Is there anything better than the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen on a chilly autumn day? I think not! And this cinnamon apple crisp? Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s SO easy to throw together; even I can’t mess it up (and trust me, I’ve had my share of kitchen disasters!).
I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was trying to impress a date (who, by the way, was WAY more into the crisp than me – oops!). What started as a desperate attempt turned into my go-to dessert. It’s simple, everyone loves it, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing. What more could you want?
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Crisp
- Quick and Easy to Make
- A Warm and Comforting Dessert
- Perfect for Any Occasion
Seriously, this cinnamon apple crisp comes together in minutes! Just slice, mix, and crumble – that’s it! Minimal fuss, maximum flavor. I promise!
It’s that taste of autumn we all crave. The warm apples, the sweet cinnamon… it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. You just can’t beat it.
Whether it’s a simple weeknight treat or a fancy holiday gathering, this spiced apple crisp always hits the spot. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, trust me!
Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This cinnamon apple crisp is super simple, so you probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 medium apples (I usually go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp – peeled and sliced, of course!).
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (don’t skimp – it’s what makes it!).
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for that touch of sweetness).
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (helps thicken things up).
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (not the instant kind, okay?).
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (gives it that caramelly goodness).
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (yep, more flour!).
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (gotta be cold – trust me!).
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Crisp: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, this cinnamon apple crisp is seriously foolproof. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious dessert in no time!
Preparing the Apple Filling
First things first, grab a big ol’ bowl. Toss your sliced apples in there with the cinnamon, granulated sugar, and that 1/4 cup of flour. Make sure everything’s nicely coated. That’s it! Easy peasy, right?
Making the Oat Topping for Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Now for the yummy topping! In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour (again!), and the cubed cold butter. This is important: the butter needs to be cold! Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This gives you that amazing, crispy texture. Trust me on this one!
Assembling and Baking Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Alright, almost there! Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget – it’s important! Spread the apple mixture evenly in a baking dish (a 9×13 inch one works great!). Then, crumble that oat topping all over the apples. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. That’s how you know it’s ready! Let it cool slightly before serving (if you can wait that long!).

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Want to take your cinnamon apple crisp from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years that’ll make all the difference.
Choosing the Right Apples for Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Okay, apple talk! Granny Smiths are my go-to because they’re tart and hold their shape, but Honeycrisps are also fantastic for that sweet-tart thing. A mix of both? Even better! Just avoid softer apples that’ll turn to mush, okay?
Getting the Perfect Crisp Topping
Cold butter is KEY, people! Seriously. It creates those little pockets of buttery goodness that make the topping extra crispy. And don’t overmix it – you want those coarse crumbs!
Serving Suggestions for Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Warm cinnamon apple crisp + a scoop of vanilla ice cream = pure heaven. Whipped cream works too! A drizzle of caramel sauce? Don’t even get me started! Basically, serve it warm with something cold and creamy. You won’t regret it!
Variations on This Classic Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Okay, so you’ve got the basic cinnamon apple crisp down. But what if you’re feeling a little adventurous? Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to get you started. Trust me, these are all winners!
Spiced Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Want to kick up the spice factor? Toss in a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or even a little bit of ground ginger with the cinnamon. It adds a whole new level of cozy warmth. Yum!
Nutty Cinnamon Apple Crisp
For a little extra crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping. Toast them lightly beforehand for even more flavor! My favorite part is the nutty aroma as it bakes!
Gluten-Free Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Got gluten sensitivities? No problem! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Easy peasy!
Storing and Reheating Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
So, you’ve made this amazing cinnamon apple crisp, but somehow, you have leftovers? Wow! Here’s how to keep it delicious. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just microwave it for a minute or two, or warm it up in a low oven until it’s heated through. Still tastes amazing, I swear!
Cinnamon Apple Crisp FAQs
Can I make cinnamon apple crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! If you’re prepping for a big dinner, you can totally assemble the spiced apple crisp a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. Then, bake it off when you’re ready to serve. Honestly, I think the brown sugar apple crisp is even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just a personal opinion, though!
Can I freeze cinnamon apple crisp?
Yep, freezing works! Let the baked cinnamon apple crisp cool completely, then wrap it super well in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm it up in the oven. It might not be *quite* as perfect as fresh, but it’s still pretty darn good!
What kind of apples are best for cinnamon apple crisp?
Okay, so I already mentioned Granny Smiths and Honeycrisps, but really, you can use any baking apple you like! I sometimes throw in a few Braeburns or Galas for extra sweetness. The key is to use apples that will hold their shape and not turn to mush when they’re baked. So, experiment and see what you like best! That’s what cooking is all about, right?

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Okay, so I’m no nutritionist, but here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving: Calories: around 300. Fat: about 10g. Protein: maybe 3g. Carbs: probably around 50g. Just a heads-up – it’s an estimate!
Enjoyed This Cinnamon Apple Crisp?
Woohoo! Glad you gave my cinnamon apple crisp a try! Now, tell me what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share it with your friends. Happy baking!
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Cinnamon Apple Crisp: A Foolproof Recipe for Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a warm and comforting cinnamon apple crisp. This recipe features a spiced apple filling with a crisp oat topping. It is perfect for a fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and flour.
- Spread apple mixture in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter.
- Crumble oat mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
- Add nuts to the oat topping for extra crunch.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg