Few desserts capture the essence of comfort food like a warm Cinnamon Apple Crisp. With its tender, cinnamon-scented apples and golden, buttery crumble topping, this classic dessert has stood the test of time for good reason. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or eaten straight from the pan the next day, it never fails to satisfy.

I grew up watching my mom bake apple crisp every fall, especially after we’d return from apple picking trips with bags full of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. The scent of cinnamon and sugar would fill the house, signaling the start of the coziest season. This version is incredibly easy—no oats, no complicated steps, just sweet baked apples with a buttery, golden topping that’s delightfully simple and incredibly satisfying.

This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. It comes together quickly, uses just a handful of ingredients, and is endlessly customizable. Serve it at Thanksgiving, during Sunday dinner, or simply on a chilly evening when you crave something sweet and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Minimal Ingredients: No fancy ingredients or equipment required.
Simple to Make: Just layer, mix, and bake!
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dessert or special occasions.
Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or even berries.
Comforting and Nostalgic: Just like grandma used to make.
Naturally Egg-Free: A great option for those with egg allergies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup white sugar
Divided between apple filling and crumble topping.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Brings richness and binds the topping.
¾ cup all-purpose flour
Creates the base for the crumbly topping.
4 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Tart apples provide balance and hold their shape well.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Adds warm, fragrant spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
½ cup water
Helps soften the apples and create a light syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice your apples evenly (about ¼-inch thick).
- Place the sliced apples directly into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup of the sugar and all of the ground cinnamon.
- Pour ½ cup water evenly over the apples.
Make the Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, flour, and the remaining ½ cup sugar.
- Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Crisp
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Make sure it covers the apples completely for that classic crisp finish.
Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
- Let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serving and Storage Tips

Best Served Warm: The flavor and texture are at their best when slightly warm.
Ice Cream Pairing: Vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel swirl ice cream makes an excellent match.
Make-Ahead Option: Bake earlier in the day and reheat in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Freezing Tips:
- Freeze fully baked and cooled crisp in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated through.

Helpful Notes

Apple Variety: Granny Smith is ideal for tartness, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. You can also mix both for complexity.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a bolder spice profile.
Add Texture: Toss in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture for extra crunch.
For a More Syrupy Finish: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with the sugar and cinnamon before sprinkling on apples.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use oats in the topping?
Absolutely! Replace ¼ cup of the flour with rolled oats for a classic crisp texture.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a soft, traditional texture, but you can leave skins on for extra fiber and a rustic feel.
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of varieties provide the best results.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The topping should be golden brown and crisp, and you should see the apple mixture bubbling up at the edges.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Crisp is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of fall flavors and timeless comfort. From the tender baked apples to the buttery golden topping, every bite is a warm hug in dessert form. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings people together around the table.

Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight treat, a holiday feast, or just because apples are in season, this recipe will never disappoint. And with so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own again and again.

Enjoy this sweet slice of nostalgia—and don’t forget the ice cream!

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

Patricia Collins

Cinnamon Apple Crisp is a timeless comfort dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-sprinkled apples topped with a simple, buttery crumble. With minimal ingredients and prep, it’s a go-to fall favorite that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your table with smiles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings 6

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar divided
½ cup unsalted butter softened
¾ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups sliced apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange sliced apples in the baking dish. Sprinkle with ½ cup sugar and cinnamon, then pour water evenly over the apples.
In a mixing bowl, combine remaining ½ cup sugar with softened butter and flour. Mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake for about 45 minutes, or until topping is golden and apples are tender and bubbling.
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with ice cream.

Notes

Use a mix of apple varieties for a deeper flavor.
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
Substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a richer flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat before serving.
Can be made gluten-free using a 1:1 GF flour blend.