Picture this: It’s a lazy afternoon, the air smells like cinnamon, and you’ve got a tray of bubbling apple crisp coming out of the oven. That’s the kind of magic we’re making today no fancy skills required, just good vibes and even better dessert. This baked cinnamon apple crisp is my go-to when I want something cozy without the hassle. Juicy apples, a crunchy oat topping, and just enough sweetness to feel like a hug in food form. Let’s get baking your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Try my Spiced Pumpkin Parfait recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp (Like, a Lot)
✔ Easy AF – No fancy skills needed. Just chop, mix, bake, and devour.
✔ Cozy Vibes Guaranteed – Warm cinnamon apples + crunchy topping = edible hug.
✔ Pantry Hero – Uses simple ingredients (no weird grocery trips!).
✔ Impress Mode: On – Tastes fancy, but secretly takes zero effort.
✔ Breakfast? Dessert? Yes. – Top with ice cream for dessert, yogurt for breakfast (we don’t judge).
✔ Leftover Magic – Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).
✔ Smells Like Heaven – Your kitchen will smell like a fall candle (but tastier).
Basically: It’s the dessert that feels like a warm blanket. 🍏✨
Try my Lemon Chia Energy Balls recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Why These Ingredients Make the Magic Happen 🍎✨
Let’s talk about the dream team behind this apple crisp because these aren’t just random pantry picks. They’re the reason your spoon will keep diving back in:
- Apples: The star! Go for sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith they hold up beautifully and balance the sweetness. No mushy apples here!
- Maple Syrup: Nature’s liquid gold adds deep, caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar. (Pancake syrup? Nah, go real or go home.)
- Cinnamon + Allspice: The cozy duo. Cinnamon brings warmth, allspice adds a hint of peppery depth like fall in spice form.
- Thyme: Surprise! A little fresh thyme makes the flavors pop with a subtle herby twist. (Trust me, it’s a game-changer.)
- Oats + Almonds: The crunch factor. Rolled oats get toasty, almond flour keeps it gluten-free friendly, and sliced almonds add bonus texture.
- Butter & Honey: They glue the topping together into those irresistible clumps we all fight over.
Pro Tip: Swap ins? Brown sugar works for maple syrup in a pinch, and regular flour can sub for almond flour but this combo? Chef’s kiss. 🤌
Now, who’s ready to bake?
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
🍽 Servings: 6 ⏳ Time: 1h 10min
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp – Easy & Cozy Instructions
Let’s get baking!
Preheat & Prep: Slide that oven rack to the center and fire it up to 350°F. Grab an 8″x8″ (or 7″x10″) baking dish, give it a quick grease (butter or spray works!), and set it aside.
Apple Party Time: In a big bowl, toss your sliced apples with the lemon juice (keeps ‘em fresh and zingy!). Drizzle in the maple syrup, apple juice, then sprinkle the cinnamon, allspice, thyme, and salt. Give it all a good toss like you’re mixing confetti then let it hang out while you make the topping.
Crunchy Topping Magic: In another bowl, mix the oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, honey, and melted butter. Stir until everything’s cozy and coated think “clumpy sandcastle texture.”
Layer It Up: Dump those saucy apples into your greased dish and spread ‘em evenly. Now, shower the topping over the apples like you’re sprinkling edible gold. Press lightly so it sticks.
Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes until the top’s golden and toasty. If it’s browning too fast, tent it loosely with aluminum foil (like a little hat). Bake another 15–20 minutes until the apples are bubbly and begging to be eaten.
The Hardest Part: Waiting. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes (unless you’re a rebel who loves molten fruit lava). Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream because why not?
Dig in! 🍏✨
(Pro tip: Leftovers? Reheat and pretend it’s breakfast. No judgment here.)
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Glycemic Impact
- Glycemic Index (GI): ~45-55 (Low-Medium)
- Glycemic Load (GL): ~15-20 per serving
Macronutrients
- Calories: ~300-350 kcal
- Carbs: ~50-55g (Fiber: 6-8g, Sugars: 30-35g)
- Fat: ~12-15g (Saturated: 4-5g)
- Protein: ~3-5g
Notes:
- Low GI thanks to fiber from apples, oats, and almonds.
- Sugar content comes mostly from natural sources (apples, maple syrup).
- For lower GL: Reduce maple syrup or use sugar-free substitutes.
Enjoy your balanced treat! 🍏✨
Is This Apple Crisp Diabetes-Friendly?
Short Answer: It can be, with a few tweaks! The original recipe has a moderate glycemic load (GL ~15-20) due to natural sugars (apples, maple syrup, honey), but here’s how to make it blood-sugar-friendly:
✅ Diabetes-Friendly Swaps:
Reduce Sugars:
- Swap maple syrup/honey with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol (1:1 ratio).
- Use tart apples (Granny Smith) they’re lower in sugar than sweet varieties.
Boost Fiber & Protein:
- Add chia seeds or flaxmeal (1 tbsp) to the topping for extra fiber.
- Stir chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) into the apples for healthy fats/protein.
Lower-Carb Topping:
- Replace oats with chopped pecans + almond flour for a grain-free crunch.
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for added healthy fats.
Portion Control:
- Serve with Greek yogurt (instead of ice cream) for protein to balance carbs.
⚠️ Original Recipe Concerns:
- High natural sugars (apples + maple syrup = ~30g sugar/serving).
- Oats + honey spike blood sugar if eaten in large portions.
✅ Adjusted Version (Approx. Macros per Serving):
- Calories: ~250
- Carbs: ~25g (Fiber: 8g, Net Carbs: 17g)
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~18g
- GL: ~10 (Low)
Verdict: With smart swaps, this can be a diabetes-friendly dessert! Focus on fiber, healthy fats, and portion size to minimize blood sugar spikes.
Pro Tip: Pair with a handful of almonds or a protein source (like yogurt) to slow glucose absorption. 🍏💙
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Can You Freeze This Apple Crisp?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to do it right:
✅ Freezer-Friendly Tips:
Before Baking:
- Assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic + foil (or use a sealed container).
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen (add 10-15 mins to usual time).
After Baking:
- Cool completely, then slice and freeze individual portions in airtight containers.
- Reheat in the oven (350°F for 20-25 mins) or air fryer (5-7 mins) to revive crispiness.
Topping-Only Hack:
- Freeze the unbaked topping mix in a bag sprinkle over fresh apples later!
⚠️ Watch Out For:
- Soggy topping? Broil for 2-3 mins after reheating.
- Apples get mushy? Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Perfect for: Meal prep, holiday leftovers, or emergency dessert cravings! ❄️🍏
Pro Tip: Label with the date so you don’t forget it’s there! 😉
Easy Ingredient Swaps for Your Apple Crisp 🔄
Ran out of something? No stress here’s how to tweak this recipe and still keep it delicious:
For the Apples:
- No fresh thyme? Skip it or try a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth.
- Out of maple syrup? Use honey, brown sugar, or even coconut sugar (1:1 ratio).
- No apple juice? Orange juice or water works in a pinch.
For the Topping:
- No almond flour? Swap with regular flour, oat flour, or crushed graham crackers.
- No sliced almonds? Try chopped pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Vegan? Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- No oats? Use crushed granola or puffed quinoa for texture (unconventional but fun!).
Extra Twists:
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apples for extra chew.
- Drizzle caramel or peanut butter on top before serving (because why not?).
- Make it extra cozy with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice in the filling.
Golden Rule: Taste as you go this recipe’s forgiving! 😉
Try my 5-Ingredient Orange Cake recipe.
Fun Ways to Tweak Your Apple Crisp 🎨
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious twists to make this recipe your own:
Flavor Boosters 🍯
- Boozy Apples – Add 1 tbsp bourbon or rum to the apple mix for a grown-up kick.
- Citrus Zing – Swap lemon juice for orange zest + juice for a brighter flavor.
- Chai Spiced – Replace cinnamon/allspice with 1 tsp chai spice blend.
Texture Play ✨
- Double Crunch – Mix in ¼ cup crushed pretzels or cornflakes with the topping.
- Chewy Bonus – Stir in ¼ cup shredded coconut or chopped dates with the apples.
- Cookie Crumble – Swap half the oats with crumbled shortbread or ginger snaps.
Dietary Twists 🌱
- Sugar-Free – Use monk fruit syrup instead of maple syrup/honey.
- Nut-Free – Replace almonds with sunflower seeds and use flour instead of almond flour.
- Extra Protein – Stir 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder into the topping mix.
Serving Hacks 🍦
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – Melt ¼ cup caramel with a pinch of sea salt for topping.
- PB&J Style – Swirl 2 tbsp peanut butter into the apples before baking.
- Cheesecake Vibes – Serve with a dollop of sweetened cream cheese instead of ice cream.
Pro Tip: Bake in individual ramekins for cute personal desserts! 🍎🔥
Try my Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Crisp Ever 🏆
Apple Selection & Prep
- Mix apple varieties (like Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) for balanced sweetness and texture.
- Slice evenly (about ¼-inch thick) so they cook uniformly no mushy or crunchy surprises!
- No peeler? Leave skins on for extra fiber (they soften while baking).
Filling Perfection
- Taste your apples first if they’re super sweet, reduce maple syrup by 1 tbsp.
- Let the filling sit for 10 minutes after mixing to draw out natural juices (more saucy goodness!).
- Thicken runny filling with 1 tsp cornstarch if your apples are extra juicy.
Topping Tricks
- Cold butter hack – Rub unmelted butter into the topping for extra clumpy, crispy bits.
- Toast the oats & nuts first for deeper flavor (350°F for 5 minutes).
- Press topping lightly so it bakes into the apples slightly (no dry patches!).
Baking & Serving
- Use a glass dish to monitor browning (metal pans cook faster!).
- Catch drips – Place a baking sheet under the dish if it’s super bubbly.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving this lets the juices thicken (patience = no soup!).
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer (350°F for 3 mins) to revive the crunch.
Bonus: Freeze unbaked topping in a bag for future quick desserts! 🍏❄️
Now go forth and crisp like a boss. 😎
Try my Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough recipe.
Budget-Friendly Apple Crisp Hacks 💸🍏
Want all the cozy flavor without the fancy price tag? Try these smart swaps:
Ingredient Savings
- Apples: Use whatever’s on sale even slightly bruised ones work (just trim if needed!).
- Skip maple syrup and use brown sugar or pancake syrup (it’s still tasty, promise!).
- Swap almond flour with regular flour or blitz rolled oats into oat flour.
- Skip fresh thyme just add an extra pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Pantry Power Moves
- Use water instead of apple juice it’ll still work!
- Replace sliced almonds with cheaper walnuts, sunflower seeds, or just skip ’em.
- Butter stretch: Use half butter, half coconut oil (or all oil if needed).
Bulk & Storage Smarts
- Buy oats in bulk they last forever and cost pennies per serving.
- Make extra topping and freeze it for future crisps (just grab and bake!).
- Use smaller apples – 6 “medium” instead of “large” still works (no one will notice!).
Serve Smart
- Skip the ice cream and dollop with yogurt or sweetened condensed milk (cheaper but just as dreamy).
- Turn leftovers into breakfast warm it up and add a splash of milk like oatmeal.
Final Tip: Bake in a greased pie tin if you don’t have a fancy dish it works just as well!
Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive. Happy baking! 😊
Try my Crispy Carrot Cake Bites recipe.
Fun & Tasty Ways to Serve Your Apple Crisp 🍏✨
This cozy dessert is crazy versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
Try my Protein Crepes with Blueberry Sauce recipe.
Classic Comfort
- À la mode – Warm crisp + vanilla ice cream = timeless perfection.
- Whipped cream cloud – Top with freshly whipped cream and a cinnamon sprinkle.
- Caramel drizzle – Store-bought or homemade takes it next-level.
Breakfast Twist (Yes, really!)
- Yogurt parfait – Layer with Greek yogurt and granola.
- Oatmeal topper – Spoon over warm oatmeal for apple pie vibes.
- Coffee sidekick – Pair with a latte for a “dessert-for-breakfast” moment.
Party-Worthy Upgrades
- Mini crisps – Bake in ramekins for individual servings.
- Sundae bar – Set out with ice cream, nuts, and sauces for DIY sundaes.
- Holiday style – Add a scoop of eggnog ice cream for festive flair.
Unexpected Combos
- Peanut butter swirl – Warm PB drizzled on top = PB&J nostalgia.
- Cheddar cheese – A sharp cheddar slice on the side (trust us, it’s a thing!).
- Ginger kick – Add candied ginger bits to the topping for zing.
Leftover Hacks
- Waffle topping – Pile onto waffles with syrup.
- Overnight oats – Stir into next morning’s oats.
- Ice cream sandwich – Press between cookies for a decadent treat.
Pro Tip: Serve it in mugs for extra cozy vibes great for fireside snacking! 🔥
Try my Protein Mango Fluff recipe.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Apple Crisp ♻️🔥
Keep your crisp tasting fresh and crispy with these easy tricks:
Storage Tips
✔ Room Temp – Safe for up to 2 days if covered (but best eaten day one!).
✔ Fridge – Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
✔ Freezer – Wrap tightly or freeze in portions for up to 3 months (topping may soften slightly).
Reheating Like a Pro
🍏 Oven/Toaster Oven – 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 mins (best for crispy revival!).
🍏 Air Fryer – 320°F (160°C) for 5-7 mins (fast & extra crunchy).
🍏 Microwave – 30-60 secs (quick but softer sprinkle water to prevent drying).
Freezer Hack
❄️ Freeze topping & filling separately assemble fresh when baking for max crispiness!
Pro Tip: Add a scoop of ice cream after reheating cold + hot = perfection. 😉
Enjoy your crisp like it’s fresh out of the oven! 🍏✨
Try my Tropical Mango Chia Bowl recipe.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it a stupidly easy apple crisp that tastes like you put way more effort into it than you actually did. Whether you’re serving it to friends, sneaking midnight bites straight from the pan, or pretending it’s a “balanced breakfast” (no judgment here), this recipe’s got your back. Now go grab a spoon, pile on the ice cream, and enjoy the kind of dessert that makes regular weeknights feel a little special. Happy baking, and may your kitchen forever smell like cinnamon and happiness. 🍏🔥
Recipe Card
Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp
This baked apple crisp is my fall favorite! 🍂🍎 Sweet maple-kissed apples, buttery crumble, and a hint of thyme for something special. Perfect with vanilla ice cream - comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients
Topping Ingredients
Instructions
-
Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8"X8" baking dish or a 7"X10" baking dish and set aside.
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Place apples in a large non-reactive bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
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Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
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Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spread the topping evenly across the top in a uniform layer, as well.
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Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Once the top layer is nicely browned, cover dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. After the 30 minutes is up, continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
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Serve warm with some vanilla bean iced cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
