This Caramel Apple Crisp is a warm, sweet treat that features tender apples topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture. The caramel drizzle on top makes it extra special!
Who can resist the smell of baking apples and caramel? I love serving this with a scoop of ice cream on the side—it adds a creamy touch to the sweet crunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter ones like Honeycrisp. If you’re in a pinch, other apples like Fuji or Braeburn can work too.
Lemon Juice: This keeps the apples from turning brown while adding a little zing. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is fine, but fresh always tastes better!
Granulated & Brown Sugar: These sweeteners help caramelize the apples. If you want a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or use honey or maple syrup instead. For a richer flavor, dark brown sugar adds more depth!
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is ideal for a crumbly topping. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or margarine.
How Can You Achieve a Perfect Crisp Topping?
The crisp topping is all about the right texture. You want it to be crumbly yet cohesive. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use cold butter: Make sure it’s cold for that perfect crumb texture. Cut it into small pieces to mix evenly.
- Mix gently: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients. Don’t overwork it; you want some bigger chunks for the crunch!
- Even layer: Once mixed, sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples. Don’t pack it down too tightly—let it stay light and airy for a better crunch.
Following these tips will help your Caramel Apple Crisp come out perfectly every time. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful dessert!
Caramel Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4-5 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet varieties)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious Caramel Apple Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll then bake it for around 40-45 minutes, making the total time about 1 hour. Perfect for a warm dessert after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare your baking dish—lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish or use individual ramekins for personal servings.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Add in the granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Mix everything together until the apples are well-coated.
3. Arrange the Apple Filling:
Transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so that every bite has flavor.
4. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another large bowl, combine the rolled oats, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Next, add the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it all together until you get a crumbly texture, resembling coarse crumbs.
5. Top the Apples:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple filling, covering it well.
6. Bake:
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the apples to bubble up and get tender.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly (if you can wait!). Serve warm in bowls or ramekins. Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
8. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy the beautiful blend of warm, tender apples, a crunchy crisp topping, and gooey caramel—perfect for any cozy evening!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, you can mix and match with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for added flavor. Just make sure to balance sweet and tart apples for the best taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions on low until heated through.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and topping separately ahead of time. Just keep them covered and refrigerated. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them and pop it in the oven! It may need an extra few minutes to bake if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Butter in the Topping?
You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option. Make sure the substitution is cold (just like butter) for the best crumbly texture in the topping!
