Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that tastes like fall in every bite, you’ve got to try this Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled under a golden, buttery oat topping that crisps up just right in the oven. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples in a way that creates a deliciously nostalgic treat, ideal for cozy nights or sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you make this, apple crisps will never be just a backup plan again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role: apples bring juicy tartness and softness, oats add wholesome texture, cinnamon delivers warm spice, and butter lends that irresistible richness. Let’s walk through what you’ll need to get this perfect apple crisp on your table.
- Granny Smith apples (10 medium): These tart apples hold their shape beautifully and add a refreshing tang to balance the sweetness.
- Light brown sugar (3 cups packed, divided): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture, enhancing both the apples and the crisp topping.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons plus 2 cups): Helps thicken the apple filling and provides structure for the oat crisp topping.
- Ground cinnamon (3 teaspoons total): The spice that makes every bite cozy and aromatic, tying the flavors together perfectly.
- Quick oats (2 cups): These create that signature crumbly yet chewy crisp topping that’s hard to resist.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 cup, cubed): Vital for that golden, flaky topping—cold butter ensures the perfect texture when baked.
How to Make Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to make sure your crisp won’t stick and will bake evenly with a beautifully crisp bottom layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a large bowl, toss your peeled, cored, and sliced Granny Smith apples with 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This combination gently softens the apples during baking while releasing their natural juices, creating a luscious filling brimming with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of quick oats, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of packed light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Add the cubed cold butter, and using your hands or a fork, blend it into the dry ingredients until the butter pieces look like small peas or smaller. This step is crucial—it’s what creates that delightfully crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Take 3 cups of the crisp mixture and spread it evenly at the bottom of your prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly to create a sturdy base. Pour the apple mixture on top and gently press it down with a spatula to level it out. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples for that classic layered effect that bakes to perfection.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Bake your assembled crisp uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apple filling bubbles around the edges and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step fills your kitchen with that comforting scent of baked apples and cinnamon that will have everyone rushing to the oven.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the apple crisp cool just enough to set but remain warm and inviting. This dessert is absolutely divine served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warm, spiced apples and crumbly topping.
How to Serve Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe by adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and nutty depth. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar can make it feel extra special, perfect for impressing guests or a simple treat for yourself.
Side Dishes
This apple crisp pairs wonderfully with mellow sides like a creamy custard or a mild cheese like mascarpone or ricotta. For a lighter approach, serve alongside a steaming cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm spices and sweet-tart apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dessert into a showstopper by serving individual portions in cute ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh mint. You could also layer it with yogurt or whipped cream in a clear glass to create a rustic parfait that highlights the distinct layers of apples and crisp topping for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the leftover apple crisp tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep deliciously fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy this warm, comforting treat.
Freezing
You can freeze baked apple crisp by wrapping individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat your apple crisp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the topping rather than keep it delightfully crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use apples other than Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide tartness and firmness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more complex flavor. Just make sure your apples hold up well to baking.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the butter?
Yes, you can substitute cold coconut oil or a vegan butter spread for the unsalted butter. These alternatives will still create a crisp topping but might impart a slightly different flavor.
Can I make the Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe in smaller portions?
Definitely! This recipe is easy to scale down for smaller baking dishes or even individual servings. Just adjust the quantities proportionally to your chosen dish size.
What is the best type of oats to use?
Quick oats are preferred because they provide the right balance between chewiness and tenderness in the topping. Avoid steel-cut oats as they don’t soften enough during baking.
Can I prepare the crisp topping ahead of time?
You sure can! Make the oat and flour mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the butter and assembling. This helps speed up the baking day without any loss in flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe is exactly the kind of dessert that warms your heart and your kitchen. It’s simple to make, delightfully flavorful, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting slice of homemade goodness. Give it a try and watch how this beloved treat quickly becomes your new favorite way to enjoy apples.
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Classic Apple Crisp with Oats and Cinnamon Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A classic, comforting Apple Crisp recipe featuring tart Granny Smith apples baked under a crispy, buttery oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 10 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 10 cups)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crisp Topping
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gently stir until the apples are well coated with the sugar mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare Crisp Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, mix together 2 cups quick oats, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups packed light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and use your hands or a fork to blend until the butter pieces are about pea-sized or smaller, creating a crumbly texture.
- Assemble Crisp: Press 3 cups of the crisp mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a sturdy base. Pour the apple mixture over this base, spreading evenly and pressing gently with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining crisp mixture evenly over the top of the apples.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling and the topping is beautifully golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp to cool slightly to set before serving. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple mixture.
- Use cold butter to help create a crispier topping.
- Make sure to peel and core the apples for the best texture.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
