Cinnamon Apple Slices
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble wafting through your home. This timeless dessert combines the tart sweetness of fresh apples with warm spices and a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy evening, a family gathering, or simply when you need a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug. This recipe is a must-try because it strikes the ideal balance between rustic charm and sophisticated flavor, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this homemade baked cinnamon apple slices recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
We focus on creating a delicious and easy dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. By using fresh, wholesome ingredients and a straightforward method, you can create a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Let’s dive into why this is the best way to enjoy baked apples.
Quick Facts
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories (approx) | 280 kcal |
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble
- Effortless Preparation: With minimal chopping and mixing, this recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, aromatic cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Versatile & Customizable: Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, or enjoy it plain for breakfast—the possibilities are endless.
- Halal-Friendly & Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and adheres to halal guidelines, using wholesome ingredients like butter and oats.
- Fills Your Kitchen with Aroma: The scent of baking apples and cinnamon is pure comfort and will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble lies in its quality ingredients. Choosing the right components will elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. We recommend using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a delightful contrast to the sweet crumble topping.
For the crumble, a combination of rolled oats and all-purpose flour creates a sturdy, chewy base. Using old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats gives the topping a superior texture. The sweetness comes from brown sugar, which adds a deep, molasses-like flavor. Of course, you can’t have a crumble without fat; we use cold, cubed unsalted butter to create those irresistible, buttery clumps. If you need a dairy-free alternative, a high-quality vegan butter stick works beautifully. For spices, ground cinnamon is essential, but a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add an extra layer of warmth. For more information on the nutritional benefits of apples, check out this article from Healthline on the benefits of apples.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. For an oat-free topping, you can use almond flour or crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts. This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For more tips on selecting the best apples for baking, you can explore our guide on choosing the perfect fruit.
Step-by-Step Overview
Creating this delightful dessert is a straightforward process. First, we prepare our star ingredient: the apples. You’ll want to wash, core, and slice your apples into uniform 1/4-inch thick slices. This ensures they cook evenly. Toss the slices in a large bowl with cinnamon, a touch of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning and brighten the flavor. Arrange them in a single layer in your baking dish.
Next, we move on to the crumble topping. In a separate bowl, combine your rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and spices. The key to a perfect crumble is to cut in the cold butter using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized clumps remaining. This technique creates those coveted crunchy bits. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple slices. Bake in a preheated oven until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp. For a deeper dive into the “cutting in butter” technique, our guide on essential baking methods provides a great visual.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble is a resounding success every time, here are some professional secrets:
- Uniform Slices are Key: Take the time to slice your apples to a consistent thickness. This prevents some from being mushy while others remain hard. A mandoline slicer can be a great tool for this.
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: Avoid overworking the crumble. You want a rustic, clumpy texture, not a smooth paste. Stop mixing as soon as the butter is incorporated.
- Room Temperature Butter is a No-Go: Always use cold butter for the crumble. If the butter is soft, your topping will melt into the apples instead of staying crisp and separate.
- Check for Doneness: The apples should be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked apple crisp to rest for at least 15 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This allows the juices to thicken slightly, making for a less runny and more flavorful serving.
- Toast Your Oats: For an extra layer of nutty flavor, spread your oats on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding them to the crumble mixture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This versatile dessert shines in many settings. For a classic presentation, serve it warm in a shallow bowl with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the hot, spiced apples and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce also works wonders.
For a breakfast or brunch twist, serve a smaller portion alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt or a splash of whole milk. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, strong black tea, or a spiced chai latte. If you enjoy fruit-based desserts, you might also love our recipes for Homemade Apple Pie Filling or Classic Peach Cobbler for your next baking adventure.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Leftovers of this homemade Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble are a treat! To store, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the contents to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain the crumble’s crispness, it’s best to store the topping separately if possible, but it’s still delicious when stored together.
For longer storage, this dessert freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled dish tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to restoring that fresh-baked texture. The best method is to reheat it in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the topping soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
For the best results, use firm, tart apples that hold their shape during baking. Granny Smith is the top choice for its tartness, which balances the sweetness of the crumble. Honeycrisp and Braeburn are also excellent options that offer a wonderful sweetness and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble is easily adaptable. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to keep the entire dish gluten-free.
How do I prevent my apple slices from getting mushy?
The key is to use firm baking apples and to cut them into uniform slices about 1/4-inch thick. Avoid over-baking; pull the dish from the oven as soon as the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. They will continue to soften slightly as they cool.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time. Prepare the apple slices and place them in the baking dish. Prepare the crumble topping and store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of creating something beautiful and delicious from simple, honest ingredients. The combination of tender, spiced apples and that irresistible crunchy topping is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope this recipe brings warmth and sweetness to your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your beautiful creations and any personal twists you add to this classic recipe!
Easy Baked Cinnamon Apple Slices with Oat Crumble
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon divided
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats not instant
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter cold and cut into small cubes
