Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe

If you could bottle up autumn and serve it warm in a bowl, you’d end up with this irresistible Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. It’s the best of both worlds: cozy, cinnamon-laced apples mingling with the gentle sweetness of pumpkin spice, all tucked beneath a crunchy, buttery oat topping. Every spoonful is bursting with fall flavors that make ordinary evenings absolutely magical. Whether you’re celebrating the season with family or simply in the mood for a comforting dessert, this dish never fails to please, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few key ingredients to create this flavor-packed Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp. Each component plays an important part, building up the perfect mix of warm spice, tenderness, and that golden, crumbly topping everyone loves.

• Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect combo of tartness and sweetness.
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the apples and keeps them from browning.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Just the right touch of sweetness to balance out tart apples.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): Delivers that warmly spiced pumpkin flavor hallmark to this dessert.
• All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon, plus ¾ cup): The first spoonful helps thicken the apple juices; the rest creates a crisp, crumbly topping.
• Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): The secret to that hearty, rustic topping with extra crunch.
• Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to contrast the tart apples.
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed (½ cup): Cold butter ensures a crumbly, irresistible streusel topping.
• Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Enhances both the apples and the crisp to ensure every bite is brimming with cozy flavor.
• Pinch of salt: Just enough to round out and balance the sweetness and spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while gathering all your ingredients—this gets you in the rhythm and ensures everything comes together quickly. Peel, core, and slice your apples nice and thin so they soften evenly. In a large bowl, gently toss the apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a tablespoon of flour. This quick step ensures the apples stay tart and juicy, the sugar melts into the fruit, and the spice wraps each slice in autumnal warmth. Now, spread this gorgeous mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, setting the stage for all the goodness to come.

Step 2: Build the Perfect Oat Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the oats, the remaining ¾ cup of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and that tiny pinch of salt. The oats add hearty texture, the flour helps everything adhere, and brown sugar gives a delightful depth of caramel flavor. Now for the magic: add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut it into the mixture. You’re aiming for a crumbly topping—think pea-sized chunks that will get golden and crisp in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the spiced apple base, making sure to cover every nook and cranny so you get crunchy bits in every bite. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice and apples bubbling away—true autumn bliss. The Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is ready when the topping is golden brown and you see the fruit juices bubbling at the edges.

Step 4: Let It Cool (Just a Bit!)

This is the hardest part! Let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This little pause gives the filling a chance to set up so you get perfect spoonfuls of tender, spiced apples with crunchy topping, rather than a molten mess. Plus, it’s just right for topping with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate fall treat.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp

Garnishes

This dessert is practically begging for a good garnish! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting down the sides is timeless—its cool creaminess mingling with the warm, spicy apples. If you prefer, a swirl of whipped cream dusted with a pinch of extra pumpkin pie spice takes it over the top. You might even add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a touch of decadent sweetness.

Side Dishes

Since Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp leans sweet and spiced, pairings are best kept simple. Serve with mugs of hot apple cider, spicy chai, or a strong cup of coffee for the perfect autumnal duo. If you’re planning a fall feast, a crisp green salad on the side can balance the meal, but honestly, this dessert stands beautifully all by itself.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try baking the crisp in individual ramekins for a picture-perfect, personal dessert. For potlucks, bake it in a cast-iron skillet for rustic charm. You could even layer the warm crisp into parfait glasses with alternate layers of whipped cream for a stunning twist on a classic. However you serve it, Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp shines on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy the comforting flavors of fall a little longer. Simply scoop out a portion whenever you want a quick, cozy treat.

Freezing

You can freeze this apple crisp for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. When your pumpkin spice cravings hit, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. This re-crisps the topping and revives all those irresistible textures. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but it won’t be quite as crunchy on top. Either way, nothing beats that just-baked warmth combined with the spice and sweetness.

FAQs

What’s the best type Dessert

For the perfect balance of tartness and structure, varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith work best. They soften beautifully in the bake while still holding their shape, letting the pumpkin spice flavor shine.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The result will be just as comforting, with all the texture and flavor you love.

Is it possible to add pumpkin puree to the apples?

Definitely! If you’re craving extra fall coziness, stir in ¼ cup canned pumpkin into the apple mixture before baking. It makes the filling extra creamy and boosts the pumpkin spice vibes.

Can I prepare Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp in advance?

Yes—assemble the crisp up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake as usual. This makes it easy to serve up fresh, even on busy days.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! Make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a bit of cloves. This blend will bring all the warm, familiar notes to your apple crisp in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to capture the essence of autumn in your kitchen, you simply have to give this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp a try. It’s the perfect sweet finish to any fall meal and is guaranteed to draw everyone back for seconds. Grab your favorite apples, sprinkle in that magical pumpkin spice, and let this cozy dessert become your new seasonal tradition.

Print