Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
Imagine cozy fall afternoons wrapped in a blanket of cinnamon-scented comfort—the Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp captures all of that in each warm, golden spoonful. This dessert is a celebration of tender baked apples and a crunchy oat topping, woven together with the iconic flavors of pumpkin pie spice. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or simply a weeknight treat, this crisp brings the best of autumn straight to your kitchen, making it a must-bake for anyone who loves the magical pairing of apples and spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and color. With just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh apples, you’ll create a dessert that tastes way more impressive than the effort it takes to make it.
- Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth—think Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance.
- Lemon Juice: A splash keeps the apples bright and brings out their natural flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness of the apples.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses the whole dish with that signature warm, cozy flavor.
- Cinnamon: Adds another layer of warmth and classic apple crisp aroma.
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour (for filling): Thickens the juices so your crisp isn’t watery.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: The backbone of the topping, giving irresistible crunch.
- All-Purpose Flour (for topping): Helps the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Brown Sugar: Adds rich, caramel notes and a little extra chewiness to the topping.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (for topping): Doubles down on the fall flavor in every bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the other flavors pop.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Cut into cubes, it creates that classic crumbly, golden top.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For extra crunch and a nutty depth, sprinkle these in the topping if you like.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Toss them right away with lemon juice in a large mixing bowl to keep them from browning and to brighten the flavor. Add the granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a spoonful of flour. Give everything a gentle toss—make sure every slice is coated in that fragrant, spiced mixture.
Step 2: Build the Base
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish, then spread the apple mixture evenly into the pan. Take a moment to breathe in that glorious scent—it’s already starting to smell like fall in your kitchen.
Step 3: Mix the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if you’re using them—this is where the topping gets its signature crunch and richness.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples, covering them entirely. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling happily at the edges. Let the crisp cool for at least 10 to 15 minutes to set the juices and make serving easier.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Garnishes
For that finishing touch, nothing beats a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting over the warm Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. A dollop of freshly whipped cream also brings a cloudlike sweetness, while a light dusting of cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice makes every serving look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to complement it, serve alongside a mug of hot apple cider or a creamy chai latte. The spice notes in the drinks echo those in the crisp, creating a cozy, harmonious treat perfect for any autumn gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties. For a rustic twist, present it family-style in a cast-iron skillet. Or, layer the crisp in small jars with whipped cream for a fun and portable treat for picnics and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Cover the baking dish tightly or transfer to an airtight container, and enjoy within three days for the freshest flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a future craving, you can freeze the crisp after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Store for up to two months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works for single portions, but the oven method keeps the topping crispier.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Absolutely! Pears, cranberries, or even a handful of berries mix wonderfully with apples and add extra flavor and color to your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp.
What kind of apples are best?
A combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji apples gives the best flavor and texture, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeled apples give a softer, more classic crisp, but if you love a bit of texture and extra fiber, leaving the skins on works just fine.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe works exactly the same.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Warm your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp and top with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a comforting breakfast or dessert—even better the next day!
Final Thoughts
I can’t imagine a cozier way to enjoy the flavors of fall than with a homemade Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries it. Gather your apples and spices, and let this irresistible dessert become your new seasonal favorite!
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Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat and pecan topping, perfect for fall desserts or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Apples: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour, ensuring the apples are well coated to absorb the spices and prevent browning.
- Assemble the Filling: Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, creating a uniform layer to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if you choose to include them for added texture.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the crisp cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for more complex and rich flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
- You can substitute the nuts with your favorite variety or omit them for nut-free options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
