Soft Crumb Spiced Apple Crisp

Featured in: Easy Everyday Oven Treats

This dish layers tender, spiced apple slices beneath a soft, buttery crumb topping. The apples are tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a cozy flavor, while the crumb combines oats, brown sugar, and butter for texture. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect served warm alongside ice cream or whipped cream. Variations include adding chopped nuts or swapping pears for apples, making it versatile for different tastes.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:23:00 GMT
Warm, bubbly spiced apple crisp with a golden crumb topping, perfect for dessert tonight. Pin It
Warm, bubbly spiced apple crisp with a golden crumb topping, perfect for dessert tonight. | birchoven.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 fond memories of making this spiced apple crisp with my family on chilly autumn nights, filling the house with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples.

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.
A close-up of a freshly baked soft crumb apple crisp, ready to be served warm. Pin It
A close-up of a freshly baked soft crumb apple crisp, ready to be served warm. | birchoven.com

This dessert always brings loved ones together around the table for sweet conversation and warm smiles.

Notes

Pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or hot spiced tea.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten—use certified gluten-free oats if required. Double-check labels for allergens if using pre-packaged ingredients.

Delicious spiced apple crisp, showcasing a rustic, comforting dessert with a buttery crumble. Pin It
Delicious spiced apple crisp, showcasing a rustic, comforting dessert with a buttery crumble. | birchoven.com

This spiced apple crisp is the perfect cozy dessert to enjoy any time of year.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of apples work best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide the right balance of tartness.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.

Is it possible to substitute pears for apples?

Pears make a great alternative, offering a softer texture and subtle sweetness.

How should the crisp be served?

It’s best enjoyed warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Can I prepare the crumb topping in advance?

You can mix the crumb mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it to keep the butter firm until baking.

Soft Crumb Spiced Apple Crisp

Tender spiced apples with a buttery crumb topping offer a warm, homey sweet.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Published by Zoey Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Servings Yielded 6 Total Servings

Dietary Information Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Apples

01 6 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, 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

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Arrange apple mixture: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 04

Combine crumb topping ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend flour, rolled oats, softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt using fingers or a pastry cutter until soft, moist crumbs form.

Step 05

Add crumb topping: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer.

Step 06

Bake until golden and bubbling: Bake for 40 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender and bubbling.

Step 07

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Please double-check ingredients for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter)
  • Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These nutrition estimates are for general reference only—always consult your doctor for specific advice.
  • Kcal: 340
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 3 g