Spiced Apple Soft Crumb

Featured in: Weekend Baking & Brunch

This comforting dish combines tender, spiced apples with a soft, buttery crumb topping baked to golden perfection. The apples are tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of brown sugar to create a warm, aromatic filling. The crumb topping blends flour, oats, sugar, and butter into moist clusters that crisp beautifully in the oven. Best enjoyed warm, this classic dessert pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence on chilly evenings.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:11:00 GMT
Golden-brown spiced apple crisp with a buttery, soft crumb topping, perfect for dessert. Pin It
Golden-brown spiced apple crisp with a buttery, soft crumb topping, perfect for dessert. | cedarlemon.com

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

This dessert quickly became a favorite during chilly nights with family gathering around the table.

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.
Toss 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.
Spread mixture:
Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
Prepare 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.
Sprinkle topping:
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.
Cool and serve:
Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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| cedarlemon.com

This dessert brings everyone around the table sharing warm memories and conversation on cool autumn nights.

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.

Warm Soft Crumb Comfort Dessert: Spiced Apple Crisp bubbling in a baking dish, ready to serve and enjoy. Pin It
Warm Soft Crumb Comfort Dessert: Spiced Apple Crisp bubbling in a baking dish, ready to serve and enjoy. | cedarlemon.com

This spiced apple crisp is an easy and comforting dessert perfect for any season.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What kinds of apples work best for this dish?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness when baked.

Can I add nuts to the crumb topping?

Yes, a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the crumb topping for added texture and flavor.

How do I ensure a soft crumb topping?

Use softened butter and combine it gently with flour and oats until moist crumbs form, then bake until golden for a tender texture.

Are there alternatives to apples for the filling?

Pears can be used as a substitute, offering a similar tender and sweet profile when baked.

What's a good serving suggestion for this dish?

Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the comforting flavors.

Spiced Apple Soft Crumb

Warm spiced apples with a soft, buttery crumb topping for cozy, comforting enjoyment.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Duration
40 min
Time Required
60 min
Created by Victoria Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Special Diets Meat-Free

What You'll 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 Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine apples with filling ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and flour. Mix until apples are evenly coated.

Step 03

Assemble apple base: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 04

Prepare crumb topping: In another bowl, combine flour, oats, softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Blend using fingers or a pastry cutter until soft, moist crumbs form.

Step 05

Top the apples: Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 40 minutes or until the 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 You'll Need

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

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients for allergens and ask your provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (butter).
  • Oats may be cross-contaminated with gluten; use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for general information and not a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Energy: 340
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Protein: 3 g