Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Sweet & Buttery Cinnamon Apple Delight Crisp Recipe

Warm, golden-brown apple crisp with a cinnamon apple delight recipe dancing with sweet autumn flavors beckons from your kitchen.

Fragrant spices swirl through layers of tender fruit and buttery crumble.

Baked until perfectly caramelized, this dessert captures comfort in every delectable bite.

crisp edges mingle with soft, gooey apples that practically melt on your tongue.

Simple ingredients come together in a rustic masterpiece that feels like a cozy embrace.

Seasonal apples shine in this irresistible treat that transforms an ordinary evening into something magical.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to savor a slice of pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 43 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s Inside Cinnamon Apple Crisp

For Fruity Base:
  • Apples: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for vibrant flavor and perfect texture that holds up during baking.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, zesty undertone to balance sweetness.
  • Water: Helps create moisture and ensures apples cook evenly without drying out.
For Sweet and Binding Elements:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides pure sweetness and helps create delightful caramelization.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like richness and helps create a luscious, sticky topping.
  • Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a smooth, cohesive filling.
For Flavor and Crunch Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon: Delivers warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements apple's natural sweetness.
  • Nutmeg: Introduces subtle, earthy warmth that elevates the entire dessert's complexity.
  • Oats: Brings hearty texture and rustic charm to the crisp topping.
  • Nuts: Optional addition for extra crunch and nutty depth.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Butter: Creates rich, golden, crumbly topping with irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Tools That Make Apple Crisp a Fall Favorite

  • Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing apple filling ingredients thoroughly.
  • Pastry Cutter or Fingers: Essential for blending butter into crisp topping.
  • Baking Dish (9×9 or 8×8 inch): Your main vessel for creating the dessert.
  • Knife: Needed for peeling and slicing apples cleanly.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for apple preparation.
  • Aluminum Foil: Optional for preventing excessive browning during baking.

How to Bake Cinnamon Apple Crisp the Easy Way

  • Apple Paradise

Sweet autumn apples transformed into a warm, comforting dessert that celebrates seasonal flavors and homemade goodness.

  • Topping Magic

Crafting a crunchy golden layer that adds texture and richness, creating a delightful contrast to soft, tender fruit beneath.

  • Oven Transformation

Baking the crisp until golden edges emerge and fragrant cinnamon aromas fill the kitchen, signaling a delectable dessert is ready to be savored.

  • Serving Moment

Scooping warm crisp into bowls, allowing the juicy apples and crispy topping to mingle, creating a rustic and irresistible treat perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Tips for Crisp Topping and Tender Apple Filling

  • Toast the oats and nuts briefly in a skillet before adding to the topping mixture for extra depth and crispiness that will elevate the entire dessert.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives to make this recipe completely plant-based without sacrificing rich, comforting flavors.
  • Introduce additional warm spices like cardamom, ginger, or a pinch of cloves to complement the cinnamon and create a more complex, aromatic dessert that tingles taste buds.
  • Prepare the entire crisp in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time and ensure a fresh, warm dessert for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Apple Crisp

  • Serve with Creamy Companions: Top the warm crisp with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a luxurious contrast between hot and cold textures.
  • Breakfast Transformation: Enjoy this delightful crisp as a morning treat by pairing it with Greek yogurt or a light sprinkle of granola for added crunch and protein.
  • Elegant Garnish Touches: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the crisp or dust with powdered sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal that elevates the dessert's presentation.
  • Cozy Serving Style: Serve the crisp directly in the baking dish with small dessert spoons, creating a rustic and inviting family-style dining experience that feels warm and comforting.

How to Store Crisp and Keep That Crumble Crunchy

  • Store Smartly: Transfer any leftover crisp to an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy topping's texture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the completely cooled crisp tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Portion and Prep: Divide the crisp into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go breakfast or dessert options throughout the week.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 to 9 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon apple delight crisp offers warm comfort with sweet, spiced layers of baked apples and buttery crumble topping. Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly for a simple dessert you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • ¾ cup (177 ml) rolled oats
  • ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Apple Preparation: Wash, peel, and core apples, slicing them into uniform ¼-inch thick wedges. Toss with lemon juice to prevent discoloration and enhance flavor profile.
  3. Apple Seasoning: Combine apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour in a mixing bowl, stirring gently to ensure even coating. Add a splash of water to create a glossy, well-distributed filling.
  4. Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter using fingertips or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Optional: fold in chopped nuts for additional texture.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Transfer seasoned apple mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle crisp topping uniformly over the filling, ensuring complete coverage. Bake for 40-45 minutes, covering with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  6. Finishing: Remove from oven when topping turns golden-brown and apple filling becomes bubbly and tender. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Protect Apple Color: Drizzle lemon juice immediately after slicing to prevent browning and maintain fresh, appetizing appearance.
  • Master Crisp Texture: Use cold butter and blend with fingertips to create perfect crumbly topping that guarantees delightful crunch.
  • Control Baking Intensity: Watch topping closely and use aluminum foil tent if browning happens too quickly, ensuring even golden color.
  • Select Apple Varieties: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and structural integrity during baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 to 9
  • Calories: 43
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 3 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star