Introduction
As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on that crisp autumn chill, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aromas of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. This Quick Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert to celebrate the season—combining the sweetness of baked apples with the comforting spices of fall, all topped off with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also gives you that homemade warmth and love in every bite. Best of all, it comes together in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for those busy autumn days. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ll have a delightful dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Let’s dive into this simple recipe that encapsulates the very essence of fall.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into slices
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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- In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the apples are thoroughly coated.
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- Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until the texture is similar to coarse crumbs.
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- Evenly distribute the oat mixture over the apple layer in the baking dish.
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- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping turns a golden brown.
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- After baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes prior to serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 4 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Pumpkin Spice: 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (or adjust to taste)
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- Oats: 1 cup rolled oats
- Flour: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- Butter: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt: A pinch of salt
- Nuts: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pumpkin spice apple crisp bakes evenly.
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Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice about 4-5 medium-sized apples. Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties for a balanced flavor. Toss the apple slices in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to keep them from browning and enhance their flavor.
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Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar (adjust to taste), 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tablespoon of flour. The flour will help to thicken the juices that are released during baking. Stir until the apples are well coated, then transfer the mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined. Then, cut in 1/2 cup of cold butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option) using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble the Crisp: Evenly distribute the oat topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the apples well for a deliciously crispy texture.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. You can tent the dish with aluminum foil if the topping brown too quickly.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken a bit more. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Enjoy your delightful Quick Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp as a cozy dessert for any fall gathering or just a comforting treat for yourself!
Serving Suggestions
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A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The sweet, creamy ice cream will melt slightly over the hot crisp, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
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Whipped Cream Delight: For a lighter touch, top your dessert with freshly whipped cream. A dollop of whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and a sweet contrast to the spiced apples.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over each serving to enhance the flavors. The sweetness of caramel beautifully complements the spices in the crisp and adds an extra layer of decadence.
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Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the beverage will harmonize perfectly with the spiced notes in the dessert, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Garnish with Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving. The crunchiness of the nuts elevates the texture and adds a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the apples.
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Serve in Individual Portions: For a charming presentation, serve the crisp in individual ramekins. This not only makes for an elegant touch but also allows each guest to have their own personal serving.
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Breakfast Treat: Leftovers can also be a delightful breakfast option! Serve the crisp warm with a splash of milk or yogurt on top for a delicious morning treat.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect way to enjoy this quick and heartwarming dessert!
Conclusion
This Quick Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of warm, comforting flavors that celebrate the essence of fall. With its simple preparation and delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen, this dessert is not only a feast for the senses but also a time-saver for those busy days. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or savoring each bite solo, it is sure to become a seasonal favorite. So gather your ingredients, embrace the autumn spirit, and indulge in this delicious crisp that brings together the best of pumpkin spice and sweet, juicy apples. Happy baking!
