This chai spice apple crisp is the perfect dessert to make you are craving something sweet but not looking to put any effort into making it! It is sweet, spicy, fruity and wonderfully fragrant. The buttery, spiced oatmeal topping gives it a perfectly crunchy texture. I can eat this on its own, but pair it with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and I'm not leaving any behind!

chai spiced apple crisp in scalloped plate

What are Chai Spices?

You can use any combination of these spices for chai. These spices are typically what flavor the classic Indian tea: Masala Chai

Cardamom
Ginger
Cinnamon
Cloves
Nutmeg
Black Pepper

For this apple crisp, I found that instead of over powering the sweet flavors of the apples with entire chai spice blend, it was nice to just select a few to really stand out. So I choose cinnamon, cardamom and ginger, which I think are a really nice combination, especially with the sweet and tart flavors of the apples.

baked apple spiced oatmeal topped crispy in white baking pan

Ingredients for Chai Spice Apple Crisp Filling

Apples - I've used both red and green apples for this crumble and I find that I like them both! Granny Smiths provide a nice sweet and tart filling and Red Delicious apples are slightly sweeter and slightly less tart, but they're both work! Actually a mix of apples is a really great too!
All Purpose Flour - helps gives the apple filling come together
Sugar - Additional sweetness and helps to provide a nice syrupy texture
Cinnamon - warm & spicy, the perfect pair with apples
Cardamom - earthy, sweet flavor
Ginger - provides a peppery but sweet flavor
Lemon Juice - helps the apples from turning brown, orange juice can also be substituted

oatmeal and brown sugar topped baked fruit dessert

Ingredients for Oatmeal Topping

Rolled Oats - Helps to bake up beautifully, crispy, crumbly, nutty. Use the old fashioned type, not instant.
All Purpose Flour - provides additional structure and helps bind everything together
Baking Powder - Makes the topping extra light and tender
Butter - melted, unsalted butter to easily combine the topping ingredients. You can also used salted butter and omit the pinch of salt at the end
Brown Sugar - a caramelly, sweetness and additional moisture
Cinnamon - warm & spicy, the perfect pair with apples
Cardamom - earthy and sweet flavor
Ginger - provides a peppery sweetness
Salt - just a pinch to bring out the sweetness

chai spiced apple dessert with vanilla ice cream

How to make Chai Spice Apple Crisp?

This apple crisp so easy to make!

Grab a large mixing bowl and spatula, get your baking pan ready.
Make the filling: combine all of the apple crispy filling ingredients in the bowl, use the spatula to distribute the sugar and spices. Pour into the baking pan.
I just wipe down the mixing bowl and grab the topping ingredients! Combine the oatmeal topping ingredients in the bowl, use the spatula to combine. Then use your hands to crumble the topping over the apple mixture.
Bake and enjoy! Best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream! Actually this Chai and Biscuits Ice Cream (No-Churn) is also perfect with it!

For more apple filled sweets check out: Caramel Apple Hand Pies, Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping, Apple Cheesecake Tart with Almond Shortbread Crust

ginger cardamom apple oatmeal crisp with ice cream

📖 Recipe