Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Introduction

An Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp is the epitome of cozy, fall-inspired desserts that brings a warm, sweet fragrance to your home. This timeless recipe combines tart apples with a cinnamon-sugar topping, baked to perfection with a golden, crisp finish. It’s the ultimate dessert for apple lovers and a comforting choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a simple treat, this apple crisp is sure to please. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a nostalgic dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. Let’s dive into the details of making this classic cinnamon apple crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp

1. Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of ingredients for this dessert. Just apples, sugar, cinnamon, butter, oats, and flour.
2. Quick to Make: This recipe comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
3. Perfect Texture: The tender, cinnamon-spiced apples pair beautifully with the crunchy, buttery oat topping, offering a delightful balance of soft and crisp textures.
4. Versatile Serving: Enjoy it on its own or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp

• For the Apple Filling:
  • 6-7 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite variety)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cornstarch (if using), and salt. Toss everything until the apples are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading the apples out evenly.

2. Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. You want the mixture to be crumbly with some larger chunks of butter for that delicious crispy texture.

3. Assemble and Bake
Spread the oat topping evenly over the apples. Make sure the topping covers the apples completely. Bake the crisp for 40-45 minutes or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

4. Cool and Serve
Let the cinnamon apple crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices a chance to set, making the dish easier to serve. For extra indulgence, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Crisp

• Apple Variety: The key to the perfect apple crisp is choosing the right apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides the best flavor and texture.
• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative by adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the topping for extra crunch or a handful of dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
• Make Ahead: This apple crisp can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking. Simply bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the freezer and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve a warm, individual portion of apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent treat.
• For a lighter version, enjoy a serving on its own with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Conclusion

An Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a true comfort dessert that never goes out of style. The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy oat topping is the perfect way to end any meal. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, this dessert will become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again.

Serving and Storage Tips for Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Serving Tips:

1. Serve Warm: Apple crisp is best enjoyed warm from the oven. The crisp topping stays crunchy while the apples remain soft and tender. If you need to reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds.
2. Top It Off: For an indulgent treat, serve your apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
3. Pair with a Drink: Complement the flavors with a hot drink like cinnamon tea, coffee, or apple cider for a cozy experience.
4. Portion Control: This dessert can be served in individual portions for a more elegant presentation, especially if you’re hosting a gathering.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, cover the apple crisp with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.
2. Freezing: To freeze apple crisp, allow it to cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crispy again.
3. Topping Storage: If you’re making the topping ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply add the topping to the prepared apples before baking.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apple Crisp even after the initial serving, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for days to come!

1. Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes! You can use a variety of apples for apple crisp. A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji works best. The tart apples balance the sweetness of the topping, while the sweeter apples add depth of flavor. You can even use all one variety if preferred.

2. Can I make this apple crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble them in your baking dish and bake as directed. You can also assemble the entire crisp and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make this cinnamon apple crisp gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.

4. How can I make the topping crunchier?
To achieve a crunchier topping, you can add a handful of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans) to the oat mixture. You can also bake the crisp a little longer to ensure the topping turns golden and crispy. Just be sure to check the apples to avoid overbaking.

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