Chai Spice Apple Crisp

The Chai Spice Apple Crisp is a warm embrace on a chilly fall evening. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of spiced apples wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to my grandmother’s home during the holidays. Each bite of this crisp is a nostalgic journey, where the sweet, tart flavor of apples meets the warmth of spices like cinnamon and ginger, creating a comforting dessert that feels like a hug from the inside. As the leaves change color outside, I find myself craving this dish more and more, especially when I have friends and family gathered around, ready to enjoy a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making, one that I’m excited to share with you!

What You’ll Need for Chai Spice Apple Crisp

Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making a delicious Chai Spice Apple Crisp. Each component plays a pivotal role in creating a warm, comforting dish. The combination of freshly sliced apples, zesty lemon juice, and an array of spices will make your home smell wonderful, and the results will leave everyone asking for seconds!

• 10 cups apples (about 10 medium-sized apples), peeled and sliced into 1/4″ slices: The star of this dish, they provide a beautiful balance of sweetness and tartness.
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor of the apples and prevents browning.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the apple juices while baking.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling perfectly.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that is essential to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves: Contributes a rich and aromatic quality.
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice: Enhances the complexity of flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Introduces a unique floral note.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper: A surprising addition that adds a hint of warmth.
• 8 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into cubes: Creates a rich, crumbly topping.
• 1 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats: Gives the topping a wonderful texture.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the topping.
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed: Enhances the flavor and moisture of the topping.
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice theme.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds complexity to the topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Complements the flavors beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice: A consistent flavor throughout the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom: Ties the topping and filling together.
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper: A hint of spice that surprises in the topping.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to bind the topping ingredients together.

How to Cook Chai Spice Apple Crisp

Cooking the Chai Spice Apple Crisp is a delightful experience that fills your home with irresistible aromas. Each step leads you closer to a deliciously warm dessert that will impress anyone who tries it. Follow these easy steps to make this cozy dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees (F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your apple crisp won’t stick, making it easier to serve later.

2. In a large bowl, place the sliced apples and toss them with lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the apples vibrant.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, and the spices: ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ground cardamom, and ground black pepper. This mixture will create a fragrant coating for the apples.

4. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the apples and toss well to coat. Ensure that each slice is evenly coated, allowing the spices to enhance the apples during baking.

5. Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Set aside while you prepare the crumb topping.

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, both types of sugar, flour, and the same spices you used for the apples. This will give the topping a cohesive flavor.

7. Add the cubed butter into the bowl. Using two forks or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to ensure the butter is well-distributed for optimal crispiness.

8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture. Don’t be shy! You want a generous layer of topping for that delightful crunch.

9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want that perfect golden hue!

10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve your Chai Spice Apple Crisp warm, preferably with a scoop of ice cream melting on top. The hot crisp combined with cold ice cream is pure magic!

Recipe Tips about Chai Spice Apple Crisp

To make the most out of your Chai Spice Apple Crisp, here are some helpful tips that can elevate your dish even further.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven for a fresh taste!
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked crisp for up to three months. Just assemble it and cover tightly before freezing. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.
• Serving size: This recipe typically serves 8 people. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
• Variations: Experiment with different spices or add nuts to the topping for extra crunch. You can also mix in other fruits like pears or cranberries with the apples.

What Complements This Chai Spice Apple Crisp

Serving the Chai Spice Apple Crisp can enhance the overall experience. Here are some ideas for what pairs beautifully with it:

• Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing. The creamy texture melts into the warm crisp, creating the perfect contrast.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve this dessert alongside a warm cup of coffee or a fragrant chai tea. The flavors will complement each other beautifully.
• Seasonal Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad, perhaps with pomegranate and citrus, adds a refreshing touch to balance the richness of the crisp.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top can add extra creaminess and elevate the dish.
• Thanksgiving Feast: This crisp is a great addition to any Thanksgiving spread, perfectly fitting alongside turkey and other traditional sides.
• Cozy Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dessert is always a hit and creates memorable moments.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chai Spice Apple Crisp is not just a dessert; it is a heartwarming experience that brings the flavors of fall right to your table. With its delightful combination of spiced apples and a crunchy topping, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home.

Chai Spice Apple Crisp

The ultimate comfort food, Chai Spice Apple Crisp combines sweet, spiced apples with a crunchy topping, making it an easy weeknight dessert. Each bite is a warm hug that will leave your guests craving more. Make it tonight for a delightful treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 10 cups Apples (about 10 medium-sized apples), peeled and sliced into 1/4" slices
• 2 teaspoons Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 8 ounces Unsalted butter at room temperature, cut into cubes
• 1 and 1/2 cups Old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Light brown sugar firmly packed
• 3/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon Allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 cup All-purpose flour

Equipment

• Oven
• Peeler
• Blender
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees (F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your apple crisp won’t stick, making it easier to serve later.
2. In a large bowl, place the sliced apples and toss them with lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep the apples vibrant.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together flour, granulated sugar, and the spices: ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ground cardamom, and ground black pepper. This mixture will create a fragrant coating for the apples.
4. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the apples and toss well to coat. Ensure that each slice is evenly coated, allowing the spices to enhance the apples during baking.
5. Pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Set aside while you prepare the crumb topping.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, both types of sugar, flour, and the same spices you used for the apples. This will give the topping a cohesive flavor.
7. Add the cubed butter into the bowl. Using two forks or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to ensure the butter is well-distributed for optimal crispiness.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple mixture. Don’t be shy! You want a generous layer of topping for that delightful crunch.
9. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want that perfect golden hue!
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve your Chai Spice Apple Crisp warm, preferably with a scoop of ice cream melting on top. The hot crisp combined with cold ice cream is pure magic!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven for a fresh taste!
• Tip 2: You can freeze the unbaked crisp for up to three months. Just assemble it and cover tightly before freezing. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.
• Tip 3: This recipe typically serves 8 people. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Tip 4: This dish pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different spices or add nuts to the topping for extra crunch. You can also mix in other fruits like pears or cranberries with the apples.

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Meet Rose Kelley

I’m happiest when I have dirt under my fingernails and fresh herbs in my hand. I bring a garden-to-table philosophy to our group. I’m always tossing handfuls of fresh basil or mint into our pots, looking for that pop of freshness. I love cooking alongside Maya to ensure our meals feel vibrant and alive. I participate in every step, from the initial chopping to the final taste test!