Apple Pie Spiced Apple Crisp
This Apple Pie Spiced Apple Crisp delivers the complex, nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pie in the simpler, more approachable format of an apple crisp. Combining a warm spice profile with a rustic, buttery crumble, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience that's perfect for weeknight desserts or holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Resting Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 385 kcal
Apple Filling
- 6 large apples preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar or 2/3 cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder for gluten-free option
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice blend store-bought or homemade*
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats not quick-cooking
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour for heartier texture
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar or coconut sugar plus 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed or plant-based butter for dairy-free version
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice blend
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional but recommended for extra crunch
Homemade Apple Pie Spice Blend (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
Peel, core, and slice the apples to about 1/4-inch thickness for even cooking and perfect texture.
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, apple pie spice, and salt. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined.
Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
If using nuts, fold them into the crumble mixture now.
Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Don't press down – those small air pockets will help the filling cook evenly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples, creating a generous layer. For optimal texture contrast, leave some areas with thicker crumble and others with a lighter coating.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
Allow your Apple Pie Spiced Apple Crisp to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This critical step allows the juices to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
* For homemade apple pie spice, combine 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
* For a healthier version: reduce sugar by 25%, substitute whole wheat flour or oat flour, use coconut oil instead of butter, add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed to the topping, or include 1/4 cup of chopped dried fruits.
* Best served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or cinnamon-infused Greek yogurt.
* Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgFiber: 5gSugar: 42g
Keyword Apple Crisp, Apple Pie, Fall Dessert, Thanksgiving, Holiday Dessert