Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
If there’s one dessert that perfectly captures the coziness of fall, it’s the Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. Imagine warm, tender apples tucked beneath a buttery, spiced oat topping, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas as it bakes. This recipe brings together the sweet-tart bite of apples, the nostalgic flavors of pumpkin spice, and a crispy, crumbly finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a comforting treat, this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is bound to become your new favorite way to enjoy apples all season long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just wholesome ingredients that each add something special to this classic dessert. Every component, from the apples to the oats, plays a part in creating that signature taste and texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the apples and prevents browning.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle sweetness to the fruit filling.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Lends a caramel-like richness that melds beautifully with the apples.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): Delivers those classic fall flavors with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the warm, spicy notes and pairs perfectly with apples.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling so it’s not runny.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, fragrant finish.
- Old-fashioned oats (3/4 cup): Form the base of the crisp topping, adding a hearty, chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour for topping (1/2 cup): Helps bind the crisp for that crumbly, golden finish.
- Brown sugar for topping (1/3 cup): Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the topping.
- Granulated sugar for topping (1/4 cup): Gives the crisp a light, delicate sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice for topping (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on the fall flavors in every bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Creates a rich, flaky topping that browns beautifully.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to finish off your crisp.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp won’t stick and will slide out beautifully, ready for serving.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla extract. This blend coats the apples evenly, locking in moisture and infusing them with that beautiful, spiced sweetness. Once everything is well mixed, pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
Grab a separate bowl and mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you have coarse crumbs—think pea-sized bits of butter scattered throughout. For a little extra texture and flavor, stir in the chopped nuts if you like.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture, making sure to cover the fruit from edge to edge. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender. The aroma at this point will be pure autumn magic! Let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes so the juices can set before digging in.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Garnishes
This dessert shines with just a simple finishing touch. A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is all you need to make each serving of Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp feel extra special. For even more flair, try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp with a mug of hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte for the ultimate cozy experience. If you’re serving a crowd, offer some fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side to balance the sweetness and add a pop of color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this crisp family-style straight from the baking dish, but if you want to impress, try baking individual portions in small ramekins for a charming dessert presentation. For a rustic touch, serve your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp in mason jars or top each portion with a sprinkle of candied nuts for a little crunch and sparkle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen even more, and it’s just as delicious the next day!
Freezing
This crisp freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual servings into the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. The topping will crisp up nicely, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are excellent choices for their balance and texture, feel free to use any baking apple you love or even mix a few varieties for more depth of flavor in your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The result will be just as delicious and perfect for everyone to enjoy.
What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Start with a ratio of 3 parts cinnamon to 1 part each of the others, and adjust to taste for a classic Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp flavor.
Can I prepare Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the crisp up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Do I have to add nuts to the topping?
Nope! The nuts are totally optional. They add a nice crunch, but if you’re nut-free or just prefer a classic crisp, feel free to leave them out. Your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp will still be wonderfully tasty.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect fall dessert, look no further than Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. It’s a heartwarming treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Give it a try this season—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the table!
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Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is a comforting fall dessert featuring tender, spiced apples baked beneath a crisp oat and nut topping. With warm pumpkin pie spices and a crunchy, buttery crust, it’s perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract until evenly coated. This mixture balances the tartness of the apples with sweetness and spices.
- Fill the baking dish: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Prepare crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if you are using them for added texture and flavor.
- Top the apples: Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish, covering the apples completely.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender beneath.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool for about 10 minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- You can substitute the pumpkin pie spice with a homemade blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better balance and texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts from the topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of crisp
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
