There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home. It evokes memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. Today, we’re diving into the world of a beloved classic: Cinnamon Apple Crisp. This dessert is simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting treat on a chilly evening or a delicious way to end a holiday meal, this apple crisp is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples in the baking dish.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
6. Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for apple crisp because they hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the crisp topping.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like allspice or cloves, or add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Make Ahead: Apple crisp can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the epitome of comfort food. Its warm, spiced apples and buttery, crumbly topping make it a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and scrumptious. Perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!