There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven, isn’t there? My easy baked cinnamon apple crisp has been my go-to dessert for years—whether I’m hosting friends or just craving something cozy on a chilly evening. I first made this recipe when I was in college, desperate for a taste of home but short on time (and fancy ingredients). The beauty of this dessert is how simple it is—just a few pantry staples transform into this warm, comforting treat that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again, just like I have. And trust me, once you try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top, you’ll understand why it’s my favorite fall dessert to share.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Oh, where do I even start? This apple crisp has stolen hearts (and stomachs) at every gathering I’ve brought it to! Here’s why it’s become my signature dessert:
- Quick prep: You can throw it together in 15 minutes flat—perfect for those “oops, I forgot dessert” moments.
- Pantry staples: No fancy ingredients here—just apples, sugar, oats, and cinnamon doing their magic.
- That crispy-crunchy topping: The contrast between the tender apples and buttery oat crumble? Absolute perfection.
- Comfort in every bite: Warm cinnamon, sweet apples—it’s like autumn in dessert form.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids, grandparents, picky eaters—everyone goes back for seconds (I’ve seen it happen!).
Seriously, this recipe is the dessert equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater—simple, reliable, and always makes you happy.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Gathering ingredients for this cozy dessert couldn’t be simpler—I bet you have most of these in your kitchen right now! What I love about this recipe is how each component plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy.
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced – Tart Granny Smiths are my go-to for that perfect bite against the sweet topping (though any baking apple works!)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Just enough to caramelize those apples beautifully
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens up all the flavors and keeps the apples from browning
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – That warm, cozy hug for your apples
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – The base for our crumbly golden crust
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats – Adds amazing texture and wholesome flavor
- ¾ cup brown sugar – Gives that rich caramel depth white sugar just can’t match
- ½ cup butter, melted – I always use real butter, no substitutes—it makes all the difference!
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Because you can never have too much cinnamon flavor
See? Nothing complicated here—just good, honest ingredients that come together to create something so much greater than the sum of their parts. When I’m feeling extra nostalgic, I’ll add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling too—my grandma’s little secret!
How to Make Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Alright, let me walk you through making this easy baked cinnamon apple crisp—it’s so simple you’ll have it memorized after one try! The key is layering flavors and textures just right. I’ve made this dozens of times (sometimes half-asleep at midnight, if I’m being honest), and these steps never fail me. Follow along, and you’ll have that delicious aroma filling your kitchen in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
First, grab your biggest mixing bowl—the apples take up more space than you think! Toss those peeled, sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Don’t be shy with the mixing—you want every single apple slice coated in that sweet, spiced goodness. The lemon juice keeps them bright and prevents browning while adding that tiny zing that balances the sweetness perfectly. Once mixed, spread them evenly in your greased baking dish. This part always makes me nostalgic for the apple orchard near my childhood home!
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
Now for my favorite part—the crumble! In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a fork—I prefer fingers for that personal touch—and mix until it looks like wet sand with pebbles. Those “pebbles” will turn golden and crispy in the oven, creating that irresistible texture contrast with the soft apples below. Sprinkle it generously over your apples, covering them completely. No apple should peek through—this topping is meant to be abundant!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. After about 25 minutes, your kitchen will smell incredible. At the 40-minute mark, start watching for that perfect golden-brown crust. If the topping browns too quickly, tent it with foil. The apples should be fork-tender but not mushy—think “just right” Goldilocks texture. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving (I know, the wait is torture) to let the juices thicken slightly. That first spoonful of warm apples and crispy topping with melting ice cream? Worth every second!
Tips for the Best Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Oh honey, after making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks that’ll take your apple crisp from good to “can I have the recipe?” level amazing! First, always use tart apples—Grannies are my ride-or-die—because they stand up to baking without turning to mush. If your topping’s browning too fast, just loosely tent it with foil halfway through. And that dreaded soggy bottom? A light sprinkle of oats under your apple layer works like a charm to soak up extra juices. Taste your apples before adding sugar—some varieties are sweeter than others (looking at you, Honeycrisp!), so adjust accordingly. My biggest tip? Let it rest 10 minutes after baking—patience rewards you with perfectly set juices instead of a runny mess!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about serving this warm, bubbly crisp—it’s practically a crime to eat it plain! Pile a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top while it’s still piping hot from the oven—I like using my homemade chocolate chip ice cream when I’m feeling fancy. The melting ice cream mingling with those cinnamon-kissed apples? Pure heaven. If you’re not into ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top. Serve it warm—not scorching—about 10 minutes out of the oven when the juices have settled but haven’t cooled completely. Trust me, you’ll want to lick the bowl clean!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk leftovers—though in my house, we rarely have any! If you’re lucky enough to save some apple crisp, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days (if it lasts that long!). When you’re ready for round two, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds to warm through, or for crisper topping, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. I won’t judge if you sneak a cold bite straight from the fridge though—been there!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in my easy baked cinnamon apple crisp – remember, these are just estimates since apple sizes and ingredient brands vary! Each generous serving (about 1/6th of the crisp) packs roughly 320 calories, with 55g carbs (including 5g fiber and 35g sugar), 12g fat (7g saturated), and 3g protein. It’s got decent amounts of vitamin C from those fresh apples and even a little iron and calcium from the oats. But let’s be real – when that cinnamon-scented steam hits your nose, nutritional numbers are the last thing on your mind!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about this easy baked cinnamon apple crisp—here are the ones that pop up most often! If you’ve got others, don’t hesitate to reach out—I love helping troubleshoot recipes.
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Absolutely! Pears work beautifully with the same spice blend, and peaches make a fabulous summer version. Just keep the fruit volume about the same (6 cups sliced). Berries are delicious too—try mixing them with apples for extra juiciness!
How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy—just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (I like 1-to-1 mixes). The oats should be certified gluten-free too. Everything else stays the same, and it’s just as crispy and delicious!
How long does apple crisp keep fresh?
Covered tightly, it stays tasty for 3 days in the fridge—though the topping softens a bit. For maximum crispiness, I recommend eating it within 24 hours. You can also freeze unbaked crisp for up to 3 months—just add 10 extra minutes when baking from frozen.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble the crisp (unbaked) up to a day in advance—keep it covered in the fridge. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold. The topping might get slightly less crisp, but the flavors actually improve!
Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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