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The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Best Apple Crisp Recipe
I love cozy desserts, and nothing feels more comforting than a warm apple crisp.
This recipe combines tender Honeycrisp apples with a crunchy, buttery oat topping.
I enjoy serving it straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or special occasions.
Making this dessert is simple, but it looks and tastes impressive.
Once you try it, apple crisp will become your favorite go-to dessert anytime.
Here’s a quick snapshot of this recipe before we dive in:
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 per serving |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Gluten-Free | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Servings | 8 |
| Cuisine | American |
| Course | Dessert |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple crisp is perfectly balanced between sweet, tart, and buttery flavors, making every bite irresistible. I love that the topping is crisp yet tender, giving the dessert a wonderful texture contrast.
The caramelized apples are soft, juicy, and spiced just right with cinnamon and cardamom, adding depth to the flavor. I also enjoy that it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
You can bake it in a cast-iron skillet or a baking dish, which makes serving straight from the oven easy and charming. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, turning a simple dessert into a showstopper.
It’s a versatile recipe that works for casual family dinners or holiday gatherings, so I can make it feel special every time. The aromas that fill your kitchen while baking are comforting and inviting, making it a perfect dish for fall or winter evenings.
Ingredients to Make Best Apple Crisp
Making this apple crisp starts with fresh, crisp Honeycrisp apples, which provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. I love that these apples hold their shape while baking, giving the filling a satisfying texture.
Apple Filling
- Honeycrisp apples, 3 lbs – peeled, cored, and thinly sliced; they give a juicy and flavorful base.
- Lemon juice, 2½ tsp – brightens the flavor and prevents the apples from browning.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp – adds warmth and a comforting spice.
- Ground cardamom, pinch – gives a subtle aromatic note.
- Cornstarch, 2½ tsp – thickens the fruit juices to create a luscious filling.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp – adds richness and enhances caramelization.
Caramel Sauce
- Sugar, ¾ cup – forms the base of the caramel with deep sweetness.
- Water, 3 tbsp – helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
- Heavy cream, 3 tbsp – makes the caramel smooth and creamy.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tbsp – enriches the sauce with a silky texture.
- Kosher salt, ¼ tsp – balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Vanilla extract, 2 tsp – adds a fragrant, warm finish to the sauce.
Oat Topping
- Old-fashioned rolled oats, 1½ cups – provide a crunchy and hearty topping.
- All-purpose flour, ⅓ cup – binds the oats and adds structure.
- Sugar, ¼ cup & Brown sugar, ¼ cup – sweeten the topping and help it caramelize.
- Kosher salt, ¾ tsp – enhances all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, ½ tsp – gives the topping a warm spice.
- Unsalted butter, 8 tbsp – cubed and mixed in for a buttery, crumbly texture.
Steps to Make Best Apple Crisp
Making this apple crisp is straightforward, but each step adds layers of flavor that make it unforgettable. I’ll guide you through each part so your dessert turns out perfectly golden and delicious.
Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce
Begin by combining sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Watch it carefully and cook until it turns a rich amber color, then remove from heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream, butter, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Oat Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
Heat butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, cinnamon, cardamom, and lemon juice, stirring to coat the fruit evenly, then cook until slightly softened.
Step 4: Add Caramel and Thicken
Pour the caramel sauce over the apples and stir gently. Mix cornstarch with a little water, add to the skillet, and cook for a couple more minutes to thicken the filling.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the apple mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. I love pairing it with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
This apple crisp is best served warm straight from the oven.
Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
You can also drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added sweetness.
It pairs well with whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
For a cozy twist, serve it with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
It makes a perfect dessert for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Best Apple Crisp in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Mix the caramel sauce with apples, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
You can also make the oat topping in advance and keep it in an airtight container.
When ready to bake, sprinkle the topping over the apples and bake as usual.
Leftover baked crisp can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat portions in the oven or microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Tips and Tricks
Use Honeycrisp apples for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Peeling and slicing the apples evenly ensures even cooking.
Don’t rush the caramel sauce; let it reach a deep amber color for rich flavor.
Cut the butter into small pieces when making the oat topping for a crumbly texture.
Stir the apple filling gently to avoid breaking slices, keeping them intact.
Serve immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture.
Variations of Best Apple Crisp
You can try different apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for a new flavor.
Mixing apples gives a balance of sweetness and tartness in each bite.
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the oat topping.
This adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the apples.
For extra richness, stir in dried cranberries or raisins into the apple filling.
They add a chewy texture and natural sweetness that pairs well with spices.
You can also make it gluten-free by using almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream in the caramel.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover apple crisp in an airtight container in the fridge.
It stays fresh for up to 3 days without losing flavor.
If you want to freeze it, wrap the baked crisp tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months while retaining taste and texture.
Refrigerate any pre-baked topping separately to keep it crunchy before adding to reheated apples.
Avoid storing the crisp at room temperature for long periods to prevent sogginess.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Fuji, or a mix of apples.
Just choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour.
The crisp topping will still be buttery and crunchy.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cream for the caramel.
The flavor will still be rich and the topping crumbly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can mix the apple filling and caramel a day in advance.
Store in the fridge and bake with the oat topping when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave for a freshly baked taste.
Conclusion
This Best Apple Crisp recipe is easy, comforting, and full of flavor.
The combination of caramelized apples and a crunchy oat topping makes it irresistible.
It’s perfect for fall, family dinners, or special occasions, and can be served with ice cream.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
It can be prepped ahead, stored, and reheated without losing its delicious taste.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this warm, cozy apple crisp with your loved ones.
