Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp – A Cozy Classic with Buttery Crumble Topping
Before we get into the irresistible details, I just want to say — thank you for being here. Really. Whether you found this recipe on a chilly evening looking for comfort or you're simply craving something warm and nostalgic, I’m so grateful you stopped by. Because this one? It’s special. This Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp is everything we love about dessert: simple, timeless, and filled with the coziest flavors imaginable. 🍎✨
This is the kind of treat that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. A hug in a bowl. A whiff of home.
💌 Want this recipe delivered straight to your inbox, printable and pin-ready? [Subscribe here] and stay cozy all year round!
What Is Apple Crisp?
Apple crisp is a beloved dessert made with tender spiced apples baked under a sweet, buttery, crumbly topping. Unlike pie, there's no crust — just juicy, cinnamon-kissed apples nestled beneath golden crumbles that melt in your mouth. It’s rustic, fuss-free, and so very comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp
-
🍎 All the flavor of apple pie with a fraction of the effort
-
✨ Golden, buttery topping that gets perfectly crisp
-
🕒 Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
-
🧂 Pantry ingredients – nothing fancy required!
And the smell? Pure magic. Your kitchen will smell like fall, love, and fresh-baked warmth.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think warm baked apples coated in a syrupy cinnamon-brown sugar sauce, topped with a crumble that’s crisp on top and just slightly soft underneath from soaking in all that luscious apple juice. Each spoonful is rich, sweet, and spiced, with just the right balance of tart apple and buttery crumble.
Benefits of This Dessert
-
✅ Made from real, whole ingredients
-
✅ Naturally vegetarian
-
✅ Easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan
-
✅ The perfect dessert for gatherings — it serves beautifully!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling:
-
4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
-
2 tbsp lemon juice
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1/4 cup brown sugar
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
1 tbsp cornstarch (for that glossy finish)
For the Crisp Topping:
-
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup brown sugar
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 tsp cinnamon
-
Pinch of salt
Tools You’ll Need
-
Mixing bowls
-
8x8 baking dish or individual ramekins
-
Vegetable peeler & knife
-
Spoon or pastry cutter
-
Oven (preheated to 350°F / 175°C)
Optional Additions & Substitutions
-
🍏 Mix apple varieties for extra depth
-
🥥 Sub coconut oil for butter (vegan version)
-
🌾 Use oat flour or almond flour for gluten-free
-
🥜 Add chopped pecans or oats to the topping for crunch
How to Make the Perfect Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples. Toss with lemon juice, sugars, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Layer them evenly in a greased baking dish or ramekins.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add softened butter and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
Step 3: Assemble & Bake
Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes (or until bubbly and golden). Let cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve With Apple Crisp
-
A big scoop of vanilla ice cream (classic!)
-
Freshly whipped cream or Greek yogurt
-
A drizzle of caramel sauce
-
A mug of hot cider or chai
Tips for the Best Apple Crisp
-
Use tart apples for flavor contrast (Granny Smith + sweet apples = perfection).
-
Don’t over-mix the topping — you want nice crumbles!
-
Let it sit 10–15 minutes before serving so the juices settle.
Storage & Reheating
-
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 300°F until warmed through.
-
Reheat: Microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in the oven.
Quick Facts
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 40 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutes
-
Servings: 4–6
-
Difficulty: Easy
-
Season: Fall favorite, but perfect year-round
FAQs
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate before baking, then bake fresh when ready.
Can I use canned apples or pie filling?
You can, but fresh apples give the best texture and flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — just use a 9x13 pan and bake a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
This Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp is everything a dessert should be — easy, heartwarming, and brimming with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table or digging in on a quiet evening with a spoon in hand, it’s a dish that brings people together. And it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.
🍏 Love cozy desserts?
-
Pear and Ginger Crumble
-
Peach Cobbler with Brown Sugar Biscuit Topping
-
Caramel Apple Galette
📸 Made This Recipe?
I’d love to see your beautiful bakes! Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me — I seriously never get tired of seeing these golden crumbles come to life in your kitchens!
🍎 Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)
-
Calories: 310
-
Carbs: 48g
-
Fat: 13g
-
Sugar: 32g
-
Fiber: 3g
-
Protein: 2g