Introduction
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the crisp autumn air beckons us to cozy up indoors, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple crisp wafting through the kitchen. This Fall Harvest Sheet Pan Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Crumble is a delightful way to celebrate the bounty of the season, showcasing the sweet and tart flavors of freshly picked apples combined with warm spices.
Perfect for gatherings and family get-togethers, this recipe not only makes a generous batch that can serve a crowd, but it also allows the delicious flavors to meld beautifully in one simple sheet pan. The star of the show, the juicy apple filling, is perfectly complemented by a crunchy cinnamon oat crumble that adds irresistible texture and warmth. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this apple crisp is a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. So grab your favorite apples, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into this wonderfully simple and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries (or frozen, once thawed)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper for simpler cleanup.
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- In a sizable mixing bowl, mix together the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss thoroughly to coat the fruit evenly. Spread the mixture out uniformly on the prepared sheet pan.
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- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Combine well.
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- Incorporate the cold, cubed butter into the oat mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture achieves a coarse crumb texture. If desired, stir in the chopped nuts.
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- Distribute the oat crumble blend evenly over the apple and cranberry layer in the sheet pan.
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- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit starts to bubble.
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- After baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 8
Key Ingredients
- Apples: 4-5 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, for sweetness in the apple filling
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, to brighten the apple flavor and prevent browning
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for warming spice in the apple mixture
- Oats: 1 cup rolled oats, for the crumble topping
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup, to provide structure to the crumble
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted, for richness in the crumble
- Chopped Nuts: 1/2 cup (such as walnuts or pecans), optional, for added crunch
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to enhance the flavors
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, optional, to adjust sweetness in the crumble if needed
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spices based on your personal taste preferences!
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your apple crisp bakes evenly and achieves that delightful golden-brown color.
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Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, and core about 5-6 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix). Slice them into thin wedges or uniform cubes, depending on your preference. Place the prepared apples into a large mixing bowl.
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Add Flavors: To the bowl of sliced apples, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss the apples until they are well coated in the mixture. This step adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
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Arrange on Sheet Pan: Grease a large baking sheet with a bit of butter or cooking spray, ensuring an easy release during serving. Evenly spread the seasoned apple mixture across the sheet pan, allowing for maximum caramelization.
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Make the Oat Crumble: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly. Next, add 1/2 cup of melted butter and mix using a fork or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Top the Apples: Evenly distribute the cinnamon oat crumble over the apple layer on the sheet pan. Be generous—this crumble layer is where all the delicious crunchiness comes from.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble is golden brown. If the topping begins to darken too quickly, cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the sheet pan apple crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and makes serving easier.
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Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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Enjoy: Dive into your fall harvest sheet pan apple crisp, soaking in the cozy aromas and delightful textures. Perfect for a family gathering or a comforting solo treat. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Fall Harvest Sheet Pan Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Crumble, consider the following serving suggestions:
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The creaminess of vanilla ice cream beautifully complements the warm, spiced apples and crunchy crumble.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a delightful fluffiness and balance out the sweetness of the crisp.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent touch that brings out the flavors of the apples and spices.
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Greek Yogurt: For a healthier twist, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy creaminess that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the dish.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top just before serving for added texture and nutty flavor.
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Warm Beverages: Pair your apple crisp with warm beverages like spiced cider, chai tea, or a cozy cup of mulled wine to enhance the seasonal ambiance.
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Cheese Pairing: For a unique combination, try serving with sharp cheddar cheese. The savory notes of the cheese pair surprisingly well with the sweet fruit.
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Fresh Fruit Garnish: Top individual servings with a few fresh apple slices or berries for a burst of color and freshness.
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Granola: If you’re looking for a crunch factor, sprinkle some granola on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on personal preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your delightful fall treat!
Conclusion
As the leaves turn and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the flavors of fall than with this delightful Fall Harvest Sheet Pan Apple Crisp with Cinnamon Oat Crumble. Not only is this dish a warm and comforting dessert, but it also showcases the bounty of the season with its blend of tart apples and sweet, spiced oats.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply to indulge in on a cozy night in. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be enough to have everyone excited to dig in.
Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your household. So grab those fresh apples and gather around the table—this Fall Harvest Sheet Pan Apple Crisp is sure to bring warmth and joy to your autumn celebrations! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations and variations! Happy baking!
