Cinnamon Sugar Apple Crisp is a comforting dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Its combination of tender, spiced apples and a golden, buttery oat topping makes it a perfect dessert for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or holiday meals. The recipe balances the natural sweetness and tartness of Granny Smith apples with warm spices, rich brown sugar, and the crunch of oats and optional toasted pecans, creating a layered dessert that is both flavorful and texturally satisfying.
The star of this crisp is the apple filling. Using Granny Smith apples gives the dish a pleasant tartness that complements the sweet topping. Peeling, coring, and thinly slicing the apples ensures even cooking and a soft, tender texture. Tossing the apple slices with fresh lemon juice helps preserve their color and adds a subtle brightness to the dish. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the apples with warm, fragrant flavors, while a touch of pure maple syrup enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that distinguishes this crisp from simpler versions.
The topping is equally important in this dessert. A blend of dark brown sugar, old-fashioned rolled oats, and all-purpose flour forms a base that crisps beautifully in the oven. Incorporating cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture creates a crumbly texture that browns nicely, giving the crisp a classic, rustic appearance. The optional addition of chopped toasted pecans provides extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced apples. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the topping.
Preparation is straightforward yet rewarding. Begin by preheating the oven and greasing an 8-inch square baking dish to ensure the crisp does not stick. The apple slices are then tossed with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, coating each piece evenly. Spreading the apples in a uniform layer in the prepared dish ensures even cooking and prevents some slices from becoming overly soft while others remain undercooked.
Next, the topping is prepared. Combining brown sugar, oats, flour, and salt provides a base for the buttery crumbs. Cutting in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs ensures that it bakes into a crunchy, golden layer. Folding in toasted pecans at this stage adds texture and flavor, making each bite more interesting. Sprinkling the oat mixture evenly over the apples and pressing lightly helps it adhere, creating a cohesive topping that browns beautifully during baking.
Baking the apple crisp for 35 to 40 minutes allows the topping to reach a deep golden brown while the apples soften and release their juices. The bubbling juices around the edges indicate that the fruit is perfectly cooked, tender but not mushy. Allowing the crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving is crucial. This rest period lets the filling set slightly, making it easier to scoop and giving the dish a more polished presentation.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Crisp is versatile in how it can be served. Enjoy it warm on its own for a comforting treat, or pair it with a dollop of vanilla bean yogurt, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream for added richness. The crisp can also be served alongside ice cream for a classic dessert combination, where the warm fruit and crunchy topping contrast delightfully with the cold, creamy ice cream. Its flavor profile—sweet, tart, spiced, and buttery—is universally appealing and can easily become a family favorite.
The dish is not only delicious but also visually inviting. The golden oat topping, bubbling caramelized apples, and hints of cinnamon create a dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes. The optional pecans add a rustic charm and a pop of texture, enhancing both the flavor and the presentation. Whether served at a casual family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this apple crisp is sure to impress.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With common pantry ingredients and a few fresh apples, you can create a dessert that feels elegant and thoughtfully prepared. It is forgiving and adaptable; the topping thickness, type of apples, or sweetness can be adjusted to personal preference. The recipe is suitable for bakers of all skill levels and delivers consistent results, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Crisp embodies the cozy flavors of fall and the warmth of home cooking. It celebrates the natural sweetness and tartness of apples while enhancing them with spices, sugar, and a crisp topping. Its inviting aroma while baking and the comforting texture when served make it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on a quiet evening or serve it to a gathering of friends and family, this apple crisp provides a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
4 cups (about 2 large) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
⅓ cup packed dark brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon chopped toasted pecans (optional)
Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
Toss apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Spread evenly in the prepared dish.
In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, oats, flour, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Fold in pecans if using.
Sprinkle oat mixture over apples, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are fork-tender.
Cool at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla bean yogurt or heavy cream.