This Caramel Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that mixes sweet apples with a crunchy topping. The joy of caramel adds a delicious twist to every bite!
I love serving this crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It melts just right, turning the whole dish into a sweet, gooey treat. So tasty, you’ll be coming back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, I love using Granny Smith for their tartness and Honeycrisp for their sweetness. If you want to mix it up, try using a combination or substitute with Fuji or Gala apples instead.
Lemon Juice: This helps prevent the apples from browning and enhances their flavor. If you’re out of lemons, you can use a little vinegar or even apple cider instead.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: These add sweetness and depth to the dish. If you’re cutting back on sugar, use less or switch to a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but remember to adjust for liquid!
Butter: Cold butter is key for that crumbly topping. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
How Do I Get a Crunchy Topping?
The topping is what makes this dessert special, so focus on achieving that perfect crunch. It’s all about blending the butter with the dry ingredients just right.
- Start with cold butter and cut it into small cubes. This helps it stay separate in the topping.
- Mix the dry ingredients until they’re just combined, then add the butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create pea-sized crumbs.
- Avoid over-mixing! You want clumps for crunch.
Baking until golden and letting it cool a bit before serving helps maintain the crisp texture. Enjoy your baking!
Caramel Apple Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Apple Filling:
- 6 cups apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For The Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-50 minutes to bake. With a little time spent waiting for it to cool, your Caramel Apple Crisp will be ready to serve in about an hour and a half total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or any similar oven-safe dish you have on hand. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Prepare Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Make sure all the apples are coated well. Once mixed, spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the oats, 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to this mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until everything looks like coarse crumbs. This will create that delicious, crunchy topping!
4. Assemble:
Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish. For a sweet touch, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the topping.
5. Bake:
Put the baking dish on a baking sheet for easy handling in the oven, and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly!
6. Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your Caramel Apple Crisp cool slightly before serving. Dish it up warm, add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that special touch!
Enjoy the warm, crunchy apple crisp with the smooth richness of caramel and ice cream for a perfect dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any apples you like, but a mix of tart and sweet varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best for a balanced flavor. Other options include Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or use the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this Caramel Apple Crisp gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just check the labels to be sure!
What Can I Substitute for the Butter in the Topping?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Just make sure to use it in the same cold, cubed state for the best texture!
