Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Featured in: Cozy Winter Bakes

This comforting dessert features tender baked apples tossed with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar, topped with a buttery oat crumble. The crisp topping blends rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter to create a golden-brown crunchy finish. Best served warm, it pairs delightfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Optional nuts add extra texture, making it a perfect treat for chilly nights and family sharing.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:05:00 GMT
Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp topped with golden oats, perfect for cozy family gatherings.  Save to Pinterest
Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp topped with golden oats, perfect for cozy family gatherings. | frostkettle.com

A comforting dessert featuring tender baked apples topped with a buttery cinnamon-oat crumble, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.

This warm cinnamon apple crisp has been a favorite in my family for years, bringing everyone together on cozy nights.

Ingredients

  • Apples: 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced, 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Filling: 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, pinch of salt
  • Crisp Topping: 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square or similar baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice.
Step 3:
Add sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt for the filling. Toss to coat apples evenly.
Step 4:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 5:
In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.
Step 6:
Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
Step 7:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
Step 8:
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Step 9:
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Deliciously baked apples and buttery crumble create the ultimate warm dessert experience.  Save to Pinterest
Deliciously baked apples and buttery crumble create the ultimate warm dessert experience. | frostkettle.com

My family eagerly awaits this dessert whenever the weather cools, making cozy moments sweeter.

Notes

Pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or crème fraîche for an indulgent treat.

Required Tools

9-inch square or similar baking dish, mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (flour), Dairy (butter). May contain: Tree nuts (if added). Always verify ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Fresh Granny Smith apples enveloped in cinnamon, topped with a crunchy oat layer. Save to Pinterest
Fresh Granny Smith apples enveloped in cinnamon, topped with a crunchy oat layer. | frostkettle.com

This warm cinnamon apple crisp is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to two days without losing its charm.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of apples work best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and balance sweetness with tartness.

Can nuts be added to the topping?

Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts provides extra crunch and flavor to the topping.

How do you achieve the crisp topping texture?

Work cold butter into oats and dry ingredients until crumbly to ensure a crunchy, golden finish.

Is lemon juice necessary in the filling?

Lemon juice prevents apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the fruit base.

How should this dish be served?

Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.

Warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Tender baked apples crowned with a buttery cinnamon and oat crumble for cozy evenings.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Serving Size

Dietary Information Meatless

What You Need

Apples

01 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
02 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Filling

01 1/3 cup granulated sugar
02 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 Pinch of salt

Crisp Topping

01 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Set the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square or equivalent baking dish.

Step 02

Prepare Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, then add sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; stir to coat evenly.

Step 03

Assemble Apples in Dish: Transfer the prepared apple mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.

Step 04

Mix Crisp Topping: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 05

Incorporate Butter: Add cold cubed butter to the dry mixture and blend using fingers or a pastry cutter until the topping forms coarse crumbs resembling coarse sand.

Step 06

Apply Topping and Bake: Evenly distribute the crisp topping over the apple layer and bake for 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 07

Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving warm; optionally accompany with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch square or comparable baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (flour) and dairy (butter)
  • May contain tree nuts if added

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 310
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Proteins: 3 g