Apple Crisp: That’s Basically a Hug in Dessert Form

dpattonperformance
Jun 18
2 min read

Updated: Sep 7

🍏 Cozy Apple Crisp

(a.k.a. The Dessert That Balances Discipline with Dessert Forks)

Servings: 6 (or 1 if you don’t believe in sharing)

Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 40 min Total Time: Just under an hour of golden, bubbly goodness

🍎 The Filling (the apple-powered core of this dish)

6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith — mixing varieties gives the best flavor)
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cardamom (the secret spice upgrade)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch (optional, for a thicker filling)

✨ The Crisp Topping (the crumbly crown)

1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
½ cup almond flour or oat flour
⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (hello, crunch)
¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
⅓ cup packed brown sugar (deep caramel sweetness)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

🔥 How to Crisp Like a Pro

Preheat oven to 375°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8" baking dish.
Apple prep: Toss apple slices with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Add starch if you want a thicker, clingy filling. Spread evenly in your dish.
Topping time: Mix oats, almond flour, nuts, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar. Stir in melted oil or butter until crumbly.
Assemble: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple mixture (no patchy crisp, please).
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling like they’re sharing secrets.
Cool slightly before serving. Top with yogurt, coconut whip, or ice cream if you’re feeling fancy.

✅ Pro Tips (because you deserve options)

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more depth.
Add dried cranberries, raisins, or diced pears to the filling for a festive twist.

🛑 Storage

Keeps in the fridge up to 4 days—but realistically, it won’t last that long.

💬 Final Bite

This apple crisp is proof you can have the best of both worlds: warm, nostalgic comfort with ingredients you can feel good about. Whether it’s dessert at a family dinner or your personal “reward” after a workout, this recipe makes balance taste amazing.

XO, Danielle