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Apple Crisp With Cinnamon - A Warm, Cozy Classic

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Apples (6–8 medium, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • Granulated sugar (1/3 cup) for the filling
  • Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed) for the topping
  • All-purpose flour (3/4 cup), divided: 2 tablespoons for the filling, the rest for the topping
  • Old-fashioned rolled oats (3/4 cup)
  • Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons), divided
  • Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon), optional
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon), divided
  • Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) to brighten the apples
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), optional
  • Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick), cold and cut into small cubes
  • Cornstarch (1 tablespoon), optional for extra saucy thickening
  • Nonstick spray or butter for the baking dish
  • 9x9-inch or similar baking dish (or a 2-quart casserole)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and peeler
  • Pastry cutter or fork (or your fingers)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prepare: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Prep the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Aim for even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
  3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss the apples with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, lemon juice, vanilla (if using), and cornstarch (if using). The mixture should look lightly coated.
  4. Transfer to dish: Spread the apples into an even layer in the baking dish. Press down gently to remove big gaps.
  5. Mix the topping: In another bowl, combine the remaining flour, brown sugar, oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cold butter cubes and cut them in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs with a few larger clumps.
  6. Top the apples: Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples. Don’t press it down too hard—you want a craggy surface for maximum crunch.
  7. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling around the edges.
  8. Rest: Let the crisp sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps the juices thicken and makes serving easier.
  9. Serve: Enjoy warm as is, or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.