This Caramel Apple Crisp is a sweet delight, with warm baked apples and a crunchy topping that brings comfort to any dessert table. It’s drizzled with gooey caramel for extra yumminess!
Every bite reminds me of fall and cozy nights. I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream—it melts right in and makes everything even better! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work great! They hold their shape well. If you like sweeter flavors, try Fuji or Gala apples instead. Don’t be afraid to mix different kinds for a unique taste!
Sugars: Granulated sugar sweetens the apples, while brown sugar adds a rich flavor. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Lemon Juice: This prevents apples from browning and adds a bit of brightness. If you’re out of lemon, a splash of apple cider vinegar can do the trick.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a nice texture. You can replace them with quick oats but expect a softer topping. Gluten-free oats also work if needed.
Nuts: I love adding pecans or walnuts for crunch! If allergies are a concern, feel free to skip them or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is just as important as the filling, and achieving that nice crumble requires attention! Here are some key tips:
- Keep your butter cold. It creates those flaky bits when baked. Cut it into small cubes before adding to the oat mixture.
- Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Too much mixing can lead to a doughy topping.
- Bake long enough! Look for a golden brown color on top and bubbly apples underneath.
Let it cool slightly for the flavors to meld before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with ice cream on top!
Delicious Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Caramel Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour to have this delightful dessert ready for serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins for easy serving later.
2. Mix the Apple Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add your sliced apples, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together well to make sure the apple slices are nicely coated.
3. Layer the Apples:
Transfer the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the apples out evenly so they cook evenly while baking.
4. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In a different bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and the chopped nuts if you choose to use them. This will create that crunchy topping we love!
5. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to your oat mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the topping looks like coarse crumbs. This is what gives the crisp its delightful texture.
6. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Now it’s time to bake! Place it in the oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender.
7. Let Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your Caramel Apple Crisp from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra touch of sweetness!
Enjoy every warm, crunchy bite of this delightful dessert; it’s the perfect way to wrap up any meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can also experiment with Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Mixing types can enhance the overall taste!
What Can I Substitute for the Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead, but for a similar flavor, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. This will give you a homemade brown sugar substitute.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, then serve with more caramel and ice cream if desired!
