If you’re craving the coziest embrace fall has to offer, look no further than Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. This dessert is the ultimate celebration of crisp autumn apples blanketed in buttery oat topping, all kissed with the warm, fragrant hug of pumpkin pie spice. Whether you’re whisking it up for a dinner party or a quiet night in, this recipe promises the perfect blend of sweet, spice, and everything nice that truly tastes like fall in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp lies in how a few simple ingredients can create sheer magic. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, spice, and texture, giving you a dessert that bursts with comforting flavor in every bite.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Go with tart-sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for structure and a flavor that shines through the spices.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds freshness and keeps your apples from browning, with just a hint of zingy brightness.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup): Sweetens the apple layer perfectly without overpowering the natural fruitiness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers warmth and unmistakable autumn aroma in every bite.
- Pumpkin pie spice (½ teaspoon for filling, ½ teaspoon for topping): Brings those comforting notes of nutmeg, cloves, and more—essential for the “pumpkin spice” magic!
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a lovely, sweet undertone to the apples.
- Old-fashioned oats (¾ cup): Give the topping a chewy, golden finish with loads of rustic charm.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps hold the crumble together and creates a satisfying crispness.
- Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and caramel notes, making the topping irresistibly rich.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the cozy flavors.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, cold and cubed): When cold, it produces the crispiest crumbles in your topping.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup, optional): Give an extra layer of crunch and a toasty, nutty vibe if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This helps ensure every bit of your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp will lift out with ease and gives your crisp those beautiful, golden edges we all swoon over.
Step 2: Assemble the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss your peeled and sliced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the apple slices are glistening and evenly coated. This step infuses the apples with their signature sweet-spicy flavor and keeps them gorgeously juicy as they bake.
Step 3: Layer the Apples
Pour that fragrant apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even, loving layer. Press them down just a bit to create a sturdy bed for the buttery, spiced oat topping that’s about to rain down.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, another sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Toss together, then add in your cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter in until you get crumbly, chunky bits. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them in now for extra crunch.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apples, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp and the apples are bubbling around the edges. Let your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving—the aroma alone will have everyone hovering nearby!
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp is classic, but don’t stop there—try a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of maple syrup. Just a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice right on top makes it look and taste bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
This cozy dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a coffee with a hint of cinnamon. For a brunch twist, serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp alongside Greek yogurt or warm, thick-cut toast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking your crisp in individual ramekins for adorable single-serve portions. Or, scoop it into parfait glasses layered with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for an eye-catching dessert bar addition. If you’re serving at a party, a rustic cast-iron skillet makes for a stunning (and easy-to-serve) table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp should be cooled to room temperature and then covered tightly with foil or an airtight lid. Store in the fridge for up to four days—it somehow tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked crisp (assembled and covered) for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Leftover baked portions can be frozen as well, tightly wrapped. To enjoy, simply reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To restore the crisp topping, pop leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes (longer if reheating from frozen) until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps your topping nice and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite varieties. For best results, use a blend of firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith) and sweet ones (like Honeycrisp) to get a balanced, slightly tangy filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in place of the regular versions. The crisp will turn out just as delicious and comforting.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries—make your own mix! Combine ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove or allspice to create a close substitute that still infuses your apple crisp with that famous autumn flavor.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives a smoother, more classic texture. If you like more rustic, hearty desserts, you can leave the peels on for added fiber and a bit of extra chew.
Can I prepare Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about that first bite of a warm, bubbling Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp, especially when shared with your favorite people. I hope you’re inspired to treat yourself and those around you to this comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell like fall!
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Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. Sweet apples are spiced with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, topped with a crunchy oat mixture, and baked to perfection. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in nuts if using. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can prepare the crisp ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Use gluten-free oats and flour if needed.
- The topping can also be made in advance and frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
