If you’re ready to wrap yourself in the cozy flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is your golden ticket. Imagine tender, juicy apples mingling with warm pumpkin pie spice, all tucked beneath a buttery, oat-strewn crisp that bakes up bubbly and golden. It’s the perfect dessert for when you want something easy, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a treat after a weeknight dinner, this crisp will have everyone swooning for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, from the tartness of fresh apples to the comforting warmth of pumpkin pie spice, creating a dessert that’s layered with flavor and texture.
- Apples (6 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and slice them evenly for a consistent bake.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and keeps the apples from browning while enhancing their natural flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the filling without overpowering the fruit’s fresh taste.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a lovely caramel-like depth to the apple mixture.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): The star seasoning that infuses every bite with classic fall flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Extra warmth and aroma, because you can never have too much cinnamon with apples.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the filling so it’s luscious, not watery.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, sweet undertone that ties everything together.
- Old-fashioned oats (3/4 cup): The backbone of the crisp topping—choose old-fashioned for the best texture.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps bind the topping and gives it structure.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds richness and a hint of molasses to the topping.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Lends extra sweetness and helps the topping brown beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): More spice for a double dose of fall coziness in the crisp!
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): Cold butter is the secret to a crumbly, irresistible topping.
- Pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, chopped, optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor—totally optional, but highly recommended!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and makes serving a breeze later on. Taking a minute for this step guarantees easy cleanup and perfect slices.
Step 2: Toss the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine your peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, both sugars, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla extract. Give everything a thorough toss so every apple slice is coated in that fragrant, spiced mixture. This not only flavors the apples but also ensures a luscious, bubbly filling once baked.
Step 3: Spread the Apples
Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This helps the apples cook uniformly and ensures you get juicy apples in every single scoop of your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if you’re using them—this is where the magic crunchy topping comes together!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples, covering them completely. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The aroma will let you know when it’s nearly there! Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the juices can settle and every portion holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is the absolute classic pairing, melting into the warm crisp for a dreamy bite. For an elegant touch, try a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. If you want to get extra fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scatter of toasted nuts adds a little wow factor to your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp.
Side Dishes
While this dessert can easily steal the show, it also plays well with others. Serve it alongside a cup of hot apple cider, chai tea, or even a shot of espresso for a cozy finish to any meal. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a small fruit salad or some roasted pears make a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp to the next level by baking it in individual ramekins for personal servings—everyone loves their own little dessert! Or, layer leftovers into a parfait glass with yogurt and granola for a playful breakfast treat. You can also offer a DIY toppings bar with ice cream, whipped cream, caramel, and chopped nuts so guests can build their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the crisp to cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, making those extra servings all the more delicious.
Freezing
Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp freezes surprisingly well! Once cooled, wrap the baking dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix, but the oven helps restore that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Absolutely! Pears work beautifully in place of some or all of the apples, or you can toss in a handful of cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and color. Just keep the total fruit quantity the same for best results.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries—make your own blend using a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. About 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves will mimic that pumpkin spice flavor in your crisp.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors and that fantastic crumbly topping.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but if you love a bit of chew and color, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before slicing.
Can I make Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire crisp up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate fall dessert, this Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for any celebration. Give it a try, and let the cozy, spiced aromas fill your kitchen—you might just discover your new favorite crisp!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and delicious Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp featuring tender spiced apples topped with a buttery oat and nut crumble, perfect for fall and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Assemble Apple Layer: Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform base.
- Prepare Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts if desired.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish, covering the filling completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling and tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if needed.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp according to preference.
- Chilling the butter before cutting it into the topping helps achieve a crumbly texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of crisp
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
