Soft Crumb Spiced Apple

A warm, homey dessert featuring tender spiced apples beneath a buttery soft crumb topping—perfect for cozy evenings or simple sweet cravings.

I have made this apple crisp many times for family gatherings and it never fails to bring smiles.

Ingredients

• Apples: 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced, 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Filling: 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• Soft Crumb Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9-inch baking dish.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and flour. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3:

Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 4:

In another bowl, combine flour, oats, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until soft, moist crumbs form.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.

Step 6:

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.

Step 7:

Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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This dessert always brings my family together, especially during chilly evenings when we share stories over a warm slice.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) and Dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten—use certified gluten-free oats if needed. Double-check labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 340, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 3 g

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This spiced apple crisp is a perfect dessert to end any meal on a comforting note.

Recipe FAQs

→ Which apples work best for this dessert?

Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the spices and soft crumb topping.

→ Can I substitute pears for apples?

Yes, pears can be used as a substitute. They offer a different but delightful flavor and similar texture when baked under the crumb topping.

→ How can I achieve a soft crumb topping?

Use softened butter combined with flour, oats, and brown sugar. Mix gently until moist crumbs form, then bake until golden for a tender texture.

→ What spices are best for enhancing apple flavor?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves work harmoniously to bring warmth and depth to the apple filling without overpowering it.

→ Any tips for serving suggestions?

Serve warm solo or with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the comforting flavors and provide a creamy contrast.