Description
Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp is a cozy fall dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-kissed apples topped with a crunchy, buttery oat mixture. Easy to prepare and bursting with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this classic baked treat is perfect for family gatherings or an inviting night in. The balance of tart apples and sweet, crisp topping offers comforting flavors that evoke seasonal warmth and joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 6 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free oats for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (or coconut oil/vegan butter for vegan option)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice about 6 cups of fresh apples into even pieces. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until evenly coated. This mixture will soften the apples and infuse them with warm spices, creating a flavorful base for the crisp.
- Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add cold butter pieces and use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as this helps keep the topping crumbly and crisp once baked.
- Assemble the Crisp: Grease a baking dish and spread the spiced apple filling evenly inside. Generously sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, covering them completely to ensure a crunchy crust on every bite.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 40-45 minutes until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. The warm aroma filling your kitchen will signal the crisp is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
- Keep butter cold to create a flakier, crunchier topping.
- Gently mix the topping ingredients to maintain a crumbly texture.
- Check apples halfway through baking; cover with foil if you prefer softer apples and extend baking time slightly.
- Allow the crisp to cool a bit before serving so it sets and slices easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: apple crisp, baked apple dessert, fall dessert, spiced apple crisp, gluten-free dessert, warm apple crisp
