Introduction

Nothing says fall quite like the warm, comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. With a buttery, crumbly topping and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples beneath, it’s a dish that brings all the cozy flavors of the season to your table.

Apple crisp is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The crisp topping, made with flour, sugar, and butter, turns golden brown in the oven, while the apples beneath become tender and juicy. Best of all, this dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or a special occasion, this Cinnamon Apple Crisp is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can enjoy this delightful, seasonal dessert at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples, peeled and cored)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. This will prevent the apples and topping from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of white sugar, 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly. You want to create a coarse, sandy texture with small clumps of butter.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

Peel, core, and slice about 4 medium-sized apples to make 4 cups of apple slices. Granny Smith apples are often preferred for baking because their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the crisp, but you can use any variety, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Arrange the sliced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Cinnamon and Water

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the sliced apples to give them that warm, spicy flavor. Then, pour 1/2 cup of water over the apples. This helps keep the apples moist and juicy while baking.

Step 5: Add the Crumb Topping

Take the crumble mixture you prepared earlier and spread it evenly over the top of the apples. Make sure the apples are fully covered with the crumble, pressing down gently with your hands if needed. This will ensure that every bite is full of that delicious, buttery crisp.

Step 6: Bake the Apple Crisp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check the apples’ doneness by inserting a fork into the center of the dish—if they’re soft, the crisp is ready.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once the apple crisp is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, either on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm crisp and the cool, creamy topping is irresistible!

COOKING Note:

• Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are the best choice for baking because their tartness balances the sweetness of the dessert, but feel free to experiment with other types of apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples can also add depth to the flavor.
• Butter: Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it into the topping to ensure a smooth, crumbly texture. If your butter is too hard, microwave it for a few seconds, but don’t melt it completely.
• Topping Variation: If you prefer a heartier topping, try adding 1/2 cup of oats or chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the crumble mixture for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Cinnamon Apple Crisp is best served warm, straight from the oven. Top each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to take this comforting dessert to the next level. For an extra touch of fall flavor, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle a bit of ground nutmeg or clove on top.

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or apple cider, making it the perfect choice for a cozy night in or a festive fall gathering. If you’re hosting, this dish also works well as part of a Thanksgiving or holiday dessert spread.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the apple crisp ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Leftovers: Leftover apple crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version of this apple crisp, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add gluten-free oats to the topping for extra crunch.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45-50 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugars: 36g
• Fiber: 2g

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a simple yet comforting dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall. The tender apples, spiced with cinnamon, are perfectly balanced by the buttery, golden crumble topping. It’s a dessert that warms both the heart and the home, filling your kitchen with the irresistible scent of apples and cinnamon. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this apple crisp is sure to be a hit.

Don’t forget to top it off with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

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