Apple Crisp Cold Brew: The Ultimate Fall Coffee Recipe

Apple Crisp Cold Brew: the autumnal coffee concoction you didn’t know you needed, but will soon be obsessed with! Imagine the comforting flavors of warm apple crisp – cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery oats, and a hint of brown sugar – swirled into the smooth, refreshing coolness of cold brew coffee. Intrigued? I thought you might be!

While the exact origins of combining apple crisp flavors with coffee are somewhat modern, the inspiration draws from two deeply rooted culinary traditions. Apple crisp, a beloved dessert in American and British cuisine, dates back to the early 20th century, offering a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the fall harvest. Cold brew coffee, on the other hand, boasts a more complex history, with variations enjoyed for centuries across different cultures. The Japanese, for example, have long appreciated the smoother, less acidic qualities of cold-brewed coffee.

So, why is this Apple Crisp Cold Brew so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of cozy and cool. The warm spices and sweet apple notes evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia, while the cold brew provides a refreshing jolt of energy. It’s a delightful treat any time of day, offering a unique and delicious alternative to your regular coffee routine. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home, allowing you to customize the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. Get ready to experience a taste of fall in every sip!

Ingredients:

• For the Apple Crisp Topping:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Cold Brew Concentrate:
• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (good quality is key!)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water
• For the Apple Crisp Cold Brew Assembly:
• Ice cubes
• Milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• Caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Apple slices (optional, for garnish)
• For the Apple Cinnamon Syrup (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Preparing the Apple Crisp Topping:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent flavor throughout the topping.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly so the butter doesn’t melt. Small pieces of butter create pockets of air that result in a wonderfully crumbly topping.
3. Once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, cover the bowl and refrigerate it while you prepare the apple filling. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents the topping from becoming too soft.

Preparing the Apple Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness to the filling. The flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples during baking.
2. Pour the apple filling into a 9-inch baking dish. You can use a pie plate, a square baking dish, or even a cast-iron skillet. Just make sure it’s oven-safe!
3. Remove the apple crisp topping from the refrigerator and sprinkle it evenly over the apple filling. Try to distribute the topping so that it covers the entire surface of the apples.

Baking the Apple Crisp:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
2. Bake the apple crisp for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent the topping from burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
3. Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to thicken a bit and prevents you from burning your tongue!

Making the Cold Brew Concentrate:

1. In a large jar or container, combine the coarsely ground coffee beans and cold, filtered water. Make sure all the coffee grounds are submerged in the water.
2. Stir gently to ensure the coffee grounds are evenly saturated.
3. Cover the jar or container and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The longer it steeps, the stronger the cold brew will be. I usually steep mine for 18 hours.
4. After steeping, strain the coffee concentrate through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. This removes the coffee grounds and creates a smooth, concentrated cold brew.
5. Store the cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Preparing the Apple Cinnamon Syrup (Optional):

1. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, chopped apple, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly and the apple is soft.
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the apple pieces and cinnamon sticks.
6. Store the apple cinnamon syrup in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Assembling the Apple Crisp Cold Brew:

1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in about 1/4 cup of cold brew concentrate. Adjust the amount to your preference, depending on how strong you like your coffee.
3. Add about 1/2 cup of milk of your choice. Again, adjust the amount to your preference.
4. If using, drizzle with apple cinnamon syrup to your liking. Start with a tablespoon and add more to taste.
5. Top with a spoonful of the baked apple crisp. The warm, sweet, and crumbly topping is what makes this drink so special!
6. Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
7. Garnish with a slice of fresh apple, if desired.
8. Stir well and enjoy your Apple Crisp Cold Brew!

Tips and Variations:

• Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples for the filling. Granny Smith apples add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the topping. A combination of different apple varieties can also create a more complex flavor.
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple crisp topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling for a warmer, more festive flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Sweetener Alternatives: You can substitute the granulated sugar in the apple filling with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Make Ahead: The apple crisp topping and apple filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving. The cold brew concentrate can also be made several days in advance.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Apple Crisp Cold Brew with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the apple filling before baking and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the apples.
• Coffee Strength: Adjust the amount of cold brew concentrate to your preference. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, use more concentrate. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less.
• Milk Alternatives: Experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk, to find your favorite combination.

Conclusion:

This Apple Crisp Cold Brew isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience, a cozy hug in a glass that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of apple crisp and the invigorating kick of cold brew. It’s incredibly easy to make, surprisingly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. What makes this recipe so special? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The smooth, rich cold brew provides the perfect canvas for the sweet and spiced apple syrup, while the creamy oat milk (or your milk of choice!) adds a luxurious touch. The crunchy apple crisp topping elevates the entire drink, transforming it from a simple beverage into a decadent treat. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to curl up with a good book and savor every single sip. But the best part? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist. Want to make it even more indulgent? Drizzle some caramel sauce over the whipped cream. For a vegan option, ensure your whipped cream and caramel sauce are plant-based. You could even experiment with different types of apples in the syrup – Honeycrisp for extra sweetness, Granny Smith for a tart kick, or a blend of both for the perfect balance. Serving suggestions are endless! Enjoy it as a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up, a delightful dessert drink after dinner, or even as a special treat for brunch. Pair it with a slice of homemade apple pie, a warm cinnamon roll, or a plate of freshly baked cookies for the ultimate autumnal indulgence. You can also serve it at your next fall gathering – it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Consider setting up a DIY Apple Crisp Cold Brew bar with various toppings and mix-ins, allowing your guests to create their own personalized concoctions. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple yet sophisticated drink that’s perfect for any occasion. The aroma alone, as the apple syrup simmers on the stove, is enough to transport you to a cozy autumn orchard. And the taste? Pure bliss. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to create your own batch of this incredible Apple Crisp Cold Brew. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’m incredibly excited to hear about your experience with this recipe! Did you try any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Did you serve it at a party? Please share your thoughts, photos, and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Let’s spread the joy of this amazing Apple Crisp Cold Brew together! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends and family. Happy brewing! Print