Soft Crumb Spiced Apple Crisp

Featured in: Soft Sweet Lemon Bakes

This comforting dessert features tender apples tossed in warm spices, layered beneath a soft, buttery crumb topping. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds a cozy aroma, while the crumbly oat topping creates a delightful texture. Perfectly baked until golden brown and bubbling, it’s an ideal treat for snug evenings, pairing wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a warm spiced tea. Variations include nuts or alternative fruits like pears.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:42:00 GMT
Golden-brown Soft Crumb Apple Crisp with bubbling apple filling, ready to serve warm. Save on Pinterest
Golden-brown Soft Crumb Apple Crisp with bubbling apple filling, ready to serve warm. | lemoncairn.com

A warm, homey dessert featuring tender spiced apples beneath a buttery soft crumb topping—perfect for cozy evenings or simple sweet cravings.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9 inch baking dish.
Prepare Apples:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and flour. Toss until evenly coated.
Layer Apples:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
Make Topping:
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.
Top Apples:
Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
Bake:
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling and tender.
Serve:
Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Homemade Spiced Apple Crisp: a warm dessert with a buttery, soft crumb topping. Save on Pinterest
Homemade Spiced Apple Crisp: a warm dessert with a buttery, soft crumb topping. | lemoncairn.com

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 3 g

A close-up shot of a freshly baked, delicious Soft Crumb Apple Crisp, perfect for autumn. Save on Pinterest
A close-up shot of a freshly baked, delicious Soft Crumb Apple Crisp, perfect for autumn. | lemoncairn.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, which hold up well during baking.

Can I add nuts to the topping?

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

Is there a substitute for apples?

Pears can be used as a substitute, offering a softer texture and mild sweetness.

How do I achieve a soft crumb topping?

Use a combination of flour, oats, butter, and sugars, blending until soft moist crumbs form before sprinkling evenly.

What temperature and time are ideal for baking?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until the topping is golden and the fruit is tender and bubbling.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready. Cooling slightly before serving enhances flavor and texture.

Soft Crumb Spiced Apple Crisp

Tender spiced apples with a buttery soft crumb topping, ideal for cozy, sweet cravings.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Overall Time
60 min


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

What You Need

Apples

01 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 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

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

Step 02

Combine Apples and Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and flour. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange Apples in Dish: Spread the coated apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 04

Prepare Soft Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend into soft, moist crumbs.

Step 05

Add Topping to Apples: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the 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.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter). Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary. Verify allergens on packaging.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 340
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 3 g