Ah, the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, gooey cinnamon apple crisp to brighten up any day.
Did you know that the average American consumes about 17 pounds of apples per year? Well, get ready to bump up that number with this irresistible dessert!
Today, we’ll dive into the world of cinnamon apple crisps, exploring everything from choosing the perfect apples to achieving that crumbly, golden topping. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
The Perfect Apples for Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
When it comes to making the best cinnamon apple crisp, choosing the right apples is crucial. Here are some top picks:
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, perfect for baking
- Honeycrisp: Sweet-tart balance with a crisp texture
- Braeburn: Holds shape well and offers a sweet-tart flavor
- Golden Delicious: Mellow sweetness that complements spices
Pro tip: Mix two or three varieties for a more complex flavor profile!
Baking Tips for a Golden, Bubbly Cinnamon Apple Crisp
- Keep an eye on your crisp during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- For extra gooey apples, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
- Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should slide through the apples easily.
Serving and Pairing Your Cinnamon Apple Crisp
While this dessert is delicious on its own, here are some fantastic ways to elevate it:
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo
- Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for extra indulgence
- Pair with a hot cup of cinnamon tea or spiced apple cider
Healthy Twists on Traditional Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Want to make your crisp a bit healthier? Try these substitutions:
- Use coconut sugar instead of refined sugar
- Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan version
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
While fresh apples are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned apple pie filling in a pinch. Reduce the sugar in the recipe as the canned filling is already sweetened.
What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
The main difference is in the topping. Crisps typically contain oats, which give a crispier texture, while crumbles usually don’t include oats and have a sandier texture.
Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 6 cups sliced apples about 6-7 medium apples
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the filling:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- In a large bowl, mix sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Toss until apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in chopped nuts if using.
Assemble and bake:
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Serve and enjoy:
- Let the crisp cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.