Introduction
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets a little crisper, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and fresh apples to usher in the fall season. My Quick Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it an ideal dessert for cozy gatherings or a simple family evening. This recipe captures the essence of autumn in every bite, elevating the classic apple crisp with a delightful twist of pumpkin spice.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time. Topped with a crunchy oat and nut mixture, this crisp is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Serve it warm, straight out of the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly irresistible treat. Get ready to embrace the flavors of fall with this scrumptious dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 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 mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
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- Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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- In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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- Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples in the baking dish.
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- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
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- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree to enhance flavor and moisture
- Sugar: 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- Oats: 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats for the crisp topping
- Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to bind the topping
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted for richness
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 teaspoon (or to taste) for that classic pumpkin spice flavor
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for warmth and depth
- Salt: A pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) to balance flavors
- Nuts: 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) for extra crunch (optional)
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crisp will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown topping.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples (about 4 cups, peeled and cored) with the pumpkin spice mix (1-2 teaspoons), granulated sugar (1/4 cup), and a squeeze of lemon juice (1 tablespoon). Toss the mixture until the apples are well coated.
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Assemble the Filling: Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. Spread the apples out evenly to ensure even cooking.
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Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats (1 cup), all-purpose flour (1/2 cup), brown sugar (1/4 cup), pumpkin spice (1 teaspoon), and a pinch of salt. Add melted butter (1/2 cup) to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly and combined.
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Top the Apples: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the apples completely for that delicious crunchy texture.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the juices settle and make for easier serving.
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Serve: Scoop generous portions of the pumpkin spice apple crisp into bowls and serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgence. Enjoy your delightful, cozy treat!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve Warm with Ice Cream: Scoop generous portions of the warm pumpkin spice apple crisp into bowls and top with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The combination of warm and cold creates a delightful contrast.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for an airy finish. You can also sprinkle a bit of pumpkin spice or cinnamon on the whipped cream for extra flavor.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the apple crisp just before serving for a sweet, decadent touch. This pairs wonderfully with the spices in the crisp.
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Yogurt Parfait: For a lighter option, serve the apple crisp over a bed of Greek yogurt, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle some granola on top for added crunch.
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Pair with Coffee or Cider: Serve your crisp alongside a warm cup of spiced coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider to enhance the fall flavors of the dish.
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Garnish with Nuts: Finish your serving with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the apples.
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Cold Leftover Delight: Don’t forget that the apple crisp is just as delicious cold! Enjoy it straight from the fridge for a quick breakfast or snack.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create the perfect serving experience for your quick pumpkin spice apple crisp! Enjoy this cozy dessert with family and friends.
Conclusion
This Quick Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is the perfect blend of fall flavors that will fill your kitchen with warmth and aromas that evoke cozy memories. It’s not only an easy dessert to whip up when you’re short on time, but it also makes for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. The sweet, tender apples combined with the zesty notes of pumpkin spice create an irresistible contrast, especially when topped with a crunchy oat topping. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this apple crisp is a must-try as the leaves turn and the season shifts. Embrace the flavors of autumn, and enjoy every bite of this delicious dish!