Oven-Baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Oat Topping
Warm baked apples tossed in cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a crunchy oat and pecan topping for a comforting dessert. This dessert-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 medium, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick Granny Smith apples
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 6 tbsp, cold and cubed unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, toss 5 medium peeled and 1/4-inch thick sliced Granny Smith apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until evenly coated and fragrant.
- Step 2: Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading out evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/3 cup chopped pecans. Add 6 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling around the edges.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Oat Topping take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Oat Topping?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Oat Topping?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oven-Baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Oat Topping for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oven-Baked Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Oat Topping?
Dessert desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
