[Foodie Friday] Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this cozy & warming cinnamon apple crisp recipe!

There’s something about fall that makes everything feel a little cozier — the golden light, the crisp air, and the irresistible aroma of apples and spices drifting from the oven… This delicious cinnamon apple crisp captures all the comfort and nostalgia of the season, but with a wholesome twist you can feel good about!

Each bite is a warm embrace of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a perfectly crisp oat topping, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and honey. The hint of fresh thyme adds an unexpected savory note that elevates this classic dessert into something truly special — the kind of treat that feels at home beside a crackling fire or served after a cozy autumn meal.

Whether you’re celebrating the season’s apple harvest or simply craving a healthier fall dessert, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and freshness. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and savor the taste of fall in every spoonful!

Tip: Choose firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Pink Lady (pictured), for this recipe. These varieties will hold up well to the heat of baking without turning to mush.

Baked Cinnamon Apple Crisp Recipe

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 6 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced
  
• 1 TB. fresh lemon juice
  
• 1/3 c. real maple syrup
  
• 2 TB. 100% apple juice
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  
• ½ tsp. ground allspice
  
• 1½ tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  
• ¼ tsp. salt

Topping Ingredients:

1 c. old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 c. almond flour
1/3 c. almonds, sliced
1/3 c. honey, preferably local
3 TB. unsalted butter, melted

To Serve: (Optional)
Vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream

Directions:

1. Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8” x 8” baking dish and set aside.
   
2. Place apples in a large non-reactive bowl and toss with fresh lemon juice. Add maple syrup, apple juice, cinnamon, allspice, thyme leaves, and salt. Toss to combine and set aside.
   
3. Combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl and stir until oats are thoroughly coated and all ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
   
4. Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spread the topping evenly across the top in a uniform layer, as well.
   
5. Place into pre-heated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If the top layer is nicely browned, cover dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes or until the apple crisp is nice and bubbling. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for 5-10 minutes.
   
6. Serve warm with some vanilla bean iced cream or freshly whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!