Name: Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 apples, sliced; ¼ cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 cup rolled oats; ½ cup flour; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup cold butter, cubed; Pinch of salt

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If you’re craving a dessert that instantly feels like home, this Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed apples bubbling beneath a golden, buttery oat topping that provides just the right amount of crunch. It’s comfort food at its finest—warm, inviting, and brimming with those cozy fall flavors that make any day feel special. Whether you’re serving it after a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this dish never fails to delight and bring smiles around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several cooking ingredients arranged neatly. There are three shiny green apples placed in the middle right, with another green apple in the bottom left corner. On the top left, there is a white bowl filled with light brown powder and another white bowl filled with white flour next to it. To the left of the flour bowl, there are slices of pale yellow butter arranged on a white plate. Near the apples, there are four small white square bowls containing different spices in dark brown, reddish, and white colors. There are some small white bowls with clear liquid and more spices scattered around. The overall look is clean and balanced, showing ingredients ready for baking or cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the tart apples giving a juicy punch to the cinnamon and sugar that bring warmth and sweetness. Meanwhile, the crisp topping combines oats, flour, and brown sugar with cold butter for that irresistible crumbly texture and a buttery finish.

6 apples, sliced: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
¼ cup sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to soften the apples as they bake without overpowering their natural flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: The essential warm spice that gives the dish its cozy character.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the flavors, and helps prevent the apples from browning.
1 cup rolled oats: Provides the hearty base for the topping with great texture and an earthy nuttiness.
½ cup flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together for that perfect crumble.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that’s simply divine.
½ cup cold butter, cubed: The secret to that tender, buttery crisp topping you’ll want to savor.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.

How to Make Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Apples

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready when your apple mixture is assembled. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until they’re evenly coated. This flavorful mix softens the apples and infuses them with that signature spiced warmth.

Step 2: Assemble the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving that delightfully crumbly topping that melts into golden perfection as it bakes.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Transfer the spiced apples into a baking dish, spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the crisp topping generously over the apples, making sure the entire surface is covered. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for the bubbling juices and a golden-brown topping—that’s your cue that it’s ready!

How to Serve Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe

A close-up of a bowl filled with a mixed dish consisting of soft, chopped yellow fruit pieces layered with a crumbly, brownish topping made of oats and crushed nuts. The topping has a slightly rough texture with small granules visible throughout. The fruit looks cooked and tender, while the topping covers most of the dish in uneven clumps. A silver spoon rests partially inside the bowl, which has a mix of blue, beige, and white colors inside. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe shines on its own, topping it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is pure bliss. The cold, smooth ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples and crisp topping. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the presentation and flavor even more.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a spiced chai tea, which complements the cinnamon and apple notes. If you want to create a more filling treat, consider serving alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the crisp in individual ramekins makes it feel special and perfect for sharing. You can also layer the spiced apples and oat topping in a clear glass for an attractive parfait-style presentation. For a fun twist, try adding chopped nuts into the crisp topping for extra crunch or mix in dried cranberries with the apples for a pop of color and tartness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for preparing ahead or enjoying as a snack over the next couple of days.

Freezing

You can freeze the crisp before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it tightly. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. If freezing after baking, portion it out and freeze individual servings for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy the crisp warm again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds or pop a larger portion in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps recapture that freshly baked, golden topping and hot, bubbling filling that makes this dessert so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best for balance, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a unique flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the sugar slightly if your apples are very sweet.

Is there a gluten-free option for the crisp topping?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you’ll maintain the same delicious texture and flavor without gluten.

Can I add nuts to the Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts or pecans make a lovely addition, either stirred into the topping or sprinkled on top before baking. They add a wonderful crunch and a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the apples and spices.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Using cold butter and cutting it into the dry ingredients just until crumbly is the key. Also, placing the crisp on a lower oven rack helps the bottom stay nice and crisp while the top browns evenly.

Can I prepare the Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a few hours or even a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just keep it covered until baking time. This makes it convenient for busy days or entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe is a treasure of warmth, simplicity, and irresistible flavor that anyone can master. It’s the kind of dessert that hugs you from the inside out and brings an instant smile to everyone lucky enough to have a spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like I have!

Jane

Spiced Apple Crisp Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need