Tender Cinnamon-Spiced Apples

Featured in: Sweet Slow Moments

This comforting dish features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked beneath a golden oat and almond crumble. The blend of maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and vanilla enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness, while the crunchy oat topping adds a delightful texture. Best served warm, it pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy treat that’s perfect throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:50:00 GMT
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling, served warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Save
Golden-brown Best Apple Crisp bubbling, served warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert. | meanwhilerecipe.com

A classic fall and winter dessert featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a golden oat-almond crumble. This comforting apple crisp is a Thanksgiving favorite, perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

This apple crisp has become a staple for my family during the holidays. The combination of tart apples and crunchy topping never fails to impress guests.

Ingredients

  • Fruit Base: 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Crisp Topping: 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup coconut sugar or other granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour (or cornstarch), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3:
Transfer the apple mixture to a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 4:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 5:
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
Step 6:
Stir in the rolled oats until incorporated.
Step 7:
Evenly sprinkle the topping over the apples in the baking dish.
Step 8:
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
Step 9:
Let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
A warm, comforting slice of Best Apple Crisp shows off juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples. Save
A warm, comforting slice of Best Apple Crisp shows off juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples. | meanwhilerecipe.com

My family gathers around the table eagerly whenever this apple crisp is served, reminiscing over holiday memories and enjoying every bite together.

Notes

For easy prep the topping can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Adjust sweetness by using more or less sugar as desired.

Required Tools

9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish Mixing bowls Peeler and corer Knife Pastry cutter or fork Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter). Contains oats (ensure gluten-free oats if needed). If allergic to nuts or dairy, substitute almond flour with oat flour and butter with a non-dairy alternative. Always double-check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Enjoy the delicious Best Apple Crisp: a close-up featuring crumbly oat-almond topping. Save
Enjoy the delicious Best Apple Crisp: a close-up featuring crumbly oat-almond topping. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This apple crisp is a timeless dessert that warms the heart and home. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with your favorite toppings for the perfect treat.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness.

Can I substitute almond flour in the topping?

Yes, oat flour or other nut-free flours can be used for a similar texture, especially to accommodate allergies.

How do I achieve a crisp topping?

Cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form and folding in rolled oats ensures a golden, crunchy topping.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Using vegan butter in place of regular butter allows for a dairy-free version without compromising flavor or texture.

Can the topping be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the crumb topping can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to two days before baking.

Tender Cinnamon-Spiced Apples

Warm spiced apples with a crunchy oat and almond topping, ideal for comforting fall desserts.

Time to Prepare
20 mins
Time to Cook
50 mins
Complete Time
70 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Sweet Slow Moments

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Fruit Base

01 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
03 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping

01 1 cup almond flour
02 1/2 cup coconut sugar or alternative granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).

Step 02

Prepare Apple Mixture: Combine sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a large bowl; mix until evenly coated.

Step 03

Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish.

Step 04

Mix Crisp Topping Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 05

Incorporate Butter: Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the cold butter into the dry mixture until coarse crumbs form.

Step 06

Add Rolled Oats: Stir rolled oats into the butter mixture until fully combined.

Step 07

Top Apple Mixture: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 08

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 09

Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tools Needed

  • 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Peeler and corer
  • Knife
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Contains oats; use certified gluten-free oats if required.
  • Substitute almond flour and butter with oat flour and non-dairy butter for allergen modifications.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 524
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Proteins: 7 g