20 minutes of prep before your oven takes over for a 40-minute bake, so you can mingle with guests, settle in with a hot mug of tea, or simply savor the anticipation of that first gooey, bubbly bite.
When you lift the lid off the baking dish after a quick 10-minute rest, the kitchen fills with gentle steam carrying notes of warm spice and sweet apples—an invitation to dive right in. I love serving this straight from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream dancing atop the golden, crunchy oat topping. It clocks in at around 350 calories per serving, making it a reasonable indulgence for any dessert lover. Whether you stick to classic Granny Smith for a tangy twist or mix in Honeycrisp for extra sweetness, this recipe delivers an irresistible comfort food experience every single time. Pull out your mixing bowls, and let’s celebrate fall together, one crisp spoonful at a time!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN WARM CINNAMON SPICED APPLE CRISP
Before diving into the step-by-step, let’s talk about the stars of the show. These ingredients work in harmony to create layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert shine. From the juicy tartness of apples to the nutty crunch of oats, here’s why each component matters.
- Apples
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties offer the perfect balance of tartness and natural sweetness. Peeled, cored, and sliced, they become tender bubbles of flavor once baked, providing the signature filling for this crisp.
- Lemon Juice
A dash of acidity prevents the apples from browning too quickly and brightens the overall flavor, cutting through the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Granulated Sugar
Dissolves into the fruit juices as the crisp bakes, sweetening the apple slices and creating a lightly caramelized syrup at the bottom of the dish.
- Ground Cinnamon
This classic spice infuses each slice with warm, aromatic notes that evoke cozy fall afternoons.
- Ground Nutmeg
Just a pinch adds a subtle, earthy undertone, deepening the spice profile without overpowering the apples.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and intensifying the spices.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
Provide the backbone of the crunchy topping, offering wholesome texture and a hint of toasty oat flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour
Binds the oat topping together as it bakes, creating that perfect crumble you love to break through.
- Light Brown Sugar
Packed with molasses, it lends a deeper sweetness to the topping and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.
- Unsalted Butter
When melted and mixed in, it coats the oats and flour, ensuring a rich, buttery crunch.
- Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors with sweet, floral notes, tying together the fruit and spice.
HOW TO MAKE WARM CINNAMON SPICED APPLE CRISP
Let’s get your kitchen smelling like autumn! This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dessert or a weekend gathering treat. You’ll prep in just 20 minutes and let the oven work its magic for about 40 minutes. Here’s how to bring this warm, spiced apple crisp to life:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help the topping crisp up.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This simple step keeps the apples vibrant and prevents any unwanted browning.
3. Add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to the apples. Mix well using a spatula or wooden spoon until every slice glistens with sweet, spiced goodness.
4. Transfer the seasoned apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so each corner gets its fair share of fruit and spice.
5. In another bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and light brown sugar. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract, then stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs that clump together slightly when pressed.
6. Sprinkle the oat-flour topping evenly over the apple layer, making sure to cover all the fruit so that each bite has the right balance of gooey apples and crisp topping.
7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns a deep golden brown and the apples beneath are bubbly and tender.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to set and make spooning easier.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR WARM CINNAMON SPICED APPLE CRISP
Bringing this apple crisp to the table is always a moment of joy, and the ways you serve it can take it from comforting to downright decadent. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or whipping up a quick family dessert, these serving ideas will ensure every guest leaves with a smile.
- Classic with Vanilla Ice Cream
A melting scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a luscious contrast to the warm, spiced apples and crunchy oat topping. Spoon the crisp into bowls, top with ice cream, and watch the magic happen as it slowly melts into the bubbling fruit.
- Whipped Cream Dollop
Freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a touch of elegance. Beat heavy cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla until soft peaks form, then swirl it atop each serving for a cloud-like finish.
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
For extra indulgence, warm up your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel sauce and drizzle it over the crisp just before serving. The sweet, buttery ribbons of caramel amplify every cozy note.
- Nut-Topped Crunch
Scatter a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts over the hot crisp right before serving to introduce an earthy crunch. The nuts toast slightly on contact, giving every bite a delightful textural twist.
HOW TO STORE WARM CINNAMON SPICED APPLE CRISP
Storing your leftover apple crisp properly ensures it retains its signature texture and flavor so you can enjoy it again the next day—or even later in the week. Follow these tips to keep your crisp tasting just-baked each time you reheat it.
- Room Temperature
If you plan to eat the crisp within 24 hours, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave it on the countertop. This method preserves the topping’s crunch while keeping the apples tender.
- Refrigerator
For up to 4 days of storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Before serving, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 45 seconds or the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore warmth and texture.
- Freezer
To freeze, wrap the cooled apple crisp tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to crisp up the topping.
- Portion Prep
Divide the baked crisp into individual ramekins before storage. This makes reheating faster and ensures each portion heats evenly, giving you that fresh-baked experience every time.
CONCLUSION
This Warm Cinnamon Spiced Apple Crisp has everything you need for a cozy dessert that’s perfect for any gathering. We’ve walked through selecting the best apples, mixing up that buttery oat topping, and baking until golden and bubbly. From the bright tang of lemon juice to the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, each element plays a vital role in crafting a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this beginner-friendly recipe takes just 20 minutes to prep, 40 minutes to bake, and a brief 10-minute rest before you—and your family or guests—can dig in. Don’t forget to print and save this article for later reference, and scroll down to find a FAQ section that will answer any lingering questions you might have.
I’d love to hear how your apple crisp turns out! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment sharing your favorite apple variety or any creative twists you’ve added—like extra nuts or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Questions, feedback, or tips of your own are always welcome, so feel free to reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going and make every bite as warm and delightful as the memories we create around the table.
Warm Cinnamon Spiced Apple Crisp
Description
This Warm Cinnamon Spiced Apple Crisp layers sweet, spiced apples under a crunchy oat topping, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Serve it warm for an extra cozy treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
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Add granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the apples. Mix well until the apples are thoroughly coated.
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Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly and tender.
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Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Note
- You can serve this apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Try adding a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- For a different flavor, experiment with different types of apples or mix apple varieties.
- This dish is also delicious when served cold or at room temperature the next day.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour.
