Delicious Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake to Warm Your Heart

There’s something truly comforting about a Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake that fills your kitchen with warmth and good vibes. I remember the first time I whipped up this dish—it was a chilly December evening, and I wanted a dessert that felt cozy, festive, and totally doable without spending hours or hunting down odd ingredients. This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake became my go-to for family dinners and holiday get-togethers because it’s just that reliable.

A friend introduced me to this spiced apple dessert years ago, bringing it over to a casual winter potluck. The moment I took that first warm bite, the mix of gently sweet apples with a kick of ginger and cinnamon hit the spot. It was familiar, yet special—like a seasonal hug on a plate. Since then, this warm apple bake has made countless appearances at my table, whether it’s an impromptu weeknight treat or the highlight of holiday gatherings.

I love how this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home—no elaborate trips to fancy stores needed. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that everyone raves about without me having to fuss too much. If you’re looking for a festive apple dessert that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing, I’d say you’re in exactly the right place. Let me walk you through everything so you can have your own kitchen win with this ginger apple crumble classic.

If your family loves this, they might also enjoy the Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake I shared recently—it’s another cozy fall favorite. And for a no-guilt treat, the No-Bake Red Velvet Snowball Truffles bring sweetness without added fuss. Between these, you’ll have your kitchen covered from casual weeknights to special celebrations.

Here’s a straightforward ingredient list for the Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake that’s built around easy, familiar pantry staples:

No problem if you don’t have ground cloves—leave it out or toss in a pinch of cardamom instead. For butter, you can swap half for coconut oil if you want a dairy-free twist. These ingredients are budget-friendly because apples and pantry spices like cinnamon and ginger are pretty affordable and go a long way. You’ll find all your spices right in the regular spice aisle next to the baking stuff.

If you want to save prep time, peel the apples in advance and store them in a lemon water bath to stop browning. The topping ingredients can usually be made ahead and kept covered in the fridge for up to two days.

My favorite secret for this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake is adding that extra bit of chopped nuts in the crumble—it takes the texture from nice to downright addictive.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or something similar. This size works perfectly for the Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake because it creates a nice even layer of bubbly, spiced apples and golden crumble.

2. Peel, core, and slice your apples. I like slicing about 1/4 inch thick so they cook evenly but still keep a bit of bite. Toss the apples in a large bowl with brown sugar, granulated sugar, grated ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), vanilla, flour, and a pinch of salt. Make sure every slice is coated well—that’s the magic layer that builds flavor here.

3. While the apples soak in the spice mixture, mix your crumble topping. Combine oats, flour, chopped nuts, and cold butter cubes in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. Don’t rush this step—it’s what gives that Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake a lovely crunchy top.

4. Pour the apple filling into your prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Then sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples in an even layer. This bake pulls together quickly once your ingredients are ready.

5. Bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the apple mixture is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen should smell incredible by this point—like all your favorite holiday spices rolling together. If your Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake looks a bit juicy on top, don’t worry—that’s how it should be!

6. Let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices thicken up so you don’t get a watery mess. If you’re making this in advance, warm it up in the oven for 15 minutes before serving to bring back that fresh-baked magic.

From start to finish, this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake takes me about an hour. While it’s baking, I like to clean up the kitchen or pour myself a cup of tea. If you want to save even more time, peel and slice apples the night before.

When I first made this ginger apple crumble, I learned not to overload the topping. Keeping it just right makes all the difference for that perfect texture contrast. You’ll love how it turns out every time.

This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake reminds me of the festive cranberry apple crisp from Kitchen Confidante® —also full of seasonal cheer and easy enough for weeknight treats.

This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake shines when served warm, straight from the oven, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. The contrast of hot, spiced apples and cold cream is a crowd-pleaser every time.

For a simple, cozy side, I like pairing it with a cup of hot chai or spiced cider—both complement the ginger and cinnamon notes beautifully. It’s my go-to festive apple dessert for holiday dinners or casual family nights.

If you want to make it a little extra special, sprinkle some toasted nuts over the top just before serving for added crunch and a nice presentation touch. You could also dust a little powdered sugar over the edges for a snowy finish.

Leftover Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake makes great breakfast the next morning—warm it and serve with yogurt or stir it into oatmeal for a fragrant twist.

Planning a holiday brunch? Pair this ginger apple crumble with some spiced French toast bake (check out my French Toast Bake Recipe) for a full spread of comforting flavors your guests will thank you for.

I once served this warm apple bake at a friendsgiving, and the response was unanimous: “This has to be in your regular rotation!” It’s that classic, festive apple dessert everyone remembers.

If you prefer a vegan spin on a similar idea, you might enjoy the Apple Pie on the Rocks by Vegan Yack Attack, which brings its own charm.

Absolutely! You can prep the apple filling and topping separately a day before. Keep them chilled and assemble just before baking. The day-of bake gives the best texture, but reheated leftovers are still fantastic.

Coconut oil works well as a dairy-free alternative, giving a slightly different but delicious flavor. Use the same amount, and make sure it’s chilled before mixing to get the right crumble texture.

This recipe fits a standard 9×13-inch pan. For smaller batches, halve ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. Larger groups? Double the recipe and bake in two pans or a larger dish. Keep baking time close but check for that golden topping and bubbling apples.

Definitely! Adding pears or even cranberries gives a lovely twist. Cranberries especially add a festive tang. For a similar warm bake, the Chai Spice Apple Crisp from Baker by Nature has a great spiced fruit combo worth trying.

It’s usually from too much liquid or not enough thickener. Using the flour in the filling helps soak extra juices. Also, less juicy apple varieties help keep the bake firm. Baking it uncovered lets moisture escape too.

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and use certified gluten-free oats. It works well, but expect a slightly different texture—still delicious!

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s a dependable warmth-bringer. It’s a recipe I know will impress without fuss, perfect for real life and celebrations alike.

My Best Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake Tips:

• Don’t rush the crumble topping—it makes the texture stand out
• Mix apple varieties for balance between tart and sweet
• Bake long enough so the apples soften but still hold shape

Over the years, I’ve tried a few fun variations: adding dried cranberries, swapping pecans for walnuts, and even a drizzle of caramel sauce just before serving. The version with nuts and fresh ginger is by far the most requested at my table.

I hope you’ll take this recipe and make it yours—add your favorite nuts, tweak the spice levels, or try different apple types. This Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake is all about cozy flavors and simple goodness that bring everyone to the table with smiles.

For more festive sweet ideas, you might also like the No-Bake Red Velvet Snowball Truffles or the cozy Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake.

Go ahead, give your kitchen that warm, delicious hug with this Ginger-Spiced Apple Holiday Bake. You’ve got this!