Love apple crisp? Then you have to try this Chai Spice Apple Crisp! The apples are coated in warming spices like cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger! And the buttery oatmeal crumb topping is sweet, crunchy, and just begging to be topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream! This is the ULTIMATE Fall dessert, if you ask me!
Chai Apple Crisp
Fall is in the air! And here in the Hudson Valley, that means APPLES!!! Lots and lots of apples! Our farmers market sells every variety imaginable… and most weeks we buy over 10 pounds!!! Yes, POUNDS. I pack them in lunches, slice them up and serve them with wine and cheese, but my favorite thing to do with them? BAKE.
Currently my favorite apple recipe to bake is apple crisp! And since it’s the time of year that has me craving all things warm and cozy… I decided to add some soothing chai spices to the mix. The two spices that shine the most are the cinnamon and ginger! The spicer spices are subtle, and compliment the brown sugar base. If you’re a fan of chai, or just looking to spice up your baking life, I highly suggest trying this fun Fall twist on the classic crisp!
What are Chai Spices?
Chai Spice is not the same as Chai Tea. But the flavors are very similar! When it comes to chai spice mixture, I’ve found that the exact spices used vary from recipe to recipe. But my favorite combination is:
This exciting combination of spices creates a warm, cozy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that works WONDERFUL in desserts! If you’re new to chai spice in baked goods, try Chai Spice Pumpkin Pie and Chai Spiced Carrot Cupcakes!
Apple Crisp Ingredients
- Apples: You’ll need 10 cups, which is about 10 medium-sized apples. My favorite apples for baking are Jonagold, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. You’ll peel and core the apple, then slice them into about 1/4″ slices. Don’t slice them too thin!
- Lemon juice: Just a squeeze keeps the apples from turning brown, and helps the spices coat the apples more evenly.
- All-purpose flour: A small amount helps thicken the filling. No apple soup here!
- Granulated sugar and Brown sugar: Our sweeteners!
- Chai Spices: Listed above! They spice things up!
- Unsalted butter: You’ll want to cut the butter into butter cubes. Make sure your butter is at room temperature! Melted butter will NOT work.
- Old fashioned Oats: AKA rolled oats. Instant oats will not work!
How to Make Apple Crisp
- Unlike many traditional baking recipes that have you preheat your oven to 350, for this apple crumble recipe we’ll preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).
- In a large bowl, combine the apples and lemon juice. In a medium bowl, combine the sugars, flour, and spices.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss well to coat.
- Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside while you make the crumble topping.
- Combine the oats, sugars, spices, and flour. Add the butter and cut the butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles a coarse meal.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Then 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.
- Serve warm! Preferably with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream.
So are you ready to spice up your life?! Because this Chai Spice Apple Crisp is ready for you! It tastes just like classic apple crisp… but a million times better thanks to the warm and cozy chai spices!!! Top with a ice cream and enjoy!
More Crisp Recipes:
More Apple Recipes
Chai Spice Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the Chai Spice Apple Filling:
- 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
For the Oatmeal Chai Crisp Topping:
- 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
Instructions
For the Chai Spice Apple Filling:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place the sliced apples in a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and spices. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss well to coat.
- Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and set aside while you make the crumb topping.
For the Oatmeal Chai Crisp Topping:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, both sugars, spices, and flour. Add in the cubed butter and, using two forks or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles a coarse meal.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack. Serve warm! Preferably with ice cream.
Diana says
Looks delicious! Can you do this with gluten free flour? Like 1 to 1 ratio?
Thanks
Ashley Manila says
Hi Diana! I haven’t tried making this with GF flour, so I cannot say for sure. But if it’s a 1for1 gf flour sub, I think it just might work. Please let us know if you try!
Okokimup says
This was simple and delicious. I added some homemade oat milk ice cream.
Christy says
I made this tonight with a chai spice mix I had made up previously. The recipe turned out great…however next time I make it I will cut back a lot on the sugar. It comes out very sweet. Also, walnuts or pecans would be a tasty addition to the topping…for people who like that kind of thing.
Audrey says
My sister said that this was the best apple crisp ever. And my grandma asked me to make it for Thanksgiving!
Kristen says
I made this for guests on a chilly Fall evening and it was a hit! Not to mention my home smelled amazing. I love how the spices change this up from a standard apple crisp. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, I mean is there anything better? I’ll be Making this again!
Sabrina says
lovely recipe and I like all of thees spice suggestions to go with the apples thank you!