If you are craving a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy apple slices mingled with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a buttery, crunchy oat and nut crumble, make every bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or impressing family and friends, this dish brings together the nostalgic flavors of fall with an easy, inviting preparation that anyone can master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to create this magic dessert. Each plays a vital role—apples provide natural sweetness and texture, spices add warmth and depth, and the crisp topping delivers a perfect balance of crunch and buttery richness.
- 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a great contrast to the sweet topping.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just right without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice tone that defines the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of earthy spice to deepen the overall flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for your crisp topping’s tender texture.
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Provides chewiness and a rustic feel to the crumble.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Imparts a rich caramel note that elevates the crumble’s sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Melted into the dry ingredients, it creates that coveted crumbly texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that pairs perfectly with baked apples.
How to Make Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures your apple crisp won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a flawless dessert experience.
Step 2: Toss Apples with Lemon Juice
In a large bowl, gently toss your peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the lemon juice. This little step is a game-changer as it keeps the apples looking fresh and prevents discoloration, all while adding a light fresh zing that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices to Apples
Sprinkle granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the apples. Stir everything until the apples are perfectly coated, making sure each slice is bursting with flavor. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish—this fragrant layer is the base of your delicious crisp.
Step 4: Mix the Crisp Topping
Grab another bowl and combine the flour, oats, light brown sugar, and salt. Then, work in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until you get a crumbly texture that resembles coarse crumbs. This mixture will bake into the signature buttery, crunchy topping you’re after.
Step 5: Add Nuts and Assemble
If you’re adding nuts, stir them into the crumble mixture now. Sprinkle this tasty crumble evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish, covering every bit for that perfect golden crust that’s both crispy and tender.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide your assembled crisp into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown topping and tender apples that are soft when pierced—the telltale signs that your warm spiced baked apple crisp recipe is ready to be enjoyed.
Step 7: Cool Briefly and Serve
Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to settle—this helps the juices thicken slightly and makes serving a breeze. Now, your irresistible dessert is ready to shine!
How to Serve Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Add a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream right on top for a decadent, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apples. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon elevates the presentation and flavor that little bit more.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced cider, chai tea, or even a rich coffee. For a real crowd-pleaser, serve alongside a simple cheese plate or a bowl of fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming touch at dinner parties. Layer it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a quick parfait twist—combining creamy textures with warm spice makes a delightful surprise every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more deeply over time, so reheated crisp often tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the apple crisp up through assembly, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Bake it directly from frozen, just add extra baking time until fully heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Warm your leftover crisp in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crisp on top again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping less crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples offer the best texture, you can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with lemon juice and spices to avoid a soggy crisp.
What types of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweet topping. Mixing varieties can also add interesting flavors and textures.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The oats and nuts contribute to the crispiness, so this swap works beautifully.
Is it necessary to use nuts in the topping?
Nuts are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy added crunch and flavor depth. Walnuts and pecans both complement the warm spices, but feel free to skip or substitute with seeds if you have allergies.
How long can I let the apple crisp cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool for about 10-15 minutes ensures the juices thicken without losing warmth. This rest time makes serving cleaner and maximizes enjoyment of those tender, spiced apples beneath a perfectly crisp topping.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about a Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp Recipe that invites everyone to slow down and savor the moment. It’s a dish that’s straightforward enough for any weeknight yet special enough for a holiday table. Once you try it, this cozy apple dessert will surely become a favorite to revisit time and time again.
Print
Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 10m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Warm Spiced Baked Apple Crisp is a comforting and classic dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat and nut crumble. Perfect for fall or any cozy occasion, it offers a delightful contrast of soft fruit and crunchy topping, best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and to add a bright flavor.
- Mix the Apple Filling: Add granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the apples, stirring until they are evenly coated. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, and salt. Using a fork or pastry cutter, work in the chilled cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Nuts and Top the Apples: Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts if using. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked apple crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- For best results, use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance of sweetness and acidity.
- You can substitute walnuts or pecans with other nuts, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Butter should be chilled to create a crumbly topping texture; do not melt.
- The dessert can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
