Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Warm, buttery, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, this Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the perfect comforting dessert for any season. Simple to make with pantry staples, it delivers a golden, crumbly topping over tender baked apples a timeless treat that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Add water: Pour the 1/2 cup of water evenly over the apples.
4. Make the topping: Combine sugar, flour, and softened butter in a separate bowl. Mix with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
5. Top the apples: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
6. Bake: Place in the oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender and bubbly.
7. Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream.

Variation

• Add oats for extra crunch: Mix 1/2 cup rolled oats into the topping for a heartier, more textured crisp.
• Brown sugar twist: Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
• Nutty delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Notes

• For the best flavor, choose tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the topping.
• If using sweeter apples, reduce the sugar slightly to prevent the dessert from becoming overly sweet.
• Let it rest for 10–15 minutes after baking this allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the crisp, creating a creamy, caramel-like sauce.
• Elegant twist: Drizzle salted caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Breakfast version: Enjoy leftovers reheated and topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a cozy breakfast treat.

Tips

• Slice apples evenly: Uniform slices ensure even baking and a perfect tender texture.
• Use cold butter for a crumblier topping: Slightly chilled butter creates that ideal crisp texture when baked.
• Double the recipe: For gatherings or holidays, bake in a 9×13-inch pan it disappears fast!

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Sodium: 65 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the unbaked crisp for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
2. Can I freeze apple crisp?
   Absolutely. Freeze baked or unbaked crisp tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
3. What kind of apples work best?
   Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and flavor best during baking.
4. Can I add spices besides cinnamon?
   Definitely try a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warm autumnal twist.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the definition of comfort a cozy, homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of baked apples and cinnamon. Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, it’s a classic that never fails to bring smiles to the table. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or a sweet ending to any day.

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