Cinnamon Spice Apple Crisp
Welcome to the world of truly decadent autumnal desserts! As the leaves begin to paint the world in shades of amber and crimson, there is nothing more inviting than the rich, aromatic smell of a homemade Cinnamon Spice Apple Crisp wafting through your home. This homemade creation blends the sweet-tart flavors of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with a sumptuous, buttery oat topping that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this dessert has everything you need to capture the magic of fall in every bite. Picture a cozy afternoon wrapped in a blanket, a book in one hand, and a warm bowl of apple crisp in the other, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream pooling at the edges, and a drizzle of rich caramel. Pure bliss!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 cups peeled and sliced apples: Opt for a blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and crispness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: This adds a fresh tang and helps prevent the apples from browning.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Used here to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness that draws out the flavors of the apples and spices.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty depth to the overall flavor.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the juices from the apples during baking.
Topping:
1 cup old-fashioned oats: For a hearty, textured topping that complements the apples.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Acts as the base binding agent for the topping.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Contributes to a toffee-like sweetness and color.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the flavors in the topping.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness, forming the crumble texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot and ready when you assemble your crisp. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples with lemon juice, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Toss the ingredients together until every apple slice is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial in ensuring your apples bake evenly with a pleasing balance of flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Transfer your prepared apples into the greased baking dish, spreading them out into an even layer. This will help them bake uniformly and allow the crispy topping to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until you achieve a crumbly texture. This delightful topping will bake into a golden, satisfyingly crunchy layer.
Step 5: Assemble the Crisp
Generously sprinkle the oat topping over the apples. Be sure to cover all the apples, pressing lightly with your fingers to ensure the topping adheres during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled crisp in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is a golden brown and the apples beneath are bubbling and tender.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow your crisp to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld and the juices settle. For an extra touch of decadence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Optimum Apple Choices
When choosing apples for your crisp, using a mix such as Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness can create a wonderful flavor spectrum. These varieties also hold their shape well during baking, maintaining a pleasant texture in the finished dish.
Customize the Spice
Feel free to adjust spice levels to match your personal preferences. If you enjoy a deeper spice flavor, consider adding a hint of ground cloves or ginger. These spices can elevate the warmth of the dish and adapt the crisp to your unique taste profile.
Butter Matters
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dish precisely. The richness it imparts cannot be overstated, creating the perfect crumbly texture in the topping. For a nutty note, consider browning the butter before mixing.
Prevent Sogginess
Ensure your topping remains delightfully crispy by allowing the apple crisp to cool slightly before covering if storing. This prevents the topping from becoming soggy due to steam trapped underneath.
Portion Control
If you’re planning to serve individually, consider using small ramekins for the preparation. This not only makes the presentation impressive but also ensures even distribution
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