This Cinnamon Almond Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. It’s a delightful blend of sweet apples, crunchy almonds, and warm cinnamon, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make with ingredients you likely have on hand.
Apples are the heart of this recipe, providing natural sweetness and a tender texture. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results. Old-fashioned oats give the topping its characteristic chewy texture, while all-purpose flour helps bind the ingredients together. Brown sugar adds depth with its molasses flavor, and sliced almonds introduce a lovely crunch. A dash of ground cinnamon warms the dish, enhancing the apples. Melted unsalted butter makes the topping rich and golden, and just a touch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, a splash of lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and brightens their flavor.
Serve your apple crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent option, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top. It’s also delightful with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, which adds a tangy contrast to the sweet crisp.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to go once your crisp is assembled. As the oven heats, peel and slice your apples, aiming for uniform pieces to ensure even baking. Toss them in a large bowl with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a hint of tang.
Next, grab another bowl and combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, almonds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they’re well mixed. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir until it becomes crumbly. This is your crisp topping, and it should hold together slightly when pinched.
Spread the apple slices evenly in a baking dish. I like to use a 9x13 inch dish for a good balance of fruit to topping. Now, sprinkle the crisp mixture evenly over the apples, making sure it covers them completely.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the apple juices are bubbling up around the edges. Let it cool slightly before serving; this allows the juices to thicken a bit more.