Nothing says comfort like a warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp fresh out of the oven. This classic dessert is the perfect blend of tender, spiced apples topped with a sweet, buttery crumble that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it on its own, this apple crisp is a delightful treat for fall or any time of year. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings the flavors of home with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick and simple, but the result is pure magic. The tartness of the Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon. The buttery topping, made from flour, sugar, and butter, crisps up beautifully, creating a delicious contrast with the soft, spiced apples. Best of all, this dessert can be made ahead and reheated, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups sliced apples (use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or similar-sized pan.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even pieces. Arrange the sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of the white sugar with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sliced apples.
- Add the water: Pour ½ cup of water over the apples and cinnamon-sugar mixture. This will create a delicious, caramel-like sauce as it bakes.
- Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and the remaining ½ cup of white sugar. Add the softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the apples: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake the crisp: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve this apple crisp warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Helpful Notes
- For extra crunch, you can add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Make sure to slice the apples evenly for consistent baking. Thicker slices will result in firmer apples, while thinner slices will be softer.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the crumble topping by ¼ cup.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji adds a delicious complexity of flavors.
2. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture will remain crisp and delicious.
3. Can I add oats to the topping?
Yes, adding ½ cup of rolled oats to the crumble mixture will give it an extra crunch and a more traditional texture.
4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter adds a rich, authentic taste to the topping.
5. Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crisp and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed and enjoy it fresh!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and buttery crumble topping, it’s a comforting treat that never goes out of style. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a standalone treat, and enjoy the cozy flavors of home. Happy baking!
