Baked Apple Crisp Recipe

Cozy Baked Apple Crisp Recipe: Sweet Fall Comfort in Every Bite

Autumn’s golden embrace calls for a classic baked apple crisp that perfectly captures the season’s warmth.

Cinnamon-kissed apples nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly topping create a dessert that dances between comfort and indulgence.

Crisp, sweet, and wonderfully aromatic, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering treat.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures, tender apples melting underneath a crunchy oat streusel.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance that draws everyone to the table.

Warm and inviting, this dessert promises to become a cherished favorite for cozy gatherings.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible autumn classic.

Baked Apple Dessert – Helpful Tips for Success

  • Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and perfect texture.
  • Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, vibrant color.
  • Add melted butter gradually to topping mixture, ensuring perfect crumbly texture without becoming too wet.
  • Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour or add chopped nuts for extra protein and nutrients.
  • Cool dessert for 15 minutes before serving to let filling set and topping crisp up, enhancing overall taste and presentation.

Recipe Ideas for Baked Apple Dessert

  • Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: Replace flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Apple Bake: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use maple syrup instead of traditional sugar for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Dessert: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of brown sugar, and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly option.
  • Nutty Apple Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch and nutritional boost, enhancing the dessert's texture and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Warm Apple Dessert

  • Sweet Scoop Companion: Vanilla ice cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apple dessert. The cold scoop melts slightly against the hot crumble, creating a delightful temperature and texture blend.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Warm caramel sauce adds rich sweetness and elegant finish. A light zigzag pattern over the baked dessert enhances visual appeal and introduces deeper flavor complexity.
  • Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dessert for extra crunch and nutty depth. These toasted nuts complement the cinnamon and brown sugar, adding a sophisticated layer of texture.

How to Store Baked Apple Dessert for Later

  • Store leftover apple dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cold temperature helps preserve the texture and flavor of the baked treat.
  • Let the dessert cool completely before covering to prevent condensation that could make the topping soggy. Store on the counter for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon.
  • Wrap the baked apple dessert tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

  • What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure the entire topping is gluten-free.

  • How do I know when the apple dessert is fully baked?

The dessert is done when the apples are soft when pierced with a fork, the topping is golden brown, and you can see the filling bubbling around the edges of the baking dish.

Why Easy Baked Apple Dessert Deserves a Spot

  • Whip Up Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this apple dessert a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious treat without complex techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warm cinnamon-spiced apples with a crispy oat topping create a nostalgic dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
  • Versatile Seasonal Delight: Adaptable to different apple varieties and easily customizable with optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruits, this dessert celebrates the rich flavors of autumn and works beautifully for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: No advanced baking knowledge needed – even beginner cooks can confidently create this foolproof dessert that delivers impressive homemade taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Apple Dessert

Fresh Fruit:
  • Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that forms the base of this warm dessert.
Dry Ingredients for Topping:
  • Flour, Oats, Brown Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon: Create a crumbly, sweet, and spiced topping that adds texture and flavor to the apple base.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Melted butter helps bind the topping ingredients and provides rich, golden flavor.
  • Vanilla: Adds depth and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
  • Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps caramelize the apples and topping.

How to Make Baked Apple Desserts Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a deep-dish pie plate or baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or brush with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Mixture

Slice up your apples into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Toss them in a bowl with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Mix everything together so each apple slice gets a delicious coating.

Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Create the Crumbly Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ground cinnamon

Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture looks like delightful, clumpy crumbs.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodness

Sprinkle the crumbly topping all over the apple mixture, making sure to cover every inch for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes.

You’re looking for soft, tender apples and a golden-brown topping.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the dessert rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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Baked Apple Crisp Recipe

Baked Apple Crisp Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Warm cinnamon-spiced Baked Apple Crisp beckons with homemade comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Sweet caramelized apples nestled beneath a crumbly golden oat topping promise pure dessert bliss you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit:

  • 5 cups (1200 ml) fresh apples, sliced

Filling and Topping Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup (133 g) packed brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for filling
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for topping
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Binding Ingredient:

  • 1/4 cup (57 g or 1/2 stick) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the apples and combine them with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, ensuring each slice is evenly coated with the sweet mixture.
  3. Transfer the seasoned apple slices into the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer.
  4. In a separate bowl, create the crumble topping by mixing flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
  5. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and gently stir until the mixture develops a coarse, crumbly texture.
  6. Evenly distribute the crumble topping across the apple layer, covering the fruit completely.
  7. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, watching for golden-brown topping and tender, soft apples.
  8. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the apples to continue cooking.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture in this classic dessert.
  • Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent softness throughout the dish.
  • Customize the topping by adding chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Make this dessert gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend in the crumble topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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