There is something truly irresistible about a warm dessert that wraps you up in cozy comfort, and this Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe does just that. Bursting with tender, juicy apples spiced with cinnamon and brightened by a touch of lemon, it’s crowned with a golden, buttery oat topping that crisps up perfectly in the oven. Every bite sings of autumn, nostalgia, and homemade love — and the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, using everyday ingredients that come together in a flash for an unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive in, gather these straightforward but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the sweet and tart apples that form the heart of the dish to the oats and butter that create that heavenly crisp topping you’ll want to savor.
- Golden Delicious Apples: Their natural sweetness and tender texture make for a perfect bake, but feel free to swap for your favorite variety.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance the fruit’s tartness and enhance caramelization.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that partner beautifully with the apples.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple mixture and prevents browning for a fresh flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle molasses richness to the oat topping.
- Old Fashioned Oats: Give the crisp topping a chewy, hearty texture; quick oats can be used but may alter the finish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping together and adds structure.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch sharpens the flavors and balances sweetness wonderfully.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Key for that crumbly, golden topping—chilling ensures the best texture when baked.
How to Make Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the apples cook through gently while giving the topping time to turn golden and crisp up perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Apples
In a large bowl, toss the peeled and chopped golden delicious apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mix not only infuses the fruit with cozy spice but the lemon juice helps keep the apple slices fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Transfer Apples to Baking Dish
Grease a 9-by-9-inch baking dish lightly, then pour in the spiced apple mixture. Spread it out evenly, creating a sturdy base for the oat topping to rest on.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients form the flavorful, crumbly layer that will bake into a crunchy contrast to the soft apples beneath.
Step 5: Incorporate the Butter
Dot the dry mixture with cold, diced butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter creates pockets of richness and flakiness in the topping.
Step 6: Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the spiced apples in the baking dish, making sure to cover the surface completely for that satisfying crispy layer.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and the apples beneath are tender and bubbling around the edges.
Step 8: Serve
Allow the warm apple crisp to cool slightly before serving so the flavors settle. It’s delightful on its own, but jazz it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
How to Serve Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the oat topping. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of vibrant color and a refreshing finish to the warm dessert.
Side Dishes
While this apple crisp shines beautifully as a standalone dessert, pairing it with creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic for a reason. Alternatively, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a side of Greek yogurt can bring delicious contrasts in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For impressively charming servings, try plating the apple crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars. This adds a rustic touch and makes portion control a breeze. You can also layer it with whipped cream and cinnamon dusting to create a dessert parfait that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover apple crisp covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop further, making the next-day treat just as delightful. Simply reheat portions when ready to enjoy.
Freezing
This Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe also freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it securely or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, making it easy to prepare ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy topping, but in a pinch, microwave for 1-2 minutes and enjoy immediately.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While golden delicious apples provide natural sweetness and softness, tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of varieties can add delightful balance and texture.
Is it okay to use quick oats instead of old fashioned oats?
You can substitute quick oats, but the texture of the topping will be slightly less hearty and crunchy, resulting in a finer crumb rather than a chewy crisp.
Can this Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free for a fantastic allergen-friendly version.
How important is the cold butter in the topping?
Using cold butter is key to achieving a beautifully crumbly and flaky texture. Warm or melted butter will result in a denser, less crisp topping.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire crisp, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like gathering around a warm, comforting dessert, and this Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe invites you to do just that. It’s easy to make, rewarding to serve, and irresistible to eat. Once you try it, I’m sure this dish will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too—perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a little delicious comfort. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Warm Apple Crisp with Cinnamon and Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and comforting Apple Crisp recipe featuring tender spiced apples topped with a crisp, buttery oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for warming up chilly evenings and can be served with ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 golden delicious apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the apple crisp evenly.
- Prepare the spiced apples: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and chopped apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the spiced apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, mix together light brown sugar, old fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt.
- Incorporate the butter: Add the cold, diced butter to the dry topping ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the crisp: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the prepared spiced apples in the baking dish, covering them completely.
- Bake the crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly after baking. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- For a different texture, quick oats can be substituted for old fashioned oats, but the topping may be less crunchy.
- Feel free to use other apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for varying sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a crumbly topping texture.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture can enhance the warm spice flavor.
