Classic apple cinnamon crisp

Featured in: Sweet Treats

This comforting dish features sliced tart apples tossed with maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla, baked beneath a crumbly topping of almond flour, rolled oats, and coconut sugar. The oat and almond crumble crisps to a golden brown, adding texture and warmth. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy autumn or winter evenings.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:14:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with cinnamon-spiced apples, served warm with vanilla ice cream. Pin
Golden, bubbly Best Apple Crisp with cinnamon-spiced apples, served warm with vanilla ice cream. | garlicgroove.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 been a staple during our family Thanksgivings, warming the entire house with its sweet cinnamon aroma.

Ingredients

  • Fruit Base: 8 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced, ⅓ 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, ½ cup coconut sugar or other granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ 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.
Freshly baked Best Apple Crisp: a close-up of tender apples under a crisp, oat-almond topping. Pin
Freshly baked Best Apple Crisp: a close-up of tender apples under a crisp, oat-almond topping. | garlicgroove.com

This recipe always brings the family together as we enjoy the warm, comforting flavors after holiday meals.

Notes

To make dairy-free, use vegan butter. Delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Adjust sweetness by using more or less sugar as desired.

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.

Nutritional Information

524 calories per serving, with 26 g total fat, 73 g carbohydrates, and 7 g protein.

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Best Apple Crisp: bubbling fruit covered in a golden brown crisp. Pin
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Best Apple Crisp: bubbling fruit covered in a golden brown crisp. | garlicgroove.com

This apple crisp is a simple yet delightful dessert that captures the essence of the season perfectly.

Recipe Questions

What type of apples work best?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness.

Can I use a different sweetener than maple syrup?

Yes, maple syrup adds depth, but honey or agave can be substituted depending on preference.

How do I get a crunchy topping?

Use cold, cubed butter mixed with almond flour and oats, cutting it in to create coarse crumbs before baking.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

The crumble topping can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days before baking for convenience.

Are there variations to the fruit base?

Pears can replace apples for a softer, sweeter variation that still bakes well under the crumble.

Classic apple cinnamon crisp

Tender cinnamon apples layered under a golden oat and almond topping for a warm treat.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
50 min
Complete duration
70 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

Fruit Base

01 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
02 ⅓ cup maple syrup
03 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour or cornstarch
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crisp Topping

01 1 cup almond flour
02 ½ cup coconut sugar or other granulated sugar
03 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 02

Prepare fruit mixture: In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, maple syrup, arrowroot flour or cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon; toss until evenly coated.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Mix topping dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Assemble topping: Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 09

Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly; serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Necessary 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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains nuts (almond flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Contains oats; use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 524
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73 g
  • Protein: 7 g