Soft Crumb Spiced Apple

Featured in: Soft Sweet Home Desserts

This comforting dessert combines sliced spiced apples tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, baked under a soft, buttery crumb topping made with flour, oats, and brown sugar. The result is a warm, tender treat with a crisp golden crust, ideal for sharing on cool evenings. Optional nuts add texture, and serving warm enhances flavors.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:17:00 GMT
Warm Soft Crumb Apple Crisp, golden and bubbly, perfect for spooning up on a chilly night. Save
Warm Soft Crumb Apple Crisp, golden and bubbly, perfect for spooning up on a chilly night. | cocoabluff.com

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

Product image
Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
Check price on Amazon
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.
Product image
Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keep air fryer baskets clean while cooking wings, vegetables, and snacks with easy nonstick cleanup.
Check price on Amazon
Save
| cocoabluff.com

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

A freshly baked Soft Crumb Apple Crisp, featuring a buttery crumble topping and tender, spiced apples. Save
A freshly baked Soft Crumb Apple Crisp, featuring a buttery crumble topping and tender, spiced apples. | cocoabluff.com
Product image
Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
Check price on Amazon

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.

Soft Crumb Spiced Apple

Tender spiced apples under a buttery soft crumb topping, perfect for cozy evenings.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
40 minutes
Time Required
60 minutes
Recipe by Aubrey Gray


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 6 Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian Friendly

What You’ll 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 light brown sugar
03 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
04 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
05 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
06 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Soft Crumb Topping

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 1/2 cup light brown sugar
05 1/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 01

Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Combine apples and spices: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and flour until evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange apple mixture: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 04

Create crumb topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to blend into soft, moist crumbs.

Step 05

Top apples and bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 40 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.

Step 06

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

What You Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every item to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter).
  • Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
  • Verify allergen information on pre-packaged ingredients.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

This nutrition data is here for reference and shouldn’t substitute for your medical professional’s advice.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Fat content: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 56 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams